Who Let the Dogs Out: Eagles vs. Cowboys

Win or go home

With all the expectations, with all the disappointment, with all the injuries, the Philadelphia Eagles control their destiny. A win on Sunday and a win against the Giants, and our Eagles host a playoff game. That said, according to Vegas, the Birds are home-dogs. Here’s how they secure the win.

Beat Dallas

Create Mismatches with Miles Sanders

At the start of the season, it was apparent Miles Sanders was the future of this backfield; however, many, including myself, believed that for this season, Jordan Howard should be the number one. Nevertheless, in Howard’s absence, Sanders has displayed, not solely, the burst he demonstrated in college, but superb vision when carrying the football, particularly for a rookie.

Sanders creates mismatches every Sunday with his fancy-footwork. That paired with the uber-aggressiveness of the Dallas Cowboys’ defense, specifically their Linebackers, Miles will be putting cowboys defenders on the ground without even touching them. Not to mention, Cowboys’ LBs Sean Lee was limited in practice, and Vander Esch did not participate. Doug Pederson needs to exploit Sanders against the second strings of the Cowboys’ LBs. Get him the ball in open space, and Carson needs to find him in the flat and on check-downs.

The Front 4 needs show up

Follow the money. This pass rush is where Howie Roseman invested, and they certainly, have not generated enough pressure. Coupled with the poor secondary play, it’s a recipe for disaster.

To beat the Cowboys Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, and hopefully Derek Barnett, if healthy, need to show up. The Eagles cannot give Dak time to find Michael Gallup deep or Amari Cooper on intermediate routes. Moreover, the defensive front’s calling card needs to show up: run defense. The Eagles cannot let Dallas’ run-game get going. With all their talent on the outside, the threat of a play-action pass is more than terrifying.

Despite our wishes, Jim Schwartz cannot fix the secondary in one week, but he can fix the pass rush. Stunts, slot blitzes, and run pressures, Jim Schwartz get creative and help our wounded offense!

YAC, YAC, YAC

It’s safe to say that the Eagles offensive execution needs to be perfect. Down potential their top three receivers, Lane Johnson (officially out), and Jordan Howard, the quick-passing-game is imperative to sustain drives. “Take what the defense gives you,” that’s what Doug should be telling his guys throughout the week. With that stated, Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Dallas Goedert, and Zach Ertz (hopefully?) need to get yards after the catch on those short passes. The Eagles have no deep threat, and although they need to keep the defense honest, do not expect consistent big-plays in tomorrow’s matchup, especially without Lane Johnson to provide Carson Wentz with time in the pocket. The Eagles must find ways to take four-yard pick-ups and turn them into 15-yard gains; they merely are missing the talent to get quick strikes

Final Thoughts

Our Philadelphia Eagles’ season is on the line. Win out, and they’re in the playoffs, lose, and they are dead in the water. Remember, as long as the Birds are in the dance, anything is possible.

All things said: BEAT DALLAS!