Eagles – Cowboys Preview: Eagles Offense Vs Cowboys Defense:
A good test comes for the Eagles Offense this Monday as they head to Dallas to take on the Dallas Cowboys. Many questions loom for The Birds’ Offense. Can the Offensive Line give McNabb enough time to let his receivers get open? Can the Eagles sustain enough of a rushing attack to eat up the clock and keep the Cowboys’ high octane offense off the field? Will the Eagles receivers replicate anything near their production from last week’s game against the Rams? Will Head Coach Andy Reid bring his “A Game” play calling to win such a big game (no onside kick to open the game please!)?
Donovan McNabb was on fire last week against the Rams. He had nice throwing lanes to step into and release an accurate ball. The Cowboys defense is much better than the Rams in all aspects. The Eagles Offensive Line will need to contain dangerous players such as DeMarcus Ware, Chris Canty, Anthony Spencer, and Marcus Spears in order to be productive. There are no doubt these players will make plays; it’s just a matter of the quantity of plays made. The Eagles OL needs to keep the big plays made by the Dallas defense to a minimum. Aging Tackles Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas could have trouble with the younger and quicker Dallas Defense. That could be a problem for McNabb. He will need to be the “calm, and at peace McNabb”, not the “pumped up, throwing the ball over receivers’ heads McNabb”. I would expect the Eagles to counter the aggressiveness of the Cowboys front seven by calling various types of screens and passes to Brian Westbrook and the other running backs. An early benefit from this strategy would be to get McNabb into a rhythm and confident as he makes a few completions to guys out of the back field.
If there was ever a game where the Eagles receivers and tight ends needed to step it up a notch, this would be the game. Having receivers successfully get open and who can help move the chain is a must for this game. I don’t see the Eagles receivers playing at the level they did last week against the Rams. I think the Eagles’ wide-outs took the Rams by surprise but Dallas will be more mindful of their playmaking ability. First, the Dallas front seven should do a better job of throwing off the timing of the Eagles offense. Next, the Cowboys have better depth and talent at the Secondary positions although there are weaknesses such as the pass coverage ability of Safety Roy Williams.
This game has me nervous. I have to be honest. In my opinion, it is critical that the Eagles get some points on the board the first drive or two, setting the tone for the game as if saying, “Here we are, and we aren’t going to back down”. Brian Westbrook must have a great game both rushing and receiving. Having him involved early and often will help keep the Cowboys Defense on their toes instead of pressing forward, trying to get to McNabb. Andy Reid and the coaching staff must create mismatches and confusion so that Westbrook and the rest of the offense can open up the field and move the ball consistently. The Eagles should be able to move the ball and score on occasion. The question remains is if it will be enough to beat the Dallas Cowboys.
With that said, “E-A-G-L-E-S!! EAGLES!!”
