As always, the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles present an interesting matchup in this Sunday night’s primetime NFL game. The Cowboys enter the game with the league’s top run defense while the Eagles present the No. 1 rushing offense. The winner of this matchup will decide the game.
Eagles star running back LeSean McCoy only has only played one game against the Cowboys as Philadelphia’s unquestioned starting running back. In his third season, he split time with Brian Westbrook his rookie year in 2009 and only played in one matchup against the Cowboys last season.
In that one game, he recorded 149 rushing yards on just 16 carries. The most impressive part of his game was running out the clock at the end of the game by picking up key first downs while the Eagles held tight to a 3-point lead.
The Cowboys haven’t faced such a situation this season under new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Dallas has only faced two top-tier NFL running backs this season and held both of them in check.
In a Week 2 victory, the Cowboys held San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore to just 47 yards on 20 carries. Then in a Week 7 win, Dallas kept St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson under wraps, only allowing him 70 yards on 18 carries.
McCoy presents a younger, fresher challenge. Through six games this season, McCoy has 569 yards on 105 carries, including six touchdowns. He’s also caught 21 passes for 123 yards and two more touchdowns.
The Eagles present a challenge that will truly reveal the identity of the Cowboys’ defense. Dallas has done a great job at holding opposing offenses at bay this season, including the NFL’s best in the New England Patriots. However, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo’s late-game turnovers have spoiled his team’s strong defensive performances.
If Dallas can hold McCoy in check, this will be a very winnable contest. Of course, the Cowboys will also have to contain Eagles mobile quarterback Michael Vick and speedy receiver DeSean Jackson. Dallas has struggled to contain Jackson in recent years and doing so will be critical to winning Sunday’s game.
Many believe the Patriots posed the biggest challenge to the Cowboys’ defense this season, but they’re a one-dimensional offense. The Eagles present a solid passing and rushing attack, including a very capable running quarterback in Vick. There’s no doubt Ryan will have his guys ready to go, especially after his preseason boast that the Cowboys would “beat [the Eagles’] ass.”
Contact Jeric Griffin on Twitter @JericGriffin
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The cowboys also have to contain Avant, Smith, Maclin and Celek, in no particular order. The Eagles have a lot of weapons that they have not been able to utilize this season.