Posted on Fri, Nov. 6, 2009
Recent history: The teams split last season's games, the Eagles making the playoffs by routing Dallas in the regular-season final, 44-6. The Cowboys lead the series, 55-44.
OFFENSE
Eagles: 344.4 yards per game (15th)
Cowboys: 411.1 yards per game (2nd)
Quarterback
Eagles: Donovan McNabb is coming off his best game of the season. Using screens, slants and other quick-developing plays to counter the Giants' pass rush, he had just six incompletions in 23 attempts, and four of those were batted balls. He's thrown just one interception in 133 attempts this season.
Cowboys: Tony Romo has eight TDs, zero interceptions and a 9.27 yards-per-attempt average in the last three games. But he put up those numbers vs. defenses that are ranked 18th, 28th and 31st vs. the pass. Romo is adept at keeping plays alive with his feet, which makes it important to keep him in the pocket.
PICK: EAGLES
Running back
Eagles: Brian Westbrook returns after missing the Giants game with a concussion. He and rookie LeSean McCoy give the Eagles two versatile backs who can line up anywhere in the formation. FB Leonard Weaver's impressive rushing performance last week will give the Cowboys yet one more thing to think about.
Cowboys: Marion Barber and Felix Jones give the Cowboys a lethal thunder-and-lightning combination. Barber is tough to bring down and does most of his damage between the tackles. Jones is a dangerous perimeter runner who is averaging 7.8 yards per carry.
PICK: COWBOYS
Receiver
Eagles: WRs DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are threats to score from anywhere. Eagles have a league-best nine pass plays of 40 yards or more, including six by Jackson. As a result, TE Brent Celek is getting opportunities in the middle of the field. His 37 catches are tied for most in the NFC for a TE.
Cowboys: After catching just 18 passes in his first three seasons, WR Miles Austin has come out of nowhere to catch 21 for 482 yards and five TDs in his first three starts. He's got size, blazing speed and is a yards-after-the-catch threat. He and TE Jason Witten are Tony Romo's go-to guys.
PICK: EAGLES
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