When I first saw the Eagles schedule and noticed that once again the Cowboys were the last game, this was the scenario I was hoping to avoid. In fact, this is worse than the scenario I was hoping to avoid. I don’t think I could have envisioned a scenario with this much on the line.
Unlike last year, both teams are already in the playoffs, but this game is actually bigger than the 44-6 thrashing we gave them last year. The chasm between our situation if we win, and if we lose, is gigantic.
We win. We get an improbable first round bye, which would give us time to rest and give the OLine an extra week mesh without Jamaal Jackson. We play a home game in 2 weeks, and we all know how good Andy Reid’s team’s are at home after a “bye.”
We lose. We surrender the division to the hated Cowboys, and then don’t even get a home playoff game. What’s worse is that we would likely play the Cowboys again, in Dallas Stadium in the first round. While this would give us a chance at redemption, it would also have the potential for the unthinkable pain of losing 2 straight critical games to the Cowboys. I wouldn’t want to see or hear the fan fallout from that.
Bottom line? Get your prozac ready.
I usually would be confident about a game like this. The Eagles might not win the biggest games (NFC Championships and Super Bowls), but late-December games and other playoffs games are usually where they excel. The Cowboys on the other hand, have famously folded in December and have yet to win a playoff game since Troy Aikman left. But this game is different for a couple reasons.
- Injuries: The Eagles have lots, the Cowboys have had virtually none this year. Pass protection broke down when Jamaal Jackson exited the game last week, and the offense came to a complete halt. Will one week be enough time to get an entire line in sync?
- On the Road: I don’t think the road hurts us, but playing at home will help the Cowboys a lot.
- A Different ‘Boys Squad: Unlike the last couple years where they have flopped, the chemistry on this Dallas team is positive. They are playing with confidence, not playing scared.
For these reasons, the ‘Boys are the favorites, and should be. Does this mean I’m picking them? I honestly haven’t decided yet.
Let’s see how these team’s match up and the keys to the game, and perhaps by then I’ll figure it out.
So we should be able to pass it, and will have a hard time running it. They should have some success with both, but not huge success. The scoring offenses and defense are pretty much the same, and the home and road records are exact. So for all logical purposes, this game should end in a tie.
So what are the key match-ups for this game in my view?
1. Jason Peters vs. DeMarcus Ware
Time to show you were worth that 1st round pick and giant contract, Jason. Ware is the the primary pass rushing threat and if the Eagles can contain him, McNabb should have time to pick apart the Cowboys average secondary.
2. DeSean Jackson vs. Whoever
Jackson had only 2 catches for 29 yards in the first meeting with the Cowboys. He obviously is going to have to be more involved in this game.
3. Asante Samuel vs. Miles Austin
Jason Witten is going to get his, there is no doubt about that. The key is going to be making sure he’s the only one that does.
4. Tony Romo vs. Himself
Romo has the talent, and has significantly limited his interceptions this year, but he has yet to win these types of games with any consistency. The way we feel about McNabb in NFC Championship games and Super Bowls is the same way Cowboys fans are feeling about Romo right now.
5. Broderick Bunkley vs. Marion Barber
Getting pressure on Romo doesn’t really do much to affect the passing game as he is very good at avoiding rush. So the key for the defense is going to be stopping the run well enough that we can load up on pass coverage. Bunkley needs to deliver the type of dominant game that he did against Brandon Jacobs and Giants in the playoffs last year.
6. Sav Rocca vs. Total and Complete Suckification
In a game this evenly matched, field position could play a big role. Which means Rocca needs to not shank critical punts the way he normally does.
Obviously there are more than these, but these are the first that jump out to me.
There is part of me that finds longer previews like these stupid, because we all know what the game is going to come down to: turnovers, big plays and limiting mistakes. And there is no way to accurately predict which team is going to do what on a given day. These teams are very evenly matched and if they played 10 times, they would probably split.
That being said, it’s nearly impossible to make a prediction based on personnel. Part of me thinks that, like I said before, McNabb and Reid tend to win these types of games, and I shouldn’t think this will be any different. The other part of me thinks that Dallas is a different team than we have seen in the past, and that they are “due” to win one of these games, and the home crowd will help them to that end. If you asked me every 5 minutes for a prediction, I’d probably say something different each time.
Overall, I think the defense, not the offense, needs to win this game for us. They have been shaky the last couple games, and shaky isn’t going to cut against Dallas’ offense. Add to this that I have no idea how the OLine will play without Jackson and that the game is being played in Dallas, and during this 5-minute interval, I think we lose in a close game.
Prediction: Dallas 35, Philadelphia 31
Follow-Up Prediction: Minnesota takes the bye, and we travel back to the Dallas for the first round, where we emerge victorious.
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{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
In the NFL Draft, even the best punters and kickers usually don’t get taken till the 6th round…Rocca obviously isn’t cutting it, why wouldn’t the Eagles just take the best punter available with their 6th or 7th round pick?
Overall, I think the defense, not the offense, needs to win this game for us. >>
That’s the key comment. Dallas is not executing on 3rd and short of late. If, somehow, some way, the questionable Eagle defense is able to extend that frustration, the Eagles have a shot at winning.
Another key is I noticed you picked Dallas scoring 35 in this 5 minute time frame. I’ll take that as 0 field goals. With the Cowboys finally ridding themselves of Nick Foulke last week, who was 3-10 or awfully close to it in his most recent field goal attempts, their kicking game can’t help but improve. But it has to, or that could pose a critical advantage for the Eagles. That said, all it takes is a bad snap, a wind condition, or intervention of fate, and we’ll forget all about the great season Akers has had.
I do believe the Eagles offense will score enough points that could win the football game. How many that is, I don’t know. Depends on the personality of the game. But the Dallas defense wouldn’t win it, if we could separate the units. Their offense would. Their defense would perhaps rightfully get the underlying credit, but if Dallas avoids its ridiculous penalty pattern (see Adams, Fozelle as a leading example), and either don’t committ, or limit turnovers, they have a good shot at winning.
Regarding a prediction, I wouldn’t go so far as to pick Dallas to win against a good team. Maybe deeper into he playoffs after more proof of excellence. Until then, they remain a fraud colored by the history of some excellent teams of a lot longer ago than the ignorant portion of their fan base realizes has nothing to do with their recent rosters. Their potential for a deep playoff run (defined as being competitive in the NFC championship game) is definitely here for a change, but potential is only a fear factor for now.
Unfortunately, I aslo have a real wait and see type mentality about the Eagles. I wonder if the Eagles could/would eat time effectively on the ground if they had a lead, let alone offer a decisive defensive stand Uncertainty seems to breed more curiousity, and that sparks my interest even more, but that’s my only convictional feeling about the game. Except for the fact that no matter what, I know it will be better to wake up an Eagle fan than a Cowboy fan come Monday morning.
You really think this game is bigger than last years?
yes – winning this game would give us a direct line to the Super Bowl. winning last years game put us the playoffs as the last seed. we ended up getting far, but we didn’t know that at the time.
you could make the argument that if we win this, we are the favorites to represent the NFC and if we lose we have to win 3 road games to get to the Super Bowl. Much more on the line.
If anyone here talks to AR or McD, can that person advise them to stick Sheldon Brown on Miles Austin and NOT Asante 22…please? Austin will make 22 look silly, whereas 24 can ACTUALLY MAKE A TACKLE. I like Asante, the guy changes games, but he should NEVER get matched up with a physical YAC guy like Austin.
I don’t argue that this gives us a direct line to the super bowl.
My question was more about what would have happened had we got blown out 44-6 at home by the Cowboys, missed the playoffs in a season where McNabb got benched. What would have happened that off-season if that happened?
So more about what that win meant going forward more than that individual playoff run.
Also, this game clearly is not bigger than last year’s. How is a first rd bye more important than a playoff berth? 3 of the last 4 SB winners had to play a wildcard playoff game. Undoubtedly a big game, but don’t forget how HUGE last year’s week 17 was.
Direct line to the superbowl… if you’re really an Eagles fan, you know better.
I disagree – but it’s a matter of opinion.
If we get a bye – I think we have a chance to get to the Super Bowl. If we don’t, I don’t think we are going to win 3 straight road games against DAL, MIN and NO
Last year I didn’t think we had a Super Bowl chance either way. Obviously it turned out we did – but NO ONE was thinking about the Super Bowl a couple days before the Dallas game.
Super Bowl Berth > Playoff Berth
I think the difference in this game is pressure. What kind of pressure can the eagles put on Romo and what kind of pressure can the cowboys put on Mcnabb. Pressure usually creates turnovers. A few more possession for either team with a short field could result in a long day. That said, yes I’m a big cowboys fan and fully expect them to extract revenge from the drubbing they took at the linc last year. Now eventhough they won the first game this season its not the same. This is for a much greater cause, the NFC East chip.
I see Witten, Austin and the run game on offense making the biggest difference. On defense the cowboys corners are just as fast so the speed aspect won’t be so great. Force #5 to throw underneath and those short bunny hop passes he often makes when he’s off his game and it’ll be a glorious day in Arlington. Cowboys 27 Eagles 17.
RRose, are you from Dallas? How did you become a Cowboys fan? How does that happen? I work in San Francisco and work with someone who grew up here (in San Fran; I live in Oakland), was a young’ un through the Bill Walsh years, and still ended up a Cowboys fan because of Aikman/Irvin/Emmitt. Is that it, those 3? I come all the way out here from Philly and I can’t get away from you guys.
I’m not surprised RRose is a Cowboys fan… the rest of the football world EXACTS revenge and tries to win championSHIPS.
@zack funny. I’m almost 40 years old so no it wasn’t the Aikman/Irvin/Emmitt reasoning. I’ve been a fan long before them. Since you asked I’ll tell you. My entire family growing up as a kid were Eagles fans. I was the youngest of 10. The cowboys back in the mid 70’s were one of the best teams in the NFL. The eagles were not. So the one way I got to stick it to my relatives who picked on me constantly was to root against their favorite team. So I picked their hated rival. The Cowboys. I loved every minute Roger and Dorsett beat up on the Eagles.
Once the alliance was formed it was over. But I’ll say to you, if you choose to root for the Eagles although you live in SF that’s up to you. I grew up in philly and I chose not to root for the Eagles. I do enjoy watching them on Sunday or whatever day they are on but only to see them lose.
Alsoo, this game clearly is not bigger than last year’s. How is a first rd bye more important than a playoff berth? 3 of the last 4 SB winners had to play a wildcard playoff game. Undoubtedly a big game, but don’t forget how HUGE last year’s week 17 was.>>
I agree Adam, especially after the Eagles had given up control of their destiny, and the miracle of Oakland beating Tampa Bay minutes before pumped more life into the respirator. The one way I woul define this as bigger is its 1 less chance for this core to get it done. Time grows shorter by the year. That’s a stretch since that measurement could be applied to a lot o circumstances.
My question was more about what would have happened had we got blown out 44-6 at home by the Cowboys, missed the playoffs in a season where McNabb got benched. What would have happened that off-season if that happened?
Dannie, Heads would have rolled. Or, at the very least, everyone would have been calling for them. That may have actually shaken the confidence in Reid and McNabb and maybe AR doesn’t get his extension, maybe #5 gets traded. Big maybes but, possibilities. You could say that the Dallas win (and late season run) and the playoff performance kept the team together and in “win-now” mode, thus setting up the 2009 season. Does anyone think this team has a shot to go 12-4 if any of that happened.
So, while I do think this game is bigger than last year’s I do not think we are here right now without last year’s success. It’s because of that 44-6 thumping that they are in this game.
this game cannot be considered bigger than last year. You have to get to the dance before you can even think about how to win the dance contest. We are already in the contest and going back to Dallas in the first round doesn’t really worry me. I agree we win the rematch – classic letdown situation for cowboys since they will be cheering getting the philly monkey off their backs. Personally, I don’t think the Eagles can win the title with the bye or without. I don’t think Dallas can either. Eagles defense and/or McNAbb’s grounders will bite them at some point when they face 3 or more consecutive good teams in the playoffs.
guess I’m in the minority on this one!
I’m only thinking Super Bowl. This team has done the playoff thing many-a-time, and while I don’t take it for granted, everyone knows McNabb and Reid won’t be fully vindicated in many fans eyes if they don’t win the big one.
I didn’t think the Eagles could win 3 road games last year, and I don’t think they can this year. But THIS YEAR, they have a chance at a Bye, and in my opinion, a chance at the Super Bowl.
Pete, I agree with you about this game being bigger than last year’s game. I can’t quite articulate why but I just feel it more. I had given up on last year’s team after the Cinnci tie. I wrote em off for dead so I didn’t really think we had a chance to do anything in the playoffs even if we won. This year I feel like we have a much more balanced offense and higher expectations. Like I said, it’s hard to explain why I feel that way.
The Eagles will never win a superbowl, NEVER. And come this Sunday prepare to get your shit pushed in Blogheads. Your going down like Lady H did at Rutgers
I was just looking over some stuff, getting ready for this weekend’s game and have come to a conclusion. Leonard Weaver may have been the best offseason addition made by any team this year. Was there a need on any other team in the league that so desperately needed filling and was so perfectly satisfied.
only a delusional cowboys fan would have that level of confidence for this game, Greek
greek – 1997 last playoff win. The lowly Redskins have 3 wins since then. Chew on that.
Welcome to Game Day. May your stay be a pleasant one.
As a wise man once said, 50 per cent of this game is physical, and the other 90 per cent is mental. When in doubt, go to Yogi Berra to apply the Kiss theory, and Keep it Simple, Stupid.
It’s not just the Dallas fans that are largely delusional. Man, soon to observe my 16th anniversary of living amongst them in Ft. Worthless, Texas, I’ve had many an opportunity to listen to a lot of rhetoric from them. Fans and media alike. Former players like Michael Irvin, whom I consider one of the stupidest people to ever walk the earth. Not so much the decent, knowledgable portion of their fan base, scant as it is, but the fools perspective on this game is off the wall.
They really think they are playing chopped liver today. Two early scores, and holding on for dear life against a previusly unbeaten Who Dat Squad, and a shutout of the totally disinterested Redskin unit, and they think their December woes are history. Little do they realize that a lot more often than not, good clubs win, bad clubs don’t. So delusional are they that the standard of excellence in Texas now is winning a playoff game. That hasn’t happened since Jesus and Joseph Christ played catch in the back yard, and the immense passage of time has these yahoos forgeting that there’s a lot more football left beyond winning 1 critical game. Hell, if they win today, lets get the trophy on the pedestal and forget even wild card weekend.
Additionally, there’s the absurd perspective of a win toay over the Iggles completely erases the debacle of 44-6. Forty freaking four, mind you. That greatness was as large as the Red Sox miracle comeback of 0-3 when they defied history, and slapped the New York Yankees on their backs. Ain’t a thing in this or any other world gonna ever erase those achievements, just like no Phillie fan will ever forget 1964. Ease the pain with a win today? Oh, to be sure. But you don’t forget a literally season ending shellacking like that against a rival left for dead three hours before, saved by multiple upsets to position them with life until after the universe ends. These idiots don’t seem to realize that the only time the Eagles and Dallas matched up in an NFC title game was during a stretch when Dallas lost 3 straight NFC title games. That’s God’s team? Not to mention 20-7, Eagles, if yous are scoring a home.
Course its appropriate to relate the relavance of all this by asking what this has to do with the price of rice in Japan? Not much. It matters more what the players and coaches mental approach is on the field. But don’t kid yourself for a minute. Someone in the Eagle organization is sure to read the bellowing of Jean Jacques Taylor this morning in the Dallas Morning News, and remind themselves how right it is to hate the Dallas Cowboys and the overrated publicity machine that they are. For example…
<<IRVING – No way your Cowboys lose today.
Not at home. Not with the NFC East title at stake. Not when they have a chance at redemption after turning in the most gutless performance in franchise history against these same Eagles in last year’s season finale.
It won’t happen. >>
<<Win this game and the players on this roster will believe they’re capable of doing far more than just ending this franchise’s embarrassing streak of 12 seasons without a playoff victory.
No way they waste this opportunity.>>
Dallas fans will look at the schedule today if they do win, and think they repeated next weekend by mistake. If they win. They’re not winners even if they do. Frauds and fools, in one collective bunch.