Philadelphia Eagles: 3 Keys to victory versus Dallas Cowboys

3. The Philadelphia Eagles need to establish the run game first.

Sirianni has implemented a much more balanced attack over these two weeks. The Eagles are sitting at 49.2% run plays and 50.8% passing plays according to The Football Database.

That ratio is probably a little closer to 55-45 if you consider the designed passing plays in which Hurts scrambled. That being said, it’s a nice change from the pass-heavy offense that sat at a 60-40 ratio last year.

Last week, the Eagles stuck with the run even when they went down by a couple of scores. Unfortunately, the Niners were able to author a few methodical drives including one 16-play, nine-minute drive that put them up 14-3.

Winning the time of possession battle can be the difference. Eagles fans saw that when Doug Pederson was at his peak. It isn’t the top priority but one or two long methodical drives can give your defense rest and keep the opposing offense out of a rhythm.

Dallas’ offense didn’t explode last week like they usually do but it’s no secret that they can strike at a moment’s notice. The Eagles’ defense looks much improved and Jonathan Gannon should have those guys ready for war but it wouldn’t hurt to give them some rest. It looked like they were a bit fatigued by the fourth quarter last week.

Time of possession starts with establishing the run. Dallas’ run defense has allowed the third-most yards per carry thus far. Jalen Hurts’ legs help in the zone-read game as long as the Eagles don’t isolate Micah Parsons as the free defensive end.

Miles Sanders has performed well thus far and Kenny Gainwell has been impressive for a rookie. The goal should be to feed them in both the run game and receiving game.

The screen game can be used as an extension of the run game with those two as well as Jalen Reagor, Quez Watkins, Dallas Goedert, and others. Sirianni needs to attack on the ground and then make Dallas pay through the air if they load the box and become overaggressive.