This Saturday, the (8-6) Dallas Cowboys may be able to celebrate more than just Christmas. After last week’s New York Giants loss to the Washington Redskins, the Cowboys can clinch the NFC East Championship with a win over the Eagles, and Giants loss to their cross town rival Jets. However, this scenario will not be as easy as it sounds. The Eagles have won two games in a row and defeated the Cowboys in week 8, 34-7 behind the strong running of LeSean McCoy (185 yards and 2 TDs).
In order for the Cowboys to win this Saturday, they will need to keep McCoy in check. This season, McCoy has run for 1,274 yards and a franchise record of 17 TDs. Last Sunday, the Eagles rode McCoy for 102 yards and 3 TDs on their way to an impressive 45-19 win over the Jets.
This Saturday, the Cowboys offense can be their best defense. One way the Cowboys can keep McCoy in check is by keeping him off the field. The Cowboys will need to control the clock and run the ball against an Eagles defense that on average, allows 113 yards per game. Since stepping in for an injured DeMarco Murray, Felix Jones has posted two 100 plus yard rushing performances and looks as fresh as any running back can be this late in the season. According to Cowboys Owner/GM Jerry Jones, the Cowboys plan to use Jones as a “workhorse” in the final two games of the season. Expect Jones to receive at least 20 carries on Saturday.
If the Cowboys can defeat the Eagles, they will either be celebrating an NFC East Championship, or preparing for a winner take all matchup against the Giants on New Year’s Day.
More stories you might like
