Preview: Eagles Open Second Half Against Cowboys

By Gia Lanci, Sports Talk Philly Staff

The Eagles are coming off a bye week and a win the week before that. They beat the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in week eight with a score of 24-18. It was not a complete blowout, but the Eagles definitely deserved the win. They have a divisional matchup against the Cowboys in week 10. This game should be a victory. The Eagles need to continue their good performance to make it a winning season.

Over the Pond Victory

The Jaguars have one of the best defenses in the league and the offense performed very well against the tough defense. Carson Wentz was very mobile and escaped a few tackles. The offensive line was pieced together because of injuries to Lane Johnson and Jason Peters. The defense did their job against a mediocre offense and it ended with a win.

The Eagles secondary continued to struggle. They looked okay against the Jaguars, but the Jags offense is not very good. They should have looked good against their offense. They need to step it up and make the big time plays.

Against the Jags, Carson Wentz did a really nice job of quickly releasing the ball. That needs to be done, not just in the games against better defenses, but in every game from here on out. This will avoid sacks and fumbles from Wentz. It will also put less stress on the offensive line. With that being said, the offensive line needs to continually protect Wentz and give him enough time to release the ball. There are a few injuries going on with the O-line, however they just need to play with that next man up mentality as they did year.

End of The Season Loss

Last season, the Eagles played the Cowboys in the last game of the season. It was after Carson Wentz was injured and they were already advancing to the playoffs. Nick Foles started the game, but Nate Sudfeld came in at the second quarter. A majority of the players were second or third string. The offense scored nothing against the Cowboys and finished with a loss.The defense played well in preparation for the playoffs.

The Cowboys

Last week, the Cowboys lost against the Titans. Dak Prescott threw a terrible interception in the end zone. He did not have a good game and didn’t look confident at all. The Titans were able to get to Dak and sack him a total of five times. The Eagles need to come into this game and really get to Dak. The defense looked strong at points, but missed a lot of key tackles. The Eagles need to come in with confidence and they cannot lose their momentum in third quarter like they have been. They need to play smart and minimize their penalties, then they should win.

Injury Report

Eagles

Out

RB Darren Sproles

Darren Sproles was expected to play in the beginning of this week but then, in practice, he re-injured himself and has been ruled out for the game against the Cowboys.

CB Sidney Jones, CB Jalen Mills

Sidney Jones was recovering from a hamstring injury. He was expected to start playing sometime soon, but is also ruled out for this week’s game.

Jalen Mills had a foot injury in the game against the Jaguars. He did not practice and is expected to miss a few games. With two starting cornerbacks out, the Cowboys are more likely to pass the ball. The second strings will hopefully be able to cover and make the necessary tackles. Rasul Douglas will likely play outside in place of Mills while the newly acquired Cre’Von LeBlanc figures to lineup in the slot.

Questionable

T Lane Johnson and DE Josh Sweat

Johnson is questionable. He was out with a knee injury. He had light practices all week but is expected to play. He has not been playing well, so it may be best if he just rests for a week or so. However, the offensive line needs all the help they can get right now.

Sweat had a hip issue and is questionable. If he can’t play, the Eagles will be down to just Brandon Graham, Michael Bennett and Chris Long at defensive end.

Cowboys

Out

WR Tavon Austin, G Connor Williams

Tavon Austin is an important part of their offense since he is a good wide receiver and they are struggling in that aspect of their offense. He is out with a groin injury. Connor Williams is their starting guard and, once again, they need all the offensive help they can get. He is out with a knee injury.

DE Taco Charlton, DL David Irving, LB Sean Lee, LB Joe Thomas

With so many players in the front seven out, it will make it easier for the Eagles to run the football and the offensive line should have a much easier day blocking.

Questionable

TE Geoff Swaim and DE Randy Gregory

If Swaim cannot play, the Cowboys will be down to just Amari Cooper and Cole Beasly as their only healthy starting pass catchers. Gregory would be the fifth of the Cowboys front seven to be out for the game leaving no room for rotations or injuries for the Cowboys.

Broadcast Information

Time: 8:20 PM

TV: NBC

Radio: 94.1 FM WIP

Online: NFL Game Pass