Dallas Cowboys: Weaknesses to Key in On Versus the Philadelphia Eagles
The Dallas Cowboys (4-1) go into Philadelphia as 6-point underdogs against the Eagles (5-0). With the surprise play of QB Cooper Rush, and elevated play of QB Jalen Hurts, it has made this the obvious game of week across the NFL. With the unlikelihood of Dak Prescott playing, it does dull down the excitement a […]
The Dallas Cowboys (4-1) go into Philadelphia as 6-point underdogs against the Eagles (5-0). With the surprise play of QB Cooper Rush, and elevated play of QB Jalen Hurts, it has made this the obvious game of week across the NFL.
With the unlikelihood of Dak Prescott playing, it does dull down the excitement a bit. However, former Eagle and current Cowboy Jason Peters is keeping the chatter active.
Despite the Eagles being the favorite in the first meeting between the teams, the Cowboys are winners of three straight in the series.
Through five games, the Eagles are the lone remaining team in the league. Fielding one of the most complete rosters in football on all sides of the ball. While the Cowboys show good resilience despite losing talented players in the off-season and through injury.
Philadelphia is the favorite. Deservedly so. However, they do have some key weaknesses the Dallas Cowboys are set up to exploit. Enough to walk away with another upset?
Blindsided
The left side of the Eagles starting offensive line is in question for Sunday night, which is a big disclaimer for this section.
LT Jordan Mailata, LG Landon Dickerson, C Jason Kelce, and RG Isaac Seumalo have all been limited in practice. With Dickerson dealing with an ankle injury, while Mailata left the Jacksonville game early and missed last week versus Arizona with a shoulder injury.
The Dallas Cowboys pass rush is becoming known for abusing the 'weak link' of opposing offensive lines. Whether it's Mialata and Dickerson, or potentially Jack Driscoll and Sua Opeta, expect a heavy rush of Micah Parsons, Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler and Sam Williams on that side.
Carrying The Load
The Dallas Cowboys rushing attack of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard is showing it can be the offensive feature when need be.
Even though the Eagles defense ranks as the 10th best against the run, it's a bit eschewed. What happens is opposing teams fall behind to the Eagles high-powered offense and are often forced to abandon the run early.
In reality, the Eagles defense is allowing five yards per carry for the season. Fifth worst in the league.
Going up against a Cowboys rushing attack that has eclipsed 100 rushing yards in three of their five games, on an offense that extends drives is a real test for the Eagles run defense.
Hurts, Don't It?
Jalen Hurts is having a breakout year. He is completing 68% of his passes, with an impressive 81% on target. Part of this is due to his bevy of weapons, as well as his ability to stretch the play. As a runner or thrower outside the pocket.
The biggest area Hurts still struggles as a QB is pressure. Hurts is being pressured on 21.4% of drop backs, while getting sacked on 6.5% off those passes (13th highest).
As previously mentioned, the starting offensive line is in question. Don't be surprised if the same pass rush affecting the left side of the line, has Hurts in spurts.
R.P.O. (Read Pass Obvious)
The Eagles offense is predicated more on the read-pass option and play action more than any other pair of offensive schemes. 42% of their passing success comes by way, with 572 yards of total offense.
Expect a lot of expected things to happen on defense to combat this.
Donovan Wilson as the QB spy, similar to how he played against the Giants. Jayron Kearse as the TE neutralizer on Dallas Goedert, who has been Hurts's emergency option during their time together. All while the front seven seeks to keep Hurts in a box.
Will it be enough to slow down this offense?
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