There are moments throughout the season where we learn something about a team that can change the course of the ultimate goal. When a team emerges victorious in a convincing fashion, it is a statement win.
That's what the Eagles delivered for Thanksgiving. Their 33-10 win in Dallas not only separated them from the Cowboys in the standings, but ultimately answered the one remaining question left regarding the NFC East.
This is still the Eagles division to lose. They proved it on Thursday.
Games within a division are often times unpredictable. Nothing is given. Nothing is certain. It must be decided on the field.
What was determined on the field on Thursday was the Eagles ability to take a team like the Cowboys, strong in many aspects all season and pushing towards the playoffs, and make them look significantly inferior.
The Eagles had 464 total yards of offense in the game. The Cowboys barely reached half of that, totaling 267.
Mark Sanchez had to be on his game and not give the ball away. He delivered with the best first half of his career that ultimately set the tone.
LeSean McCoy picked a perfect time to turn things on this season and remind everyone that the dominant back from last season is still there.
Jeremy Maclin and Jordan Matthews continued to look strong as targets for Sanchez. The offensive line played an excellent game in front of Sanchez and McCoy.
Fletcher Cox dominated defensively. Nate Allen and Cary Williams came up with three turnovers. Mychal Kendricks stop on 4th and 1 was the exclamation point on a banner day for the defense.
The NFC East was easily split in two. The Eagles and Cowboys are the only two teams with a chance at the playoffs. Only one can be guaranteed a spot.
Handed a short week and a travel day to Dallas, the Eagles talked the talk, then walked the walk.
This game was the one question left unanswered. The Cowboys were clearly a better team from last season and were going to compete for the NFC East title. But they would have to go through the Eagles to do it.
It took until Week 13 for the two to meet. Finally, we got an answer.
Ultimately, the answer was what was already known. The Eagles had the more complete team on paper. The Cowboys made more mistakes than the Eagles. And when the Eagles had to make a big play, they did.
This Eagles team was the one that really needed to be seen against the Packers or Cardinals. Perhaps the results would have changed. Regardless, the Eagles used a statement game to solidify their place not only at the top of the NFC East, but as one of the top three teams in the NFC.
The team on the field on Thursday could easily make a run to play in the Super Bowl this season. Of course, a near perfect game will make any team look like that.
It was a game of questions and the Eagles provided one answer after another. With four games remaining, the next two will answer all remaining questions.
A win against the Seahawks and a second win over the Cowboys will seal the Eagles place in the playoffs and bring the Eagles back to a level they have not seen in years.
It feels good to be at the top, but there are times where you don't feel as though you totally belong. The Eagles have played games like that this season too. On Thursday, they once and for all proved, the top spot is rightfully theirs.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
