Week 7 Preview: Dallas Cowboys face heated rival Philadelphia Eagles
Game Prediction
This game really will come down to two questions. Will the Dallas Cowboys get their starting tackles and/or Cooper back? If not, will the Cowboys coaches finally make adjustments to the game plan factoring their absence into account?
It’s fairly safe to say we know what the Eagles are. Yes, they have plenty of injury concerns as well, and they may even get cornerback Ronald Darby back for the game, but for the most part, we know what to expect from Philadelphia. They are a potentially explosive, if clumsy, offense with a great rush defense and a terrible secondary.
First thing’s first: The Cowboys absolutely cannot afford to start slow again. They have to come out of the gate and set the tone, or this game could be out of hand quickly. In the last four weeks, they’ve had to play from behind, a position they aren’t built for success in.
Next is the Cowboys offensive line. If Smith or Collins isn’t available for this game, they likely won’t stand a chance of winning. Regardless, the coaching staff must do everything they can to make this offense as unpredictable as possible. That means designed runs for Prescott or more creative uses for Elliott or fellow running back Tony Pollard.
A huge element of the plan must be neutralizing the Eagles’ advantage on the defensive line while taking advantage of their weaknesses in the secondary. If the Cowboys linebackers can’t shore up the run, and Wentz, as a result, can work play-action and move the ball in big chunks against the defense, it could be a long day again for the defense.
Lincoln Riley and 5 others who might replace Jason Garrett. dark. Next
My official prediction: I have to believe the Dallas Cowboys will get off to a better start Sunday night. I think Prescott and the offense will have a good game against the much-maligned Eagles secondary, but Wentz will match Prescott through the air as well. The Cowboys will finally iron out the self-inflicted mistakes, and a Brett Maher field goal will (hopefully) be the difference.
The Dallas Cowboys defeat the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-25.