Gameday – DAL at PHI

Big games are what make the NFL fun and today’s showdown with the Cowboys is certainly a big game. Nothing is on the line specifically, but both teams have a lot to gain. The Eagles could create real separation in the division race. Dallas has a chance to silence their critics and move closer to the Eagles.

You can make a strong case for why both teams should win. The Eagles are the better team and they’re at home so I give them the advantage, but Dallas can be a force when they play their A-game.

Let’s see who will be playing.

Today's inactives#DALvsPHI pic.twitter.com/bAyVQb6HBb

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 5, 2023

Barnett sits. That is very interesting. This should mean more snaps for Nolan Smith. I suppose Patrick Johnson could also get some of those snaps. Barnett has done nothing as a pass rusher this year so sitting him is a good move. You don’t want your backup Edge player to mainly be a run defender.

The Eagles are going light at DT. They traded Kentavius Street and will sit Ojomo. They still have plenty of guys. Just interesting. This does tell you Jalen Carter is healthy and should play a lot.

Rashaad Penny is active. We’ll see if he actually gets some PT or is strictly a backup.

The @dallascowboys inactives at Philadelphia:

#15 Trey Lance (emergency third QB)
#19 Noah Igbinoghene (CB)
#37 Eric Scott (CB)
#42 Deuce Vaughn (RB)
#83 Jalen Brooks (WR)
#93 Viliami Fehoko Jr. (DL)

— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) November 5, 2023

No surprises there.

I expect the Eagles to score points.

Rookie Tyler Steen is working with OL coach Jeff Stoutland, RT Lane Johnson, and OL Julian Good-Jones. Steen appears to be in line to start today at RG, which would be his first NFL start. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/fLz2hj7nVZ

— Chris Franklin (@cfranklinnews) November 5, 2023

Steen will have to deal with some quick, active DTs. He needs to use his hands well and not let guys beat him cleanly.

I’m curious to see how the Eagles defense plays. They tend to struggle when they face Dak Prescott. This is Sean Desai and not Jonathan Gannon so that gives me hope. The key will be if the secondary can cover effectively. They don’t have to be perfect, but they do need to win some battles. It sure would be nice to see James Bradberry get going. He’s had a disappointing season.

Are you excited for the NFL debut of Ben VanSumeren? He’ll be wearing #57. Dallas has a great STs unit. This will be a test for the Eagles, who are greatly improved on STs this year. Dallas can block kicks. They have explosive returners. Michael Clay will need his STers to play well so Dallas doesn’t have an advantage in STs situations.

I am 100 percent confident in the Eagles.

Kind of. Sorta. For the most part.

I am genuinely excited for the first real Dak-Jalen showdown. They faced each other early in 2021, but the Eagles and Hurts were very different back then. Things have changed just a bit since then.

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