Writer: Kevin Durso
Weekly Report Card: Offensive stars shine in Dallas
It's been said before this season, but a win is a win is a win.
This was a very different win for the Eagles. The grades are far from perfect. But for a change, this time, it's the offense that gets the gold stars and the defense that gets the check marks.
Here is this week's report card.
Pass Offense: It was Sam Bradford's best game so far this season. He showed his leadership and his ability to stay tough in the pocket. The only passing score of the game for the Eagles was the last one, but it was a huge play for Jordan Matthews. Probably the best thing about this game was Bradford's improvement and consistency and the wide receivers making sure they secured the ball. Part of that success was a very good game from a battered offensive line that was missing its strongest link. A-
Run Offense: It may have been DeMarco Murray's best game as well. He was very good in the all-purpose game, but on the ground, the balance between Murray and Ryan Mathews showed you how dangerous the Eagles can be on all front when they get the running game going strong. A-
Pass Defense: The Cowboys leading receiver was not Dez Bryant, who posted five catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. It was Cole Beasley, who had nine catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns. The grade is slightly curved, as Jordan Hicks great read on his interception for a touchdown was the highlight for the defense. B
Run Defense: There were some points when it got easy for Darren McFadden. Too easy. The Eagles had never allowed 100-plus yard rushers in back-to-back games under Chip Kelly until Sunday. 117 yards on the ground for McFadden is far too many. The run defense has been stellar almost all season, and they were probably due for a game like this, but that does not excuse a rather pathetic performance. C
Special Teams: We'll just continue the best game of the season talk. Caleb Sturgis looked locked in. He made two extra points and two field goals. His first field goal from 31 yards didn't seem like much, but to give the Eagles the lead, and the three points that were necessary to force overtime, he hit from 53 yards and made it look effortless. The only blemish on special teams was on the kick return that followed Hicks interception return touchdown. An 80-yard return set Dallas up to even the score quickly. B+
Overall: For as many times as the defense bailed out a slow and struggling offense in previous wins, it was a pleasant turnaround the see the offense return the favor. In Dallas, it couldn't have come under bigger circumstances. Games like this can certainly build momentum for the offense as they move forward. B+
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.