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Eagles vs. Cowboys: The pick

Last week I asked what was more likely, me predicting correctly 2 weeks in a row, or the Giants losing three in a row.

It was a Karmic mismatch, of course. The poor Giants never had a chance after I picked them. Sorry, Eli.

This week, having been painfully reminded of how good the Eagles can be, I'm back with the home team. Despite the fact that defensive coordinator Sean McDermott all but admitted he was worried yesterday, faced with a confident Tony Romo, behind a solid offensive line, commanding weapons such as Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Miles Austin and Jason Witten. McDermott might have to start a rookie strongside linebacker, if Chris Gocong's hamstring and quad injuries keep him out. McDermott did not seem to be relishing the opportunity to unleash Moise Fokou on the unsuspecting Cowboys.

Of course, McDermott, clever fellow that he is, was probably sandbagging, hoping to lure me into picking Dallas, thus assuring an Eagles victory. Well, I saw through his little trap. No sale.

I am not a big believer in the Dallas defense, I don't care if DeMarcus Ware is the best defensive player in the league, as Brent Celek asserted yesterday. A healthy Brian Westbrook, Celek, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, a little Shady McCoy, who knows, maybe even a hint of Michael Vick - the Birds have weapons, too, and their o-line is getting healthier and more confident.

Wait a minute, I just thought of another reason to pick Dallas - if the Eagles win, they'll be 6-2 at the midway point, in first place in the NFC East, and my midseason assessment next week will be reasonably easy and straightforward. If they lose, though, at 5-3 I'll be forced into one of those glass-half-empty equivocations that everybody just loves to read. Which outcome is more likely? Ah, geez. Better turn this in before I change my mind.

Prediction: Eagles 28, Cowboys 23.

- Les Bowen

 

Comments   
Posted 09:22 AM, 11/06/2009
DJ
Bettin on the Iggles and Over!!!
Posted 09:34 AM, 11/06/2009
Mabus
It always scares me when so many people pick the Eagles in a game like this. Of course, every week all the players have to execute their assignments well, but I think this game will depend a lot on play calling and scheme. Will the front 4 be able to get enough pressure without a blitz? Will McD hold back calling the blitz (a la the NO game but for a different reason) because of a scrambling Romo or an underneath Witten or their running game? Which offense will show up? When so many "experts" pick the Eagles in a game like this I worry...Go Eagles
Posted 10:45 AM, 11/06/2009
JACK V
with dallas's secondary and frozell adams committing numerous penalties throughout the game on a team coached by elmer fudd with white hair, pick the eagles.
Posted 11:13 AM, 11/06/2009
SayHello2MyLittleFriend
Les, do us a favor and always bet against the Eagles. You are bad luck. Ha ha.
Comment removed.
Posted 04:56 PM, 11/06/2009
acroos21
Very bad pick by Bowen. Cowboys 45, Eagles 2.
Posted 07:30 PM, 11/06/2009
gordy
I'm not for dialing back the blitz, we did that against N.O. and it killed us. I think we have to go for broke and hope our D.B.'s will be up to the task, which will be more likely now that Macho Harris is out if the line-up
Comment removed.
Posted 10:52 PM, 11/07/2009
xmustang
Golly Les, I was afraid you would pick the Cowboys! Whew! Its obvious you play the crowd as opposed to playing to win. The game will be closer than 3 if not the 'boys stealing one in Philly. You sound as typical and ancient as your Dallas counterparts.
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