Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys Staff Predictions
By Todd Duvall
Dec 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) can not make a catch against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Brandon Boykin (22) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. The Eagles beat the Cowboys 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jonathan Page, Staff Writer
Losing this game would hurt a lot but I’m just not sure the Eagles are a good enough team with Mark Sanchez at quarterback to beat the Cowboys on their field. The Eagles should have success stopping the Cowboys ground game but Dez Byrant is a beast and I don’t think the Eagles will be able to cover him. The Eagles secondary is awful when the opposing quarterback has time in the pocket, the Eagles pass rush will need to get pressure quickly against a good Cowboys offensive line.
The Cowboys will take away the easy throws and checkdowns and try to force Sanchez to beat them deep, he has yet to shown he can do this. The Eagles offense will need to play extremely well to win this game, 30+ points is probably needed to win this one.
Cowboys 27, Eagles 24
JJ Cardinale, Staff Writer
The Philadelphia Eagles come into this game with momentum following a win over the Tennessee Titans. However, the Dallas Cowboys need this win more. Both teams sit at an 8-3 overall record, with the Cowboys finishing 8-8 the last three seasons. Expect the ‘Boys to come in hungry for the win and the NFC East lead. Since these teams meet again two weeks later, the Eagles will return the favor, and should come away with the late season win and a better division record – the critical tie-breaker for the division title.
Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez should have some success moving the ball against the Cowboys secondary. I expect to see head coach Chip Kelly establish the running game early. Conversely, Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett will probably do the same behind running back DeMarco Murray.
That should help take some pressure off quarterback Tony Romo in the passing game. Both teams have explosive offenses, so this could easily open up into a scoring fest. However, I think the defenses clamp down and make this a classic NFC East grudge match.
Cowboys 24, Eagles 21
Next: Dave Searles prediction