And, just like that, it's Dallas Cowboys Week. The Philadelphia Eagles, winners of four straight, are scheduled to fly south to a location that has troubled them. Beautiful AT&T Stadium... Philly hasn't won there in six previous attempts. The slump dates back to 2017, but this year's Birds are no strangers to ended jinxes.
Their win in Cincinnati was this franchise's first as an organization. One week later, they finally scored first-quarter points. They hadn't done that since Julio Jones hauled in a TD reception during Week 17 last season.
These bitter rivals have met 130 times. Dallas owns a 74-56 advantage. None of those games will have any bearing on this one's outcome. Neither will pervious stats, but let's look into some numbers anyway.
The numbers suggest there are chinks in the Cowboys' armor and a few areas where Philly can attack.
Dallas is winners of five of the last seven games in this all-time series, but the Eagles and Cowboys have alternated wins during the previous five meetings.
The good news is these teams are headed in different directions. The so-called 'America's Team' is reeling.
The Cowboys' defense ranks 29th in opposing QB passer rating and allowed Kirk Cousins a rating of 144.8 in Week 9.
It's never good to rank in the bottom eighth of anything, but Birds fans will be pleased to see this one. Dallas hasn't stopped any opposing QB on their schedule. They rank 29th in opposing QB rating this season. Meanwhile, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is gaining more confidence.
Kirk Cousins threw three TDs in Week 9. If Jalen Hurts continues to take care of the football, he'll be able to post impressive numbers vs. the Cowboys as well.
The Dallas Cowboys rush defense allows 4.6 yards per carry. The Eagles average 174.8 yards rushing per game
Dallas hasn't stopped anyone through the air. Things haven't gotten much better when the opposing QB hands the ball off. The Cowboys allow 4.6 yards per carry.
If you're interested, that ties Dallas at 18th in that category heading into Week 10. Philly's 174.8 YPG rushing ranks second only to the Baltimore Ravens.
The message is clear here. 'Run the damn ball' as Mike McCarthy once told Kellen Moore. There's a chance that McCarthy's advice may come back to bite him.
Dallas's defense ranks 31st in points allowed and 32nd when opposing offenses enter the red zone.
Dallas allows 28.1 per game, and that is the second-highest total league-wide. Philly's red zone offense ranks 15th league-wide. They score TDs 56.7% of the time.
The Birds must take advantage of the red zone opportunities. By the looks of things, they will be afforded a few. Dallas hasn't stopped anyone from doing anything.
The Cowboys' offensive line has allowed 21 sacks this season.
Dak Prescott has been sacked 21 times this season. Dallas is tied for 18th among 32 teams in that category.
Only ten teams have earned more sacks than Philly's rush. The Birds have notched 22 sacks on the season and have harassed the opposing QB constantly now that they're starting to get into a rhythm.
Cooper Rush played 30 snaps last week in relief of Dak and didn't get sacked during 25 pass attempts, but Philly may have some opportunities to bring him down in Week 10. Tyler Guyton hasn't been good this season and is regressing.
Worth noting: The Cowboys are winless at home this season.
Normally, we wouldn't support the idea of kicking someone when down, but all of that goes out of the window with Dallas. They're awful, and we've enjoyed every minute of this unraveling.
The Cowboys have yet to win at home and have registered losses to the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, and Detroit Lions. Philly could deliver the knockout punch and, in essence, end their season. You won't hear a peep out of us if that were to happen.