How much does he regret starting the Dream Team hype?

This is certainly not a ‘must-win’ game, but it is nonetheless an extremely important contest that will likely have playoff ramifications down the road. The Cowboys need to continue the 1-game winning streak, get on a roll, and prove that last week’s excellence was more than just playing a terrible team.  If the Cowboys can manage a win in Philly, it could very well end the Eagles chances of making the playoffs.  It is very unlikely that they could recover from a 2-5 record.  If the Eagles were eliminated from playoff contention, that would essentially leave just the Giants as serious competitors in the division (I think that Washington is in the beginning stages of a long downward spiral). Moreover, division wins are important because they are used to determine the Division Champion if two teams have the same record (this often leads to a bye and/or a playing a game at home).

Click on the link to read about what I will be watching for this week. (more…)

Despite a short stint in Dallas, he will always be remembered for running up the score.

While the Dallas Cowboys versus the Washington Redskins used to be a marquee rivalry, it is arguable that the Cowboys and Eagles has become the biggest rivalry in the NFC East. According to a recent Landry Hat poll, the Philadelphia Eagles are the team most disliked by Dallas Cowboy fans.

I, for one, will never forget that time in 1987 when Randall Cunningham, despite leading 30-20 with less than a minute to play, faked a third consecutive kneel-down and instead threw a touchdown pass.  For a really intense rivalry to thrive, the antagonism has to go both ways.  Thankfully, I am sure that the fans in Philly have a similar dislike for the Boys (why else would they wildly cheer when Michael Irvin was injured?)

Given the magnitude of this rivalry, I am going to break with tradition and try to write a 3-part preview this week instead of my normal 2-part series. This one, the first, will just address the general storyline, and then I hope to follow with a more in-depth preview of what I am looking for on both offense and defense. (more…)

The abrupt crumbling in New York has allowed this course of action.

There is a bitter taste in each player on the Dallas Cowboys roster. Last year, the Eagles ruined the Cowboys playoff chances with a 44-6 drubbing on live television. I couldn’t believe my eyes, mistake after mistake, watching what seemed like the most uninspired team ever to take suit in a playoff-or-done game.

The Cowboys are coming off their biggest win of the season, overpowering the young Atlanta Falcons.

Even without Brian Dawkins, these Eagles are the toughest opponent yet for the Cowboys.

What’s different from that game?

• The Cowboys didn’t go into the game on a 3-game winning streak, that’s for sure.
• Miles Austin wasn’t even fourth receiver at this time last year
• We did not have Felix Jones and Marion Barber both starting

One thing is for sure, the Cowboys defense needs to have a stellar game and improve upon that rating of 22nd overall. Mike Jenkins is heating up and Terence Newman is playing as well as Asante Samuel. Sheldon Brown has been a stud so far and the Cowboys will be smart to avoid him as much as possible.

The Cowboys have a better running game. The three-headed monster ensures a fresh running back in all four quarters. Jason Witten hasn’t really exploded yet, and we know it is going to happen. The Cowboys have more weapons on offense, but the Eagles do have better play calling.

The Cowboys coaches have to be on mark this game.