Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX When: January 9, 2010, 7:00 PM on NBC |
This is it – the matchup of the weekend. There is nothing left, you win or go home. The Cowboys are all too familiar with going home, having not won a playoff matchup since the 1996 season. Last week the Cowboys displayed dominance over this Philadelphia Eagles team in Dallas, getting their second straight shutout this season. You can expect the Eagles to bring everything they have – as Tony Romo said, “Every blitz in the book.” They are the masters of blitzing and their schemes are disguised brilliantly. This game won’t be a shut out, it should be a blood bath. We’re talking old school NFC East rivalries at their best, the winner is likely to have the Super Bowl in their grasp. Fans or not, if this game isn’t in your plans for Saturday night, I doubt you really enjoy football. Tough D, Play making offenses – Are you ready for some football? |
How They Stack Up
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Eagles (11-5) |
Key Matchups
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Cowboys (11-5) |
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Players To Watch
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LeSean McCoy |
HB LeSean McCoy Since last weeks gameplan of complex aerial attacks didn’t seem to work against the stingy Dallas Defense, I expect the Eagles will try a gameplan that will involve controlling the clock and game. Brian Westbrook proved ineffective in the last meeting, and LeSean McCoy is young and talented enough to be what the Eagles need in a HB. |
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QB Tony Romo It will once again be Tony Romo who wins this game. Tony played brilliantly again last week. He has evolved into one of the leagues most elite game managers. If Jason Garrett can keep him prepared for a complex Eagles defense, Tony will be patient enough to pick this defense apart once again. |
Tony Romo |
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DeSean Jackson |
WR DeSean Jackson After being shut down by Mike Jenkins and Company, Jackson has been talking a lot of trash via twitter. He’ll be looking to smoke the competition and bring in a big win for Philly. He’ll be dangerous and the Eagles might be using him on more short yardage plays, so it’ll be up to the likes of James and Brooking to keep an eye on that. |
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The Dallas Cowboys Crowd Not really players to watch, but the Cowboys Fans are known as being soft and have never created such an energy that has intimidated other teams. The noise and excitement from the crowd will impact the Cowboys as a team, so if they are loud and supportive, expect the Cowboys to meet their energy. |
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Key Injuries |
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Winner |
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I’m not straying far from my decision last week. I believe the Cowboys play an impressive game, I’m going to give them the edge but only because they are at home. I think the Cowboys could definitely lose this game. Even if they do, don’t count it as a lost season. This is a young team that will be competitive for years to come. Dallas 21 Philly 17 |
Keys To The Game
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Some Other Reading |
Great piece because it is analytical and well thought out; however, I believe the Cowboys enjoy an edge on the offensive and defensive fronts. They have won both games in the series this year because of this edge and it is the reason they should win this weekend.
I agree Mark. Tony Romo had tons of time to find an open target last week, even when the Eagles did send more than 4 at him. Granted they didn't do that enough to have a chance to stop the Cowboys, but I don't think it's going to change any.
Marc Colombo coming back in and getting the start will make a difference. Doug Free has done very well in his place, but Colombo brings a certain attitude, a nasty meanness, that can change the way that line plays.
As for our Dline, considering Cole at center for Philly, that's just a mismatch in skill and experience. This is going to be a good game.