Happy Thanksgiving, Philadelphia!
The Eagles delivered another classic game against the Cowboys to add to the holiday festivities on Thursday. In addition, they helped solidify their place atop the NFC East, setting the stage for another meeting between the two teams in just 17 days.
But that was not before controlling the game in every aspect.
Here is this week's report card.
Pass offense: Mark Sanchez' first-half performance may have been the best of his career. Sanchez is mistake-prone at times, but he avoided those on Thursday, controlling the tempo of the offense and regularly finding receivers. Jeremy Maclin and Jordan Matthews continue to shine. It's hard to argue with the numbers Sanchez put up as well – 20-for-29, 217 yards and one touchdown. A
Run offense: LeSean McCoy's best game of the season couldn't have come at a better time. Overall, his numbers speak for themselves – 159 yards on 25 carries. The 38-yard touchdown run was the real statement from McCoy. Credit Chris Polk, Darren Sproles and Sanchez for making the most of their rushing attempts as well. A+
Pass defense: It wasn't a perfect day for the pass defense, but given the names they had to contain, a lot of credit goes to Cary Williams, Bradley Fletcher and Nate Allen for making plays. Fletcher Cox did an excellent job leading a defensive line that managed to keep Tony Romo uncomfortable all game. A-
Run defense: DeMarco Murray rushed for at least 100 yards in 10 of his previous 11 games this season. Thursday was his worst game of the season – 73 yards on 20 carries. The defense has faced adversity all season, but facing one of the best running backs in the NFL this season, this run defense embraced the challenge and succeeded. A+
Special teams: Cody Parkey made four more field goals. Donnie Jones took some of the Eagles poorer offensive drives and turned them into tough situations for the Cowboys. The coverage was solid again. It's hard to argue with consistency. A
Overall: When all is said and done, this game may be the game-changer for the season. It is without question the best game the Eagles have put together so far, and it may be the game that decides the NFC East. In every aspect, the Eagles succeeded and rose above the Cowboys. Statements don't get any more emphatic than that. A
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
