Just like that, it's Eagles week once again. The Cowboys and Eagles met for a Week 1 showdown in Philly, where the Cowboys had chances to win but couldn't make enough second-half plays.
While the defense had issues stopping Jalen Hurts and the Eagles in the first half, it proved to be one of their best overall defensive games in a season that has seen Dallas struggle mightily on that side of the ball. So much so, they've gone out an added some firepower on defense that was evident last week in Las Vegas. But let's see how it translates against the NFL's defending champs.
That will be one of the storylines for the week, as we detail five each for the Eagles and Cowboys.
Eagles
Close-Line – The defending Super Bowl champs have played all season with a target on their chest. And yes, they've taken just about every team's best shot, but it rarely has been effective as the Eagles are one of two teams in the NFC with an 8-2 record. Philly has won seven of their eight games by a touchdown or less, including the 24-20 win over the Cowboys in Week 1.
Where are the points? – The Eagles manage to light up the win column without lighting up the scoreboard. There have been some issues on the offensive side of the ball, and there have been some drama regarding receiver A.J. Brown, who has not been a major factor this season. Brown has just 38 catches for 457 yards, on pace to fall short of 1,000 yards for just the second time in his seven-year career. And despite Brown's occasional cryptic messages or calling the offense a "sh*t show," the Eagles are scoring enough to win. They rank 25th in total offense but they've managed to (tush) push forward when it counts the most.
Leaning on Defense? – With an offense that ranks in the bottom quarter of the league, but an overall record that is amongst the very best, you might think it's defense that is carrying this team. And at times, the Eagles defense has been the difference. But overall, they rank 17th in total defense – 19th against the run and 15th against the pass. The Eagles do rank 8th in scoring defense, allowing just 20.1 points per contest. Ironically enough, the Cowboys scored exactly 20 against Philly in Week 1.
Keep Away – The Eagles have to be great at something right? How about taking care of the football. As we approaching the Season of Giving, we'll see if the Eagles stick to their stingy ways with the ball. Philly ranks first in the NFL in protecting the ball, committing just four turnovers. The have just a +6 margin thanks to their 10 takeaways on defense, but Jalen Hurts has thrown just one interception all year and the Eagles have lost just three fumbles. The Cowboys lost the turnover margin against the Eagles 1-0 back in September, with the lone fumble by Miles Sanders proving to be a costly turnover in the red zone.
O-line setback – The Eagles are still unsure if All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson is going to miss the entire season with a Lisfranc foot sprain, he will most certainly be out Sunday against Dallas. Johnson had to leave Sunday's game with Detroit early and didn't return. The Eagles are likely to replace him at right tackle with veteran backup Fred Johnson, who has 15 career starts in his seven-year career.
Cowboys
Emotional win – The Cowboys just needed to play a game after a long bye week filled with the tragic death of Marshawn Kneeland. Not only did they need to get back on the field, but winning the game was a bonus, too. The Cowboys were able to fight through the emotions to get a much-needed win over the Raiders, 33-16 for their first-ever game in Las Vegas. That keeps them somewhat in the playoff hunt, but it's going to be an uphill battle at 4-5-1 with seven games to play.
Gauntlet schedule – The reason the Cowboys have that uphill battle, is mainly because of the schedule that is awaiting them. The Cowboys play both teams in last year's Super Bowl in a matter of four days, starting with the Eagles Sunday at AT&T Stadium. Philly has been winning close games all year, including the 24-20 victory in Week 1 over the Cowboys. Now, Philly fans will remind us all that Jalen Carter didn't play the game after his spitting incident on Dak before the first snap. Carter is one of the best defensive tackles in football, but Quinnen Williams is also in that category and he will be playing for the Cowboys as well for his first home game. The Cowboys face the Eagles, Chiefs and Lions in a matter of 11 days.
New Defense? – If the defense looked different Monday night in Vegas, it might have been because the personnel was much different. From Quinnen Williams, to Logan Wilson and DeMarvion Overshown at linebacker, to both safeties back in Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson to the rookie debut of Shavon Revel, the defense was different – and played like it. Obviously, Geno Smith and the Raiders are not the toughest of challenges, but if the defense is indeed better, we'll find out soon enough when the Cowboys face Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes and Jared Goff in the next three games.
Injury situation - The Cowboys seemed to be as healthy as they've been all season the other night in Las Vegas. Solomon Thomas was out with a calif injury and he could be hard-pressed to return for this game. The Cowboys have some quality depth now at tackle and Perrion Winfrey has been activated to the roster, meaning he could be another option as a backup tackle in needed. The Cowboys were able to escape the Raiders game fairly clean injury-wise, which is vital on a short week, with an even shorter week to follow.
CeeDee & Pickens – Whatever problems they might have caused before the game that led to their brief benching for the first offensive series, George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb were way more problematic for the Raiders secondary. The duo, which could be considered the best in all of football, lit up the Raiders, each catching a touchdown pass from Dak Prescott. Pickens and Lamb are just the fourth duo in the NFL with a pair of 500-yard receivers. In the first game against the Eagles, Lamb had seven catches for 110 yards but had at least three costly second-half drops. Pickens had three receptions for 30 yards, but did draw a pair of pass interference penalties that led to scores.
