Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys Staff Predictions
By Todd Duvall
Oct 12, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) is sacked by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry (75) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Bret Stuter, Staff Writer
The short week favors the home team. The NFL pundits favor the home team. The way the refs call the game will likely favor the home team. Even the backup quarterback versus the starting quarterback situation favor the home team.So why don’t I? I think the cowboys are a facade.That’s right, you heard me.They’ve played dog teams on the road and played very good teams at home. The Seattle game was a fluke, they caught the Seahawks in the midst of a meltdown. The outright release of wide receiver Percy Harvin was evidence of that.But these Eagles got blown out in GREEN BAY.Yeah.
A hot Aaron Rodgers can do that to just about any team.
These Eagles may not know how to win pretty, but they know how to win. If you factor out the Green Bay game, they were in every game this year, losing only in the last drive to both the Cardinals and the 49ers – both teams that defeated the Cowboys soundly.Is this a grudge game? You bet. Is this a game the Eagles could conceivably lose? You bet. But there is a special bond with this team, and you can hear it and feel it from the coach to the players.
Nov 23, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Trent Cole (58) reacts after a sack against the Tennessee Titans at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 43-24. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
They know what this game means to Philly fans. They know what it means to the season.The Giants were a pretty good team until they faced the Philadelphia Eagles. Since then they’ve plummeted. While I don’t expect the Dallas Cowboys to fold completely, a loss to these Eagles puts a serious dent in their post season hopes.The Eagles have a pretty good pass rush, and unlike Aaron Rodgers, a beat up Tony Romo is very susceptible to getting rattled early and having that carry throughout the game.
The Eagles should be able to slow done DeMarco Murray long enough to force the game into Romo’s hands, where Connor Barwin, Trent Cole, Brandon Graham, and Vinny Curry can get up front and personal with the Cowboys quarterback. I think Murray gets his 100 yards, but it will take over 25 carries to do so. I think Romo tosses a TD pass, but gets sacked more than he would like.
To win, the Eagles will need every aspect of the team showing up. Special teams, offense and defense. I think it’s time. I think the team needs to show an ability to peak now if it will have any positive momentum going into the playoffs. A win here gives a strong chance to a playoff game, and even a bye week.
This is not a week to be timid. This is not a week to be pessimistic. This week the bell sounds and I believe that the Eagles will answer.
Eagles 35, Cowboys 13
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