Breaking Down the Game – DAL at PHI

Sunday’s game is huge for both the Cowboys and Eagles, although for slightly different reasons. The Eagles are trying to build momentum, while Dallas is trying to stay alive in the playoff race.

Let’s take a look at some different factors.

The MNF Factor

Teams that play on MNF tend to struggle when forced to go on the road the next week. Dallas lost to the Titans on Monday night and now will be traveling to Philly for the big game.

The Lions lost in the opener, went to SF and lost again. The Bucs lost to PIT on MNF and then were destroyed by the Bears on the road. Denver lost on MNF and then went to the Jets and lost 34-16.

Advantage: Eagles

Desperation

One of the old adages in the NFL is that the more desperate team has an advantage.

Dallas is 3-5 and hanging by a thread. They’ve lost 3 of 4 games. The Eagles are 4-4 and have won 2 of 3.

Advantage: Cowboys

The Philly Factor

Last year Dak Prescott beat Eagles backups. In 2017 Carson Wentz beat Dallas backups. The Cowboys won in Philly in 2012-2015. That was an ugly stretch.

You have to go back to 2011 to find the last time the Eagles starting QB beat the Cowboys starting QB at The Linc.

Advantage: Cowboys

Coach-QB Factor

Why did Dallas do so well from 2012-2015?

2012 … Andy Reid/rookie Nick Foles vs Jason Garrett/Tony Romo
2013 … Chip Kelly / Nick Foles vs Jason Garrett/Tony Romo
2014 … Chip Kelly / Mark Sanchez vs Jason Garrett/Tony Romo
2015 … Chip Kelly / Sam Bradford vs Jason Garrett/Tony Romo

The Eagles didn’t have the better coach/QB combination in those games.

This year Carson Wentz and Doug Pederson will be taking on Dak Prescott and Jason Garrett

Advantage: Eagles

Road Factor

Similar to the Philly Factor, but less specific. Dallas is 3-1 at home this year. They are 0-4 on the road.

Advantage: Eagles

Born To Run Factor

The Cowboys love to run the ball. They are 0-4 when you hold them under 100 yards.

The Eagles have held 6 of 8 opponents to under 80 yards.

In 4 games this year, QBs have been the leading rushers against the Eagles.

The only RB to go for more than 50 yards against the Eagles this year was Saquon Barkley.

Dallas has the #6 running offense in the NFL. The Eagles have the #2 run defense in the league.

Advantage: Eagles

*****

#Eagles feeling pretty good right now. Loud music and freestyle rapping going on in the locker room. Michael Bennett and Jordan Matthews the primary rappers.

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) November 9, 2018

Last year’s team was at its best when loose and having fun.

I have no idea if that is true with this team.

As a general rule, I do think it is better for a team to be loose than uptight. The question is what is the difference between being loose and not being focused or ready to play. Each team has a unique emotional makeup.

The 2004 team was at its best when they played with swagger, thanks to TO. The 2008 team was more business-like. That team was built more on defense.

This season has been strange, partially due to so many injuries. If this team is plays well down the stretch, we will get a better feel for the identity of the team.

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