Intriguing Game– Week 16

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

Cowboys: Where was the effort they showed in week 15 been for most of the season? Prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams, they had been losers of three games in a row. I was beginning to question their motive. After their loss to the Chicago Bears, I said they quit on Jason Garrett. They started so quickly, then got lazy. Sunday in week 15, I saw a completely different team. They finally decided to feed Ezekiel the football. He had 24 carries with 117 yards rushing and two touchdowns. The Cowboys identity is simple. Run the football and dominate the line of scrimmage up front. Despite the all-around effort, I still have my concerns about them. I’ll just come out and say it: I don’t trust them. I have my reasons. I just never know what to expect from them. Are they coming to play, or will they lay down? When they are engaged in the game and the defense is flying around, I feel they can beat just about anybody. Another issue I have with them is the lack of leadership within this team. This isn’t a mature football team at all. They have no type of leadership on either side of the ball. They got back in the win column on Sunday. Now, let’s see what they do on Sunday in a huge division showdown. It’s South Philadelphia. the “Linc”. A showdown with the Eagles!

Eagles: After they lost to the Miami Dolphins of all teams, I pretty much threw the towel in. The following game against the New York Giants was basically a “playoff game”. They started slowly but turned it around in the second half to come back for the win. This past Sunday in Landover against the Washington Redskins, they displayed why I haven’t been able to put a finger on them. They were able to get the win on Sunday over their division rival. For the Philadelphia Eagles to be successful, two things must happen. First, they need Carson Wentz to be on his a-game. This team goes as far as he takes them. Two, they seem to be at their best when they run the football. Miles Sanders had a huge day in Maryland the other day. It seemed as if every time he was given the football, something magical happened. The running game was a big factor in the Eagles title run back in 2017. When it seemed as if things were bleak for them, here they are now sitting at .500 at 7-7. Injuries have decimated this team all year long. DeSean Jackson has been sideline with an abdominal strain, Nelson Agholor was dealing with a knee injury and just last week, Alshon Jeffery injured his foot on a non-contact injury. Coming into the season, this was supposed to be a trio of receivers to watch. The Eagles defense hasn’t been as strong as it has in previous years. My issue with them is the lack of communication in the secondary No communication, you’ll struggle. To keep the winning streak alive, they’ll host their biggest game of the year.

Cowboys Player to Watch: Robert Quinn– I followed him closely when he was a member of the Rams. This guy can still get the job done as a defensive end. He still has that speed off the edge to get himself into the backfield of the opposing offense. He brings a certain level of energy to the Cowboys defense. The entire team feeds off that. He lines up wide which makes it difficult for the guy blocking him to account for it.

Eagles Player to Watch: Tim Jernigan– He and Fletcher Cox make quite the tandem on the inside of the defensive line. He’s active up front always. Whether it’s stopping the run or rushing the passer, he’s all in. I like how he’s able to display his strength to get by blockers to get to where he wants. I see him in on stopping Zeke and trying his hardest to limit Dak Prescott.

Final Analysis: One of the best rivalries in football is back at it again. When they met a few months ago, the Cowboys  destroyed the Eagles. I was even asking did Philly get off the team bus. Here we are now with a division title on the line. I need to see the Cowboys start off quickly. Mix the offense up. Don’t be afraid to let Zeke get those touches. When he gets the ball, the offense is opened to be more potent. Balance will be a factor in this one. I need to see the Eagles keep Prescott in that pocket. Containing him to throw from the pocket will be a priority. Jim Schwartz I’m sure will throw many different looks at the quarterback. This should be a fun one to watch. (Hopefully)

Prediction: Cowboys 31 Eagles 28