Preview: Eagles Searching For a Vital Win vs. Cowboys

By Gia Lanci, Sports Talk Philly Staff

The Eagles have a divisional matchup against the Cowboys in week 14. The Eagles are coming off of two wins against divisional teams, the Giants and the Redskins. The games have been crucial wins because of the tight race for position in the division. The Cowboys have been on a hot streak, beating arguably the best team in the NFL, the New Orleans Saints, who beat the Eagles 48-7. It is going to be a tough game against the Cowboys Sunday however, the team that has the most determination will be the team that wins.

A Modest Win

When the Eagles played the Redskins on prime time last Monday, the Eagles won by a fair amount. It was a well-played game by the team, to a sub-par Redskins team. The Eagles offense was able to make great plays, with good play calling that allowed them to get points onto the board. They even showed flashes of how they looked last season. But improvements still need to be made. The defense looked good as well however, it is difficult to judge if they have improved because the Redskins offense made a lot of mistakes themselves and did not play great, but they did wind up beating the Redskins, by 15 points.

A Close Game in Week Nine

The last meeting the Eagles had with the Cowboys was in week nine. The Cowboys only won by one touchdown. Going into the game against the Cowboys, the Eagles were too confident that they would win. The Cowboys had an awful loss the week before, so they definitely underestimated the Cowboys team. Much of the play calling was Wentz throwing the ball to Ertz. They still felt unsure about their run options. They did not use enough of their offensive weapons. Carson Wentz threw an interception as well.

The defense had a rough game. Ezekiel Elliott ran all over the secondary. The only way he was stopped was if the front line could hold him there, but if he got past them there was no stopping him. This is something to be cautious about for this upcoming game as well, since so many of our secondary are injured, or second string players. The defensive line has stepped up since then, and hopefully will be able to prove their abilities. 

A Surprising Triumph

Everyone was sure the Cowboys would lose against the Saints, just like the Eagles did. However, that was not the case. The Cowboys had a great game, and won at the end against the Saints. Dak Prescott had a great game, along with Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys defense. Dak Prescott is hot right now, but he does get frazzled easily. This means the defense has to put pressure on him early on, to prevent him from making big plays. Their defense was able to hold Drew Brees and the Saints who are one of the best offenses in the league right now, to only 10 points. When the Saints scored 48 points on the Eagles defense. So if the Eagles have a chance, they need to get points on the board early on within their first drive, put extra coverage on Elliott, and put pressure on Dak.

Injury Report

Eagles

Out

LB Jordan Hicks

Jordan Hicks was ruled out for this upcoming game against the Cowboys. He did not practice this week. Jordan Hicks has been out the past two weeks and is still leading the team in total tackles, and assists. He is a defensive powerhouse that would assist in putting pressure on Dak and extra coverage on Elliott.

Questionable

DE Michael Bennett, DT Timmy Jernigan, DB Avonte Maddox

Michael Bennett is the most optimistic to play on Sunday because he has this ongoing foot injury, but he did have a full practice on Friday. It is essential he plays on Sunday, because he is leading the team in sacks. It is important for him to bring on the pressure for Prescott, and Bennett is the best bet. Timmy Jernigan, and Avonte Maddox both did not practice all this week and their position for the game is questionable, and probably doubtful.

Cowboys

Out

LB Sean Lee, DL David Irving, WR Tavon Austin, and TE Geoff Swaim

Sean Lee is the Cowboys starting linebacker who is a great player. He has been out for a few weeks because of a hamstring injury. But the second string linebackers filling in for him are pretty good. He is the most eminent on the injured reserve. 

Questionable

OT Tyron Smith, WR Michael Gallup

Tyron Smith had an injury to his neck that forced him to be limited at practice, and Gallup missed practice because of illness and he did not practice all week. 

Broadcast Information

Time: 4:25 pm

TV: FOX

Radio: 94.1 WIP

Online: NFL Game Pass