5 Subplots surrounding another Philadelphia Eagles and Cowboys game

The Philadelphia Eagles’ Week 16 game versus Dallas is loaded with subplots.

How much of a buildup do you need at this point? Jalen Hurts‘ ascension to the starting quarterback job has given the entire Philadelphia Eagles organization a much-needed shot in the arm. It’s Week 16’s game. That one doubles as the 124th meeting between these two franchises.

Both teams have nine losses (and so do the New York Giants). All four teams in the NFC East still have a shot at the postseason. Who are we kidding? If you can’t get excited about this one, you need to check your pulse.

Here are five storylines that Philadelphia Eagles fans will be watching.

1. How will Jalen Hurts fare in his first start versus Dallas?

He’s shown up wearing Astros gear at an Eagles press conference. One might wonder how much attention a Houston product like Jalen Hurts paid to Dallas and the Houston Texans when he was growing up.

Well, Hurts’ allegiance is clearly to the midnight green now, but this is his first start versus the most polarizing team in his home state. How will he fare? The man he replaced, Carson Wentz, was .500 with a 4-4 record.

2. Can Matt Pryor block anybody?

Matt Pryor was abused by every pass rusher the Birds had at training camp. Then he had the false start penalty versus the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3 that robbed Jake Elliott of a chance to kick the game-winning field goal. That’s okay though. Jake probably would have missed it anyway.

In Week 15, he did his matador impression versus the Arizona Cardinals’ pass rush, and now, in Week 16, he draws the Demarcus Lawrence assignment. Playing his best game of the season won’t be enough. He’ll need to be better than that.

3. Will Darius Slay play and how effective will he be?

Darius Slay missed Week 15’s game with a concussion. He was a full participant at practice on the Friday leading up to Week 16’s game. Will he play?

He hasn’t looked like his usual self as of late, but he’s had some success versus Amari Cooper. Keep your fingers crossed if you’re a Birds fan.

4. Can the Eagles defense limit all of those Cowboys weapons?

Speaking of the Cowboys’ offense, there’s always been a debate about how good or how bad Dak Prescott is (or isn’t). Here’s something that we all can agree on. Andy Dalton is a dropoff, and Ezekiel Elliott broke down pretty quickly after getting that massive extension.

Dallas has enough talent on the offensive side of the ball to give Philly’s defense a few fits though.

5. What’s going on in that other game?

Every Birds fan will have one eye on the Eagles game and the other on you know who. It’s been said one hundred times. It needs to be said again. The Washington Football Team must lose to the Carolina Panthers for Philly to have a chance at a postseason berth.