Eagles

Preview: Eagles look to take stranglehold of NFC East against Cowboys

By
Jesse Larch
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Jesse Larch Sports Editor

All posts by Jesse Larch
Sports Editor

Published18 Nov 2017

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The Eagles return from their by with a huge division matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. With a win the Eagles advance to 9-1, including a 4-0 division record, essentially clinching the NFC East. 

Injuries impacting both teams

The Eagles have excelled this season in spite of injuries to key players like Jordan Hicks, Jason Peters, and Darren Sproles. 

Interestingly, the Cowboys were steamrolled by the Atlanta Falcons last week as they were without Sean Lee, Tyron Smith, and Ezekiel Elliott, all players who play the same positions as the three key Eagles losses. 

The two teams are at different points, the Eagles have seen their backups step up and play admirably, while the Cowboys losses showed that the team was ill prepared for the situation. Backup left tackle Chaz Green surrendered six sacks in relief of Smith

The Eagles have had the opposite experience, with Halapoulivaati Vaitai stepping up in Peters's absence, Joe Walker in Hicks's absence, and a committee of running backs leading a potent rushing attack. This is what separates the Eagles from the other teams, and the Cowboys will be out to prove that they are a special team as well. 

Demarcus Lawrence vs Lane Johnson

The Cowboys have the NFL's leader in sacks, Demarcus Lawrence with 11.5 on the season. Fortunately for the Eagles, they have the best right tackle in football in Lane Johnson. 

Johnson is coming off of a game where stood out while taking on Von Miller, arguably the greatest pass rusher of his generation:

Lawrence and Johnson will be the most important matchup to watch on Sunday night when the Eagles take on the Cowboys. 

Injury Report

The Eagles only have one member of the 53-man roster on the injury report and that is wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery was limited in practice this week with an ankle issue and is listed as questionable. Jeffery has personally stated that he will be fine for the game on Sunday night. 

Cornerback Ronald Darby will make his long awaited return after being sidelined with is a dislocated ankle way back in week one. Zach Ertz was a full participant in practice all week after missing the Eagles week nine game against the Denver Broncos with a hamstring injury.

The Cowboys will be without Sean Lee, and Dan Bailey, while Tyron Smith is also reportedly not playing this week. 

Jeff Heath, Maliek Collins and Jeff Swaim are all listed as questionable with Smith. 

Broadcast Information

Time: 8:30 p.m.

Television: NBC | Play-by-Play by Al Michaels with color commentary by Chris Collinsworth and sideline reports from Michele Tafoya

Radio: 94.1 FM WIP | Play-by-Play by Merrill Reese with color commentary by Mike Quick and sideline reports from Howard Eskin

Online: NFL Game Pass