Chauncey Golston and a half-dozen Cowboys the Eagles offense must be wary of

Maybe you haven't figured it out from the vitriol and the trash-talk seen on social media. No one cares if the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are headed in opposite directions. Birds fans always hope their team wins, but this is just one of those games that seem to matter more.

We still despise the Dallas Cowboys. Look no further than the mud we slung all week. Somewhere, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are proud. We just know they are.

The Birds and Boys renew acquaintances this Sunday for the first of their annual pair of clashes, AT&T Stadium a.k.a. 'Jerry World' provides the backdrop.

DeMarcus Lawrence always seems to have something to say before these matchups (even though he's normally been handled by Lane Johnson when they line up across from each other), but he's on the Cowboys' injured reserve. So are eight other players from their roster.

Add rookie Marshawn Kneeland's name to that list. He has played 112 defensive snaps this season and another 28 on special teams. As far as the guys on the active roster are concerned, DaRond Bland is hurt. Trevon Diggs, Linval Joseph, Nick Vigil, Erick Kendricks, and Micah Parsons are too. They have all been on the injury report all week.

Some of those guys may play. Some may not, but what team isn't juggling injuries? Here's what we know, regardless of what's been seen from a struggling Dallas team this season. The records won't matter when it's time for these rtivals to lace the cleats up on Sunday.

The Cowboys defense hasn't been stingy, but the Eagles have a lot to think about on offense.

The Dallas Cowboys' defense has only been able to hold the opposition to fewer than 20 points in three of their eight games this season. They haven't done so since Week 5 though, and the three offenses they stopped belong to the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers (before Russell Wilson took over as the starter).

Philly will have their opportunities to score points. They just can't miss out on those chances or leave points on the field because they have outsmarted themselves with questionable decision-making.

The jinx has been discussed. Philly hasn't beaten the Cowboys in Arlington since 2017. They'll have a good opportunity to do so this week, but don't expect Dallas to lay down, especially when their defense takes the field.

Here are a handful of guys to watch.

Chauncey Golston, EDGE

It's Chauncey Gholston's show with DeMarcus Lawrence sidelined, and he has done relatively well with his opportunity. His pair of sacks double as the team's second highest total. He gets his shot t Lane Johnson this week.

Linval Joseph, defensive tackle

Mazi Smith earned First-team All-Big Ten honors in 2022 before being taken 26th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. He's been anything but a statistical monster, failing to crack the Cowboys' stat sheet in Weeks 1-2 and Week 9.

For that reason, we shift our attention to a familiar face, Linval Joseph. He's 36 years old now but has racked on 11 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble on 156 snaps while playing roughly 30% of Dallas's defensive snaps in a scheme where he's mostly asked to eat up space.

DeMarvion Overshown, linebacker

Eric Kendricks didn't participate in Cowboys practice on Wednesday but is expected to play on Sunday. DeMarvion Overshown is healthy, or as healthy as one can be at this juncture of the season.

They have combined for 126 total tackles, four sacks, four pass breakups, and an interception. Overshown, a third-round choice in 2023, has a forced fumble on his resume and five tackles for loss.

Caelen Carson & Jourdan Lewis, cornerbacks

DaRon Bland is banged up, and that has opened the door for Caelen Carson to see more playing time. Jourdan Lewis is the starting nickel back. They, along with Trevon Diggs, will see a healthy dose of A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson. We give the advantage to the Birds in that matchup.

Donovan Wilson, safety

Donovan Wilson is a do-it-all safety for Dallas. Keep an eye on him. So far, he has notched 43 tackles, a sack, three TFLs, two pass breakups, and an interception.

Carl Lawson, EDGE

Across from Chauncey Golston to bookend the Cowboys' defensive front is Carl Lawson. He's seen his snaps increase since injuries have forced him into the lineup. He's seen 156 defensive snaps and another 27 on special teams through six games with three starts this season. That equates to 41% and 17% of the overall totals respectively.

He has nine tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble to show for his efforts. He figures to spend his time lined up vs. Fred Johnson on Sunday. Keep and eye on the left side of the Eagles' offensive line.