Waiting All Day For Sunday Night — Eagles-Cowboys Preview
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, center, steps over players after scoring on a keeper against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
After one of the worst losses of the Hurts and Sirianni era, the Eagles will look to bounce back with Sunday night football in Dallas.
The Eagles have not had great success in Dallas and have not won in Dallas since 2017. The Cowboys are currently on a 14-game home winning streak, going back to 2022. This is a massive swing game for the chase for the NFC East title, and the NFC’s number one seed.
Dak For MVP?
While it might seem crazy to some people that Dak Prescott is in the MVP conversation, he has been playing better than he ever has. In some sportsbooks, Prescott is currently the favorite, or co-favorite to win the award. So far this season, Prescott has thrown for 3,234 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Prescott currently leads the NFL in touchdown passes. In the first matchup of the season, Prescott threw for 374 yards and 3 touchdowns. If he had not stepped out of bounds on a potential game-winning drive, he may have led the Cowboys to a win. While Prescott has played well this season, he has played his best football at home. All three of the Cowboys’ losses this year have come on the road, with Prescott failing to throw for over 250 yards in two of the three. He has eclipsed that 250-yard mark at home 7 times this season, all wins.
We all know the backend of the Eagles’ defense has struggled this season, and that’s why their front line needs to have a big night on Sunday. In last week’s game against the 49ers, the Eagles’ defense was not able to get to Brock Purdy after the first quarter, and it was a big reason they scored all those points. The strongest part of the Eagles’ defense is the line, and they need to get to Prescott.
The Eagles defense has struggled heavily on 3rd down, and they need to get that fixed in this game. The Eagles’ defense is currently 32nd, or worst, in the NFL on 3rd downs with opponents converting on 47.27% of 3rd downs according to teamrankings.com. Over their last three games, teams are converting on 58% of their 3rd downs against the Eagles’ defense. The Cowboys’ offense is the 2nd best 3rd down offense converting on 48.48% of their 3rd downs. This game may come down to who can get off the field on 3rd down.
Inconsistent QB Play
Even though some of us Eagles fans may not want to admit it, Jalen Hurts has been inconsistent this season. For most Quarterbacks inconsistencies come from game to game, But Hurts’ are seen from quarter to quarter. There are some quarters this season where Hurts looks like the best Quarterback in the NFL, but far too often he and the offense sputter for quarters or halves. The Eagles have trailed at halftime in 5 straight games, and while most want to blame the offensive coordinator, I think it’s time we look at the Quarterback.
According to Brandon Lee Gowton of Bleeding Green Nation Hurts currently ranks 2nd slowest in time to throw at 3.23 seconds. Many other experts have said that Hurts sees false pressure and bails the pocket too early. In last week’s game against the 49ers that was definitely true as Hurts would look to escape to his right when there was no real pressure in his face yet.
If the Eagles are going to win this matchup they will have to win a shootout and will have to start hot. The Cowboys, especially at home, are not a team you can rely on coming back on. The Eagles offense, and Hurts especially have to be on from snap one.
What is at Stake
While the Eagles still currently hold the number 1 seed in the NFC, and the top spot in the NFC East, this game is the biggest swing game in the pursuit for both. If the Eagles win this game, they will still be a game up on the 49ers for the number one seed, but they would take a 3 game lead on the Cowboys for the NFC East lead. With 4 games after this one, it would not clinch the division, but it would just about wrap it up.
If the Eagles lose this game, and the 49ers win, the 49ers would hold the number one seed in the NFC. The Eagles and Cowboys would also become tied for the NFC East lead, with just 4 games to go. While this is not a “must win” for the Eagles, it’s pretty close to it.
