3 Keys to a Philadelphia Eagles win versus Dallas Cowboys in Week 16
By Hunter Doyle
1. Doug Pederson and the Philadelphia Eagles need to commit to the run.
Just like the last time these two teams played, the Cowboys’ run defense is pathetic. That front seven has no business being on the field. The scheme change with new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has not been pretty. Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch do not look comfortable in the scheme. DeMarcus Lawrence has a different role and doesn’t get to do what he does best in this system. It’s been ugly.
Dallas is dead last in rushing yards allowed and second to last in yards per rush. Everyone has torched the defense on the ground. In Week 8, the Eagles didn’t even have Miles Sanders and still tortured Dallas. Boston Scott ran 15 times for 70 yards (4.7 yards per rush) and Corey Clement ran 5 times for 24 yards (4.8 yards per rush). Not only will Miles be on the field but now Doug Pederson also has Jalen Hurts. Expect a heavy dose of zone read, quarterback power, and quarterback draw.
Head coach Doug Pederson cannot get away from the run. He needs to stick with it as he did against the New Orleans Saints. Philly is second in the league in yards per rush but 26th in rushing attempts. Versus the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers, Pederson ran the ball almost every play on the first drive. After that, he moved away from the run though. He needs to establish the run and stick with it. That’ll set up play-action and give the Eagles a strong chance of sweeping the Cowboys.