I’m in the process of moving. There are boxes everywhere, trash bags filled with who knows what, and my sanity is littered all over the place.
Amidst all of the things on my to-do list through this adventure there has been one priority above them all – making sure that the cable is hooked up for Sunday.
Sure I’m excited to see the Rex Ryan’s Bills host Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Of course I’m interested to watch the defensive line of the St. Louis Rams permanently park themselves in the Redskins’ backfield. Yes, we’ll all have to shield our eyes from the uniforms of the Cleveland Browns for another week… but in the middle of all of the NFL action there is one game that stands out.
The Dallas Cowboys at the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Chip Kelly merry-go-round stops on America’s Team this Sunday when the ‘Boys make their way to the Link in Philly to play some footy ball. There’s a lot on the line and some yahoo named DeMarco Murray will be playing his first game AGAINST the Cowboys, so all eyes are going to be glued to America’s Game of the Week.
It’s time to get excited. It’s time to get hyped. It’s almost time for hot wings. It’s time to get BOLD!
Here are my 5 Bold Predictions for when the Dallas Cowboys take on the Philadelphia Eagles tomorrow afternoon:
1. Morris Claiborne Gets An Interception
Considering that within everything I’ve packed to move lies a Morris Claiborne jersey, this one makes me a little sad. You would think that a former first round corner making an interception wouldn’t be bold, but sometimes life just doesn’t work out that way.
Morris had himself a nice little game last Sunday night against the G-Men. He held Odell in check for the most part and didn’t give up any big plays (which left us all in disbelief). Sam Bradford has to go to work with Mark Sanchez every day so I know he’s just itching to throw an interception. He’s going to force one in there and Claiborne is going to capitalize.
2. DeMarco Murray Doesn’t Top 50 Yards
The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year will be making his Philadelphia debut on Sunday. This is the City of Brotherly Love (remember that Disney show from like 20 years ago?). This is the home of the Liberty Bell. This is the land where fictional movie heroes are immortalized forever!
5 days ago Mr. Murray carried the rock a whopping 8 times… for 9 yards. I might have to double check, but my mental math says that’s very ungood. The Cowboys are going to be missing their rookie pass rusher Randy Gregory, but the defensive line is going to get after the Philly backfield. Coupled with the fact that Chip Kelly is going to rotate Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles in, DeMarco has a better chance of getting cheered at a UFC fight in Dallas than breaking 50 yards on Sunday.
3. Philadelphia Does Not Cross Mid-Field In The First Half
Much is made about how prolific the offense of the Philadelphia Eagles is… I haven’t seen it. They looked like an NFL offense during the third quarter of Monday night’s contest, but they looked like 11 Tim Tebows out there during the first half.
The Philly offense, when it is potent, takes a while to get going. It’s an engine that you have to rev up a bit. The Cowboys are going to try to control the time of possession and limit the times that the Eagles have the ball. Philly won’t get into a groove and at halftime will have to listen to Chip talk about his favorite protein shake flavors.
4. The Eagles Will Score A Special Teams Touchdown
As much of a band of misfits that they are as a whole team, Philly’s special teams unit is impressive. The sample size of the 2015 regular season is so small but, I know that it was only preseason, the Cowboys’ special teams has looked suspect so far.
Philly is going to make a play in that phase of the game and find a way to get on the scoreboard with it. I’ve got a sick feeling about it in my gut (either that or the pizza that I ate is bad).
5. Tony Romo Throws 5 Touchdowns
The Tony Romo bandwagon is going to be selling out tickets on Sunday night. Romo is in a zone at this point in his career. You can’t do what he did to the Giants unless you are cooking with gas.
Without Dez Bryant the Eagles are probably not anticipating the passing game being a legitimate threat. They’re going to underestimate the legend of Tony and he’s going to pick them apart… with cinco touchdowns.
What bold predictions do you have? Email me your thoughts at rjochoa@dallascowboys.net or Tweet @rjochoa.
