Hostility will rain upon Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys in a crucial division matchup. Despite a faltered start the Eagles, 2-4, are active in the NFC East. With ten games remaining, including four in the division, Philadelphia’s season may turnabout. The irregular Eagles attempt another step towards a potential playoff run. The up and down Cowboys intend to separate themselves in the NFC East.
Over the last two weeks, optimism crawled back into Philadelphia. Pro Bowlers Trent Cole and Jason Peters are slated to start Sunday night. “Trent’s good to go. Jason’s good to go,” declared head coach Andy Reid. Both were injured the last two contests. Cole had a calf injury and Peters was off the field due to a hamstring injury. Advancing from their bye week, the Eagles are healthy. According to Reid, the entire team practiced on Monday and Wednesday. Under Andy Reid, the Eagles are 12-0 after the bye.
The strongest sign of optimism appeared versus the Redskins. During the game, the Eagles’ defense dismantled a solid Washington ground game. Washington rushed for a mere 28 yards. Juan Castillo’s defense also created turnovers, capturing four interceptions. This week the Eagles’ defense pursuit the fourth best passing team, the Dallas Cowboys.
America’s team is 3-3 this season. The Cowboys, like the Eagles, have trouble holding on late in games. In all three losses, they were leading into the fourth quarter. Tony Romo needs to shine through four quarters, for the Cowboys to win. He must feed the ball to his talented receiving core, Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Whitten. Rob Ryan has revitalized the athletic Cowboys defense. His boys are ranked first in run defense and fifth in overall defense. On Sunday they battle the best rushing team, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Michael Vick plus LeSean McCoy equals? 170 rushing yards a game, most in the NFL. Vick, McCoy, and the high-powered Eagle’s offense have to fool the Cowboys to become victorious. Even though the Cowboys have stopped the run, they have not faced the elusiveness and explosiveness of Vick and McCoy. The unforgettable DeSean Jackson looks to continue his recent success against the Cowboys. In 2010, the speedy receiver erupted for 210 receiving yards.
The final punches of this showdown may arrive in the final minutes or seconds. A loss for the Cowboys results in an uneasy position. A loss for the Eagles cripples their hopes of a playoff run. Both teams are gunning for the NFC East crown.
