Tonight‚Äôs Monday night matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia is by far the NFL’s marquee game through the first two weeks of the season that features two of the games top quarterbacks.
Both teams are coming off of impressive wins. The Cowboys defeated a talented Cleveland Browns team 28-7 and the Eagles beat the lowly St. Louis Rams 38 – 3.
The Dallas Cowboys are the most talented team in football. They have weapons at every skilled position and boast a offensive line that is among the best in the National Football League. The key for the Cowboys will be neutralizing the Eagles front seven on blitzing situations. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has struggled against Jim Johnson’s blitzing scheme in the past and the Eagles will be bringing defenders from all over tonight. They will look to force Romo to get rid of the ball early to limit the Cowboys big play ability. The Cowboys will need to rely on their running game.
Running game will be the key
The key for the Cowboys will be getting Marian Barber and Felix Jones involved early in the game. Both players can cause major problems for the Eagles.
Eagles must spread the field
The Eagles need to spread the field to open up running lanes for Brian Westbrook. The Eagles lack a dominant receiver but their passing scheme allows for Donovan McNabb to get everybody involved and move the chains. The Eagles will use rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson in a lot of different formations.
Key Matchup:
Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens vs Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel.
The Eagles made Samuel one of the league’s top paid cornerbacks this off-season because of his ability to shut down #1 receiver’s like Terrell Owens and Plaxico Burress. Samuel will have the primary duty of slowing down Owens tonight. Limiting Owens will make Romo more reliant on tight end Jason Witten.
The Cowboys showed in week 1 that they are as good as advertised. The Eagles on the other hand were impressive in week 1 but it was the Rams. Tonight will be a big test for both teams. The Eagles and Cowboys are two division rivals that know each other very well.
Why we like the Cowboys
The Cowboys running back duo of Felix Jones and Marian Barber will be the difference in the game. The Eagles rely too much on Brian Westbrook.The Cowboys are the more talented and physical team and expect them to prevail tonight.
DePaoli’s pick: Dallas : Tim’s pick: Dallas