The Dallas Cowboys head east to take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
America’s game of the week has playoff seeding riding on it for the Cowboys and Eagles.
Dak Prescott vs. Jalen Hurts
This will be the first time Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts play in this high-intensity rivalry game since 2021.
Since then, the two have not played in the same game, whether for injuries or rest ahead of playoffs, making the matchup even more fierce.
Prescott has played his best football in the last two games against the Chargers and Rams.
He has used his legs more in those games, which has boded well for the offense.
However, it is noticeable how much chemistry Prescott has built with CeeDee Lamb. Prescott and Lamb agree it’s a product of the offseason work they have put together.
Mike McCarthy is starting to open up his playbook more, and this could be the week we see even more of Prescott’s offensive weapons put to use in the passing game.
Meanwhile, Hurts has played at an elite level, especially regarding the run-pass option.
Although the quarterback is playing dinged up with a knee injury, it hasn’t slowed down his ability to move out of the pocket and use his legs.
But the offensive roster around him makes all phases of the Brian Johnson-run unit a threat for opposing defenses in long and short-yardage situations.
According to Inside Edge, Hurts has eight touchdown passes since Week 5, which tied for the third-most of qualified quarterbacks.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles Game Preview
The Eagles are not only on top of the NFC with their 7-1 record, but they also have the best record in the NFL going into Week 9.
The Cowboys are coming off of a dominating performance against the Rams because all three phases played at their best.
The offense has been on a slower track to establish key aspects of their “Texas Coast” offense, but things have been on a quick upward trend.
With Prescott clicking with players like Lamb, Jake Ferguson, and Brandin Cooks, this can only open up more opportunities for special packages they have yet to use in the passing and running games.
As for the defense, the youth in the group will be tested in this game, trying to contain the run and minimize big plays from Eagles playmakers.
The Eagles continue to be one of the strongest teams in the NFL, and the offense under Hurts continues to play at a high level.
Not only will Hurts and the RPO threaten the Cowboys’ run defense, but D’Andre Swift will test how strong the defensive line is upfront.
Hurts has weapons in A.J. Brown and Dallas Goedert, so the Cowboys’ defensive backs must leave little room for mistakes and misdirection. This game will be defined by execution.
As for the Eagles’ defense, the Cowboys’ offensive line must play its best to avoid pressure on Prescott.
The Eagles’ defensive backs have shown communication errors that could give the Cowboys the upper hand in the passing game and more room to create more significant plays downfield.
Cowboys-Eagles Stats From Inside Edge
- CeeDee Lamb (DAL) has 90.4 receiving yards per game this season — ninth-best of qualified WRs.
- The Eagles have averaged 192.1 receiving yards per game allowed to WRs this season — the fourth-worst in the NFL.
Analysis: Lamb is coming off his best game with the Cowboys, raking up 158 yards and two touchdowns on 12 receptions. His chemistry with Prescott is undeniable and can continue to work in their favor this week. In the open locker room this week, Lamb said his identity is being a “YAC receiver.”
Lamb needs to continue and push for extra yards in this game, as it will be a difference-maker in this game for the Cowboys. Doing this will allow the offense to get down the field and score and keep the defense fresh and off the field as much as possible.
- Jalen Hurts (PHI) has eight touchdown passes since Week 5 — tied for third-most of qualified QBs.
- The Cowboys have allowed seven passing TDs since Week 5 — tied for fourth-most in the NFL.
Analysis: Hurts is dominant in the red zone, so it will be crucial to the game for the Cowboys’ defense to put as much pressure on him as possible.
The edge rush with Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence will need to get to Hurts quickly. The Cowboys are second in the league for average time to pressure opposing quarterbacks in 2.31 seconds.
- The Eagles are averaging just 3.2 yards per carry since Week 5 — tied for third-worst in the NFL.
- The Cowboys have allowed just 3.6 yards per carry since Week 5 — tied for fifth-best in the NFL.
Analysis: The Eagles are best in short-yardage situations and have succeeded in the run game by doing that. Plus, it allows them to extend plays and drive plays down the field.
The Cowboys will need to win in the trenches and stuff the run throughout the entire game. The linebackers must also be quick to diagnose plays and compete for tackles. This will be a big game for Markquese Bell, Damone Clark, and Rashaan Evans, who will be elevated from the practice squad.
- The Eagles have run 18.4% of offensive plays in the red zone since Week 5 — fourth-best in the NFL.
- The Cowboys have allowed their opponent to run 20.0% of plays in the red zone since Week 5 — third-worst in the NFL.
Analysis: The Cowboys must keep the offense behind the chains and do what they can to keep the unit in long-yardage situations. Minimizing the number of big plays and capitalizing on turnover opportunities will be critical in this game and keep the Eagles out of the red zone altogether.
- Cowboys RBs have averaged just 54.7 rushing yards per game since Week 5 — fourth-worst in the NFL.
- The Eagles have allowed an average of just 68.5 rushing yards per game since Week 5 — third-best in the NFL.
Analysis: This might not be the game the Cowboys get their run game going. But if they can, it will be a measuring-stick game of how strong the run game can be for the team. The Cowboys are 19th in the NFL in rushing with 820 yards.
Although it will be ideal for the team to open up the run game sooner rather than later this season, the Eagles are first in the league for their run defense, only allowing 524 yards.
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