6 Eagles who must step up versus Cowboys on Sunday Night Football
54. . . . Shane Steichen, OC. . player
Shane Steichen won’t be on the field for a single snap, but the Eagles’ O.C. might decide this one.
They used to say that Dean Smith was the only coach that could limit Michael Jordan as a scorer. A football comparison would be as follows. Shane Steichen‘s play calling is the only thing that can stop the Eagles’ rushing attack. He just gets in these modes where he doesn’t want to do it.
Last week, the Eagles employed a heavy dose of the running game late, because they had to. Guess what? It worked. It would be wise to be more balanced on Sunday.
Shane Steichen isn’t the only Eagle that needs to step up, but in all actuality, how his offense performs versus Dan Quinn’s defense might be the single biggest factor in whether the Eagles win or lose.
54. . . . A.J. Brown, wide recever. 11. player
A.J. Brown caught three passes during the Eagles’ first drive in Week 5. He didn’t get any touches after that. Don’t give us any excuses about reads or secondary options. The Eagles designed screens for DeVonta Smith (and almost got him killed in the process). They can do the same for A.J.
Games like this one are why he was added. Philadelphia needs to get their best players the ball, and they need to get Brown more than three touches in Week 6. Doing so will lead to more success on offense
player. 54. . . . Whoever plays left tackle.
Jordan Mailata is still dealing with a shoulder issue, but he’s practicing. The Eagles opened a 21-day practice window for Andre Dillard on October 3rd. He wasn’t listed on October 12th’s injury report, but he also hasn’t been elevated back to the 53-man roster yet.
The Birds also have Jack Driscoll ready to go if there’s an emergency and Jarrid Williams and Roderick Johnson on their practice squad. No one knows who will start at left tackle at this juncture, but Philadelphia isn’t required to make a decision right now either.
Here’s what we do know. Whoever gets the nod is expected to protect Jalen Hurts’ blind side, and they’re going to have a tough time with the Cowboys’ pass, particularly Micah Parsons if Dallas lines him up on the right side of the defensive formation.