Date: Sunday, November 8th
Time: 8:20PM ET
TV: NBC
Line: Eagles – 3 (-105)
Total: 50
There are some interesting games on the schedule this week, but none maybe as big as the battle between these two long time rivals. Dallas comes in on a high winning 3 straight including solid wins over Seattle and Atlanta, while the Eagles have won two in a row and expect oft-injured Brian Westbrook back in the lineup after sitting out last week’s game with the Giants. With the Giants struggling this should give us a clear leader in the NFC East.
Quarterbacks:
When Dallas got off to a slow start people questioned if Tony Romo was the right guy to be Quarterback of the team. Romo has quieted his critics by throwing three TD’s in each of his last three games. He has developed a great chemistry with Miles Austin who burst onto the scene in the Cowboys OT win against the Chiefs. Romo has two healthy running backs in Felix Jones and Marion Barber, so we don’t see him getting three touchdown passes again. Look for a balanced offensive attack in hopes of keeping the Eagles defense on their heels.
FF: Romo has not thrown an INT for three straight games for the first time in his career.
When Michael Vick was signed by the Eagles, you had to wonder if the writing was on the wall for Donovan McNabb who insisted he suggested the signing. McNabb is off to a great start bringing in a rating of 103.2, and nine touchdowns to just one interception. The flaw in his game has been his decision making when facing the blitz, often forcing throws. Wade Phillips does not want to allow McNabb to have time in the pocket, so look for No. 5 to be on the run most of the game.
FF: The Eagles are 42-1 when McNabb has a QB rating of 100+
Running Backs:
Felix Jones is back healthy and should be used not only on runs, but also on screens out of the backfield. Jones has only carried the ball 38 times in 2009, but has an amazing 7.8 yard average per carry. We look for him to be a big part of Jason Garrett’s game plan. Marion Barber is also back healthy, which just gives Romo another solid option. Barber has four touchdowns and is very capable at the goal line. The Eagles will load the box, but we like the Jones/Barber combo to have a good day.
We hate to be the ones to say it, but Brian Westbrook is the most over rated running back in the league. The guy has skills no question, but gets hurt opening the mail. He will be back on the field against Dallas, but if we were Andy Reid, we would continue to use rookie LeSean McCoy and fullback Leonard Weaver who pounded the Giants for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Reid will find spots for Westbrook, but we have major issues with his durability at this point of his career. One guy we have not mentioned is Michael Vick who could be used to bounce the action to the outside.
Wide Receivers: Roy Williams crying to the media this week didn't make him any new friends inside or outside the locker room. The Cowboys paid a huge price for Williams with the idea he would replace TO as the Cowboys No. 1 option, and that clearly has not been the case. He has never gotten into sync with Romo, and comments like the ones he made this week won't help. On the other hand, Miles Austin has been a huge surprise showing great hands and the ability to gain yards after the catch. Austin is clearly the No. 1 guy for the Cowboys and we see that being the case vs. the Eagles. TE Jason Witten will get plenty of looks as well.
FF: Austin has 21 catches for 482 yards and 5TD’s in last three
We can’t wait to see DeSean Jackson matchup against Dallas CB Mike Jenkins. Jackson put a clinic on last week against the Giants, leaving the NY secondary often looking dazed and confused. Jenkins is tough, and is up for the challenge of the speedy Jackson. Brent Celek is a big physical TE who has soft hands. Celek plays more like an H back, and it is no surprise that he leads the team in catches with 37. Look for McNabb to call the big man’s number in third and short situations. Rookie Jeremy Maclin could be needed to have a big day if Jenkins can contain Jackson.
FF: Jackson has six TD’s of 50YDS+ this season
Defense:
We look for two big things out of the Cowboys defense. They must flush McNabb out of the pocket, and they must control the run. DeMarcus Ware leads Dallas with five sacks, and will be on McNabb’s heals all afternoon. The Cowboys understand what a healthy Westbrook means to the Eagles, and really want to force the game into McNabb’s hands. The Cowboys have been effective when using zone pressure, so look for that early. We expect Philly to go to a spread offense to slow the Cowboys down, and to take advantage of mismatches with Celek and McCoy out of the backfield.
The Eagles know that the Cowboys offense can strike early, but quietly think they can rattle Romo. There is a reason why Romo has never gone three games without throwing a pick and that is he is prone to making mental mistakes. We mentioned earlier the matchup of Mike Jenkins on DeSean Jackson, but there will be another main event if as expected Asante Samuel passes on Roy Williams and instead turns his attention to Miles Austin.
FF: Cowboys are 2-4 at Lincoln Financial Field
Injuries:
DAL: Allen Rossum-CB/hamstring (out)
PHI: Kevin Curtis-WR/knee (out) Chris Gocong-LB/quad (doubtful)
Betting Trends:
Dallas is 0-5 ATS in their last five games as an UNDERDOG
Dallas is 1-4 ATS in their last five road games
Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last five games
The UNDERDOG is 7-2 ATS in the last nine games between the two teams
The OVER is 6-0 in the Eagles last six games against the NFC
The OVER is 5-1 in the Cowboys last six games against the NFC
