Special Preview- Week 14
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
Eagles: Two big wins in a row over divisional opponents has the defending champions back in the thick of the NFC playoff race. It amazes me the difference a year can truly make because they were on top of the conference in 2017 around this time. A year later, here they are trying to insert themselves back into the playoff picture. It’s been a different year for the Eagles. They lost their offensive coordinator and quarterbacks’ coach and people are beginning to realize just how important those two are to a football team. When I watch their offense now, they’re beginning to gel when it matters most. You’re seeing them try to run the football more than they were at the beginning of the season, Wentz has still been on top of his game and the ability for them to still make plays down the field is still there. Their last two games were the best I’ve seen their defense look all season. They’re getting the takeaways, getting to the quarterback and making stops on third down to get off the field. With four games left, they have a tough stretch to January. They’ll battle Dallas on Sunday afternoon.
Cowboys: Now, this is their division, and everyone is looking up to them. I’m serious, they’re in first place and have won four games in a row. Last Thursday night against the New Orleans Saints, that was their best win of the season. They did what ten other teams couldn’t do and that’s hand the Saints a loss to snap their winning streak. Their defense has really carried them throughout the year and they didn’t disappoint last week by holding the Saints to ten points and they put a consistent amount of pressure on Drew Brees all game long. The Cowboys are at their best when they stick to the game plan on offense by running Zeke and when you feed your best playmaker, you see the results. Just because of Amari Cooper’s presence, the passing game is 100 times better than what it was at the beginning of the year and he had his best game as a Cowboy on thanksgiving when he scored two touchdowns on 180 yards receiving. The Cowboys always seem to click in the month of November it seems that’s when they decide to put it all together. They’ll look to win their fifth in a row on Sunday when the Eagles come to town.
Eagles Player To Watch: Golden Tate: He was acquired by the Eagles to play in big games like this and he has the experience. This could be the game where he breaks out and has his moment as an Eagle.
Cowboys Player To Watch: Taco Charlton– The guy who wore the yellow and blue for the Michigan Wolverines. When you face the Eagles and Carson Wentz, you have to be able to get a rush on him and force his throws early. He’s a solid edge rusher, he can stop the run and wants to make a play on the football.
Final Analysis: There’s nothing like the NFC East and this match up. When they met in November, the Cowboys went into Lincoln Financial Field and upset the Eagles to get this winning streak started. This battle is for first place in the division. Whenever you face the Eagles these days, it starts with keeping Carson Wentz in the pocket. Just as they did against the Saints last week, they must apply the pressure often and throw off his timing. The Cowboys also need to try and limit Zach Ertz’s opportunities in the red zone. The Eagles game plan is simple: try and slow down Zeke and the pass defense must play better as they’ve struggled all year long.
Prediction: Cowboys 24 Eagles 20
