The Philadelphia Eagles head to Arlington, Texas for a Monday Night Football showdown against their divisional rival Dallas Cowboys. The teams are currently sandwiched between Washington and New York in the division. This early-season divisional matchup could have massive ramifications later in the season. In preparation for the Cowboys vs. Eagles Monday matchup, we’ll pit each team’s offensive and defensive units against one another.
Dallas Cowboys offense vs. Philadelphia Eagles defense
Currently, the Cowboys’ offense is the seventh-most-efficient unit in the NFL. Their rushing attack dominated the Los Angeles Chargers, leading to the third-best rushing output in the NFL through two weeks, despite facing the Buccaneers in Week 1. The Eagles boast a similarly impressive defense, ranking eighth in total efficiency.
Dak Prescott vs. Eagles defense
Here is the thing about high-end quarterback play in the modern NFL — it always outweighs the defensive talent on the opposite side. The league has made sure in the rulebook to focus on making offenses, and particularly passing, as easy as possible.
If you don’t think Dak Prescott is in that second tier of quarterbacks behind the tier-less Patrick Mahomes (unicorn status), I’m not sure how to ever change your mind.
The Eagles’ defense has been outstanding. They have two legitimate Pro Bowl-caliber defensive tackles and a studly young pass rusher in Josh Sweat. Steven Nelson is a good cornerback, and Darius Slay is playing better than he did in 2020. Additionally, Anthony Harris was a massive addition on the back end.
Still…
ADVANTAGE: Cowboys
Cowboys weapons vs. Eagles defensive backs
This matchup will be an advantage for Dallas, no matter who they play. So long as two of their receivers, one of their tight ends, and one of their running backs remain healthy.
Even without Michael Gallup, the Cowboys have more than enough firepower to attack any defense. With two above-average TEs and two good RBs, it’s a rich-get-richer offensive situation in Dallas. For as long as Prescott remains healthy, these weapons will feast.
The Eagles’ secondary has played quite well so far. A year after their cornerback group couldn’t find their way out of a paper bag, it seems Nelson, Slay, and Avonte Maddox are a good group.
And yet, it’s still not enough to compete with the Cowboys’ offensive weaponry.
ADVANTAGE: Cowboys
Cowboys offensive line vs. Eagles front seven
This is a much more tightly contested matchup. Even without Brandon Graham, the Eagles have a terrifying front four. Derek Barnett and Ryan Kerrigan are both serviceable, and Sweat is one of the better young pass rushers in the game.
Dallas is without La’el Collins for the next four games, creating a bit of a sore spot at right tackle. Terence Steele performed admirably against Joey Bosa, but he’s still young and unproven. Luckily, Zack Martin aligns to his left.
Aside from one play that resulted in a strip-sack, Tyron Smith appears to be back to his younger and healthier self. Meanwhile, Connor Williams is playing the best football of his career so far in 2021.
The real advantage for the Cowboys comes from Philadelphia’s linebacking corps. Eric Wilson, Alex Singleton, and Genard Avery aren’t going to get it done, partner.
ADVANTAGE: Cowboys
Cowboys defense vs. Eagles offense
The Cowboys and Eagles’ previous matchups were good ones, but these sides of the ball are far less talented overall. Dallas currently ranks 22nd in the league for overall defensive efficiency. Philadelphia is nine spots higher as an offensive unit, having faced a horrific Falcons defense but a good 49ers defense.
Jalen Hurts vs. Cowboys defense
This clash is one-sided. Jalen Hurts is far more serviceable than Cowboys fans are giving him credit for, and he could easily surprise them both through the air and on the ground. That is what gives the Eagles the most significant schematic advantage.
The Cowboys are short on defensive ends. That means we’ll almost surely see Micah Parsons again play DE this week, which keeps him from spying on the Eagles’ athletic quarterback.
It’s a bad matchup for Dallas. Hurts is one of the brightest runners in the league, particularly as a quarterback. He possesses outstanding vision as a runner, and his athleticism makes him a big-play threat. In fact, he’s averaging a league-high 8.5 yards per carry.
The offense will most likely consist of a lot of passes around the line of scrimmage and a few shots down the sideline from Hurts. The Cowboys should dare Philadelphia’s offense to attack the middle of the field, which they haven’t done in the first two weeks.
ADVANTAGE: Eagles
Eagles weapons vs. Cowboys defensive backs
This may seem like a runaway for the Eagles based on how poor the Cowboys’ secondary has been for forever now. However, Philadelphia’s offensive weapons aren’t as dominant as they may seem.
From a WR vs. CB perspective, the Cowboys hold their own against the Eagles. The big matchup of Trevon Diggs vs. DeVonta Smith is the big-ticket item. Outside of that, the receivers and corners all seem pretty even.
The difference here comes from Dallas Goedert and the two backs out of the backfield. Dallas has struggled against tight ends and backs as receivers. With Parsons having to rush the passer, it’s tough to imagine the linebackers sticking with Miles Sanders and Kenneth Gainwell.
ADVANTAGE: Eagles
Eagles offensive line vs. Cowboys front seven
Philadelphia’s offensive line is solid when healthy, but that hasn’t been the case the past few seasons. They’ll again be without two starters on the OL against the Cowboys on Monday night.
Jordan Mailata and Brandon Brooks will both miss the game. However, unlike in previous years, it appears the Eagles have some decent options. Andre Dillard has been a disappointing first-round pick, but he was always going to be a project. He has the athleticism to thrive at left tackle but hasn’t shown it yet.
Landon Dickerson will most likely only be a moderate downgrade at right guard, even replacing Brooks. Outside of Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater, Dickerson might have been the best offensive lineman in the class, but injury concerns dropped him into Round 2.
Dallas’ defensive line is a struggle. They’re without DeMarcus Lawrence and were already thin at defensive tackle. Parsons and Randy Gregory should be a difficult matchup across from Dillard, but aside from that, the Eagles have a clear advantage here. They can also plan against Parsons by using him as the read on option plays.
ADVANTAGE: Eagles
Betting line and game prediction
The Cowboys are currently 3.5-point favorites at home against the Eagles. Given that home teams are usually spotted 2-3 points on average, Las Vegas believes this should be a close game.
Dallas has generated a league-high 6 defensive turnovers in two games. If they win the turnover battle again, it’s tough to see how Philadelphia overcomes the pressure of Prescott and Dallas’ offense.
Nevertheless, the Cowboys’ offense has made a bad habit of not stomping on teams. They’re much more likely to wake up if the opponent gets the lead.
That seems like a good recipe for a close divisional battle on Monday Night Football. The Cowboys could struggle to run the ball between the tackles, so look for a decent dose of Tony Pollard in Week 3 and a higher passing rate than in Week 2.
Cowboys make it 2-1 on the season in a close one.
Prediction: Cowboys 28, Eagles 24