Intriguing Game: NFL, Week 18
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Cowboys: They’ve won the NFC East, something we all knew. They were dominant in division play and I always say that when you win games in your division, it’ll normally work out for you in the long run. After watching their offense put it together against the Washington Football Team, I was curious to see how they would be against a better defense in the Arizona Cardinals. Here’s a fact. Most football teams have an identity offensively or they have a select amount of plays they can lean on when things aren’t clicking. The Cowboys don’t necessarily have an offensive identity and it shows. When I watch them, I notice a team that goes with what’s working that particular day. However, they are at their best with the right amount of balance on display. They are still inconsistent when it comes to running the football. I think this would solve most of their problems and make life much easier for them. On Sunday, the offense took a major hit after they lost Michael Gallup to a torn ACL. I always say offenses have those receivers that can go over the middle and make those tough catches. That’s exactly what Michael does for them. On Saturday night, they will close out their regular season in South Philadelphia.
Eagles: This is one of the big surprises in the NFL. I’ll admit to you I thought this was a team heading for a rebuild. Not much of the Super Bowl-winning team is there from 2017 and just this past off-season, you decided to trade Carson Wentz. Also, there’s a new starting quarterback and rookie head coach. That just screams down year at you, correct? If I needed a word to describe the NFL this season, it’d be unpredictable because so much has happened. The Eagles have done it with a strong running game and a stingy defense. They have been one of the hotter teams in the NFC as winners of their last four games. Everybody has questioned if Jalen Hurts can be the guy in Philadelphia moving forward. My thing is people want to see others succeed so quickly but tend to forget there’s a process in everything. Jalen is a young quarterback and is still learning the ins and outs of being a starter in this league. Right now, the Eagles are locked into the seventh seed in the NFC playoff picture. I’m not saying they’ll win the Super Bowl, but defense travels. Still, Jalen will need to make a play or two with his arm. They host a bitter rival on Saturday night.
Cowboys X-Factor: Cedrick Wilson– With Gallup done for the remainder of the year, this is who will become the number three receiver for the Cowboys. Cedrick is a playmaker that can do so much when given the opportunity. He’s primarily used in the slot and is targeted on third down and short-yardage situations. Even if the team doesn’t bring Gallup back next year, they won’t be losing too much because you have Wilson here.
Eagles X-Factor: Darius Slay– He’s come around this year. When you watch him, notice how he does everything himself without help over the top. Darius is on that island which is the proper football term. He does so much to make plays whether it’s traveling with the receiver step for step, tipping the ball down because interceptions won’t always come to you and he tackles in the open field.
Final Thoughts: I always like it when these two face each other because there’s always something on the line. Or, it’s just simply bragging rights. The Cowboys have won the division this year and the Eagles are locked into a playoff spot. I’m not sure how much Dallas will play their offensive starters. Depending on how much they play, I need to see them get into a rhythm because this on and off production isn’t helping their cause. Showing balance is essential. The Eagles had to climb back into the game last weekend against Washington. This is a much better defense they will be facing on Saturday night. I’d use a quick passing attack if I’m Philly. The Cowboys can be vulnerable on defense at times.
Prediction: Cowboys 21, Eagles 17
