Eagles vs. Cowboys: 5 from the Other Side

Nov 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs with the ball for a third quarter touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in another prime time matchup this week. NFC East division rival Dallas Cowboys are headed to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles this Sunday night. Both teams are 9-4 and Philly currently leads the Division. This week I reached out to Steven Mullenax, Editor at The Landry Hat, to ask him a few questions about this weeks match up.

Check out the question and answers below and be sure the root on our Birds on Sunday night!

1.) In the first meeting between these teams this year, the Eagles did a good job of limiting DeMarco Murray. Do you think that happens again or does Murray have the last laugh?

SM: Just based upon the numbers, you’d have to expect running back DeMarco Murray to have a better game in their second meeting. On Thanksgiving, Murray recorded his lowest rushing total of the season with only 73 yards. Through 13 games this year, DeMarco has averaged 123.5 rushing yards per game.

So, based on the stats, you’d have to think he would exceed his poor Thanksgiving day performance. The better question maybe can this Cowboys’ offensive line have more success against the Eagles’ defensive line the second time around?

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2.) The Cowboys have multiple offensive weapons and keeping them in check is no small task. Which player on the Cowboys offense has the best game this week?

SM: My guess would be wide receiver Dez Bryant. In their last meeting, the Cowboys did not test the Eagles’ defensive secondary enough, sticking with the formula of running the ball. I believe Dallas will be more committed to their passing game on Sunday night and take more chances deep down the field. I expect Bryant to be the one who most benefits from those extra attempts. Look for the Cowboys to throw several underneath routes to him as well, trying to take advantage of his unique ability to make big plays after the catch.

3.) Which player on the Eagles offense worries you the most? What can Dallas do to stop that player?

SM: I think the Cowboys’ underestimated running back LeSean McCoy in the their last meeting. And who could blame them after the horrendous start McCoy had to this season? I’d expect Dallas to have an updated defensive gameplan heading into the primetime matchup, with a focus on limiting the dynamic running back as much as possible.

4.) This game has major playoff implications. What are you keys to success for the Cowboys to win this game.

SM: I think it’s going to be about turnovers and third down conversions. The Cowboys need to win the turnover battle and capitalize on them when they happen. Dallas needs to find a way to pressure quarterback Mark Sanchez into making those mistakes, in which he is infamous for. Then the Cowboys’ defense needs to prevent as many third down conversions by this Philadelphia Eagles as possible. And on the other side of the ball, Dallas’ offense needs to be more efficient in converting their own third downs and keeping their suspect defensive group off the field.

5.) The Cowboys are undefeated on the road and the Eagles are playing great football at home this season, something has to give. Which side wins this week and why?

SM: I think I’m in the minority here, but I predict the Cowboys will continue their undefeated streak on the road and find a way to defeat the Eagles at home on Sunday. I think Dallas’ play before and after the holiday loss to Philly have proven just how badly they misrepresented themselves in that game. I don’t expect a repeat of the all-out collapse the Cowboys experienced two weeks ago. And you can never underestimate the revenge factor, especially in this heated division.

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