Cowboys vs Eagles: What Went Right, What Went Wrong

The Dallas Cowboys long losing streak continued Sunday night with an overtime loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the course of the last six games, Dallas has found every way imaginable to lose. In games where the defense has been up to the task, the offense has failed to hold up their end. When the offense has put points on the board, the defense has been unable to get the necessary stops. Here is my weekly look at what went right and what wrong for the Cowboys against Philly.

What Went Right

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Once again, running back Darren McFadden had a strong day running the football. McFadden carried the ball 27 times for 117 yards, and was effective in the passing game as well. Run DMC has become the workhorse type of back that this offense desperately needs.

The Cowboys finally got a spark in the return game on Sunday as well. After the Philadelphia defense scored on an interception return for a touchdown, kick returner Lucky Whitehead gave Dallas a much needed spark with an 80-yard return. It set up the Cowboys at the Eagles 24-yard line, and the team would score a touchdown to the game.

All-Pro wide receiver Dez Bryant had a Dez Bryant type game for the first time this season. Bryant had 5 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown working against the Philly secondary, and despite being visibly exhausted on the final drive of regulation he drew several key penalties to set Dallas up for the tying field goal.

What Went Wrong

The Cowboys have created only four turnovers in total this season. Their lack of takeaways continued on Sunday as the team was unable to take the ball away from Philadelphia. The defense has had its chances, but they must become more opportunistic if the 2015 season is to be saved. Even when quarterback Tony Romo returns, the Cowboys will have to start winning the turnover battle in order to win games.

The pass rush is another area that simply must improve. Defensive end Greg Hardy has been every bit as good as advertised, but the rest of the Dallas linemen have been virtually non existent. The Cowboys recorded only one sack of Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford and it was Hardy who got it. The pass rush must start to get home.

The biggest reason Dallas lost this game was the defense’s inability to get off the field late in the game. This has been a trend throughout 2015. Certainly it would make things easier if the offense could consistently sustain drives, but at some point the defenders must make a key stop late. Until that starts to happen this team will not be able to win regardless of who is playing quarterback.

Next: Should the Cowboys replace this defensive starter?

The Dallas Cowboys are in serious danger of letting the 2015 season slip away. This was a season that was filled with much promise and expectation. The Cowboys now enter their Week 10 matchup absolutely needing to win at Tampa Bay. If the don’t, the season may be over before Romo returns in Week 11.

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