Dak Prescott says what the Cowboys need to beat the Eagles, and it’s something they’ll have to lean on for a playoff push
Prescott discussed what’s most important to beat the Eagles.
The Dallas Cowboys play a regular season football game this week and it happens to be against none other than the top NFC East rival and Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Ahead of the game, Dak Prescott acknowledged the quality of the Eagles’ operation and the fact that they’re a tough team to beat. In the process, he touched on what the Cowboys need to do if they want to spoil their banner celebration party on Thursday night.
“They’re good, they’re sound, and they don’t do a lot, so you’ve got to be disciplined and fundamental,” Prescott told reporters ahead of the game. “We’ve just got to come out and throw the first punch. [. . .] It’s about us coming out, being the aggressors, and understanding they’re confident in the few things they do.”
Why the Cowboys being the ‘aggressors’ matters in Week 1 and beyond
When Prescott talks about being the aggressors and “throwing the first punch,” my mind immediately goes to the passing game. When it comes to beating the Eagles, the intention is clear. Dallas can’t afford to fall behind in Philadelphia. If there’s one thing Jalen Hurts’ and Saquon Barkley’s offense has excelled at has been running the football down the opponent’s throat as soon as they have the lead.
As Prescott says, they don’t do a lot, but they’re great and dangerous at what they do. I would expect the Cowboys to come out swinging on offense. That means throwing the football and attempting to exploit a talented wide receiver core led by CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
And the thing is, that shouldn’t be the story for Week 1 only but for the entire season. Following the Micah Parsons trade, questions about the defense only grew. Though nose tackle Kenny Clark boosts the run defense, now there are serious questions about the pass rush. There’s depth, no doubt but how does losing an elite player like Parsons change the offense’s approach?
As for the rushing offense, a new scheme should spark some explosive plays but the horses at running back either lack experience or any form of recent success. In a league where Jimmies and Joes matter more than the Xs and Os, I’m more willing to bet on the talent available to sling the football.
Prescott is only two years removed from an MVP-runner-up season. In 2023, he and Lamb led the NFL’s No. 1 scoring offense. Now, the wide receiver room is better thanks to Pickens’ arrival and tight end Jake Ferguson should return to form after being banged up in 2024.
The Cowboys’ passing game can be this team’s ‘elite’ unit
With several roster question marks and a hard schedule ahead, the Cowboys need to be elite at something. A quick look at the team’s talent reveals passing the football is their best shot at that.
Prescott, Lamb, Pickens, and Ferguson might not be the best “four horsemen” in the NFL. But it’s the best in Dallas. This is the year to be the “aggressors” and not only in Week 1.
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QB1 has spoken.
