Eagles-Cowboys report card
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Eagles-Cowboys report card
Paul Domowitch, Daily News NFL Columnist
Here are our grades for the Eagles-Cowboys game:
RUSHING OFFENSE
A week after calling just 5 run plays in the second half v. Redskins, Andy Reid wisely went with a more balanced approach vs. Cowboys. Ran it 18 times in the first half for 58 yards, including 9- and 16-yard runs by Correll Buckhalter and Brian Westbrook that set up the Eagles’ first score, and a QB sneak for a TD by Donovan McNabb. Grade: B-plus
PASSING OFFENSE
Donovan McNabb’s numbers were mode st (12-for-21, 175 yards). But he managed the game well and threw 2 touchdowns, one to Buckhalter and another to tight end Brent Celek. No interceptions for the fourth time in the last 5 games. Grade: B-plus
RUN DEFENSE
Eagles did another excellent job against the run, holding the Cowboys to 2.9 yards per carry in the first half when stopping the run still was still a priority. In their last 7 games, they’ve held opponents to 3.1 yards per carry. Grade: A
PASS DEFENSE
Tony Romo, who picked apart the Eagles in Week 2, completed just 21 of 39 passes and was sacked 3 times, 2 of which resulted in turnovers. Eagles were in his face most of the day. For the first time this season, he failed to throw a touchdown pass. Grade: A-plus
SPECIAL TEAMS
DeSean Jackson’s 21-yard first-quarter punt return kick-started the Eagles’ first scoring drive. Eagles’ kickoff coverage was a little bit shakey. They gave up 36- and 37-yard returns. David Akers hit 3 of 4 field goal attempts, including a 50-yarder at the end of the second quarter that pretty much made it game, set and match. Grade: B-minus
OVERALL
Oakland and Houston gave the Eagles second life, and this time, they didn’t blow it. Andy Reid came out with a well-thought-out, balanced offensive game plan, his quarterback managed the game well, and his defense held its fourth straight opponent to less than 15 points. Grade: A
The high 5 to the face...hilarious!! Eagles live for another game...Go Birds!!!— cream- extremebeat: No, I honestly don't think it could. Sure, rolling over people to get into the playoffs would have been great, but that's not how this city rolls. We wait until we are counted out, and then throw that right-left combo, and the opponent goes down with a thud. That's how you know things are in place...this is the perfect setup for a Philly victory.— MFPhils
- For once, LastRepublican, I can agree with you - anytime the Cowboys get beat is a good time and a great game. It's only sweeter when the Eagels get to do it, knock them out of the playoffs, and get in all at the same time!!!— State-Man
- Haters or Realists I think all Philly fans know this season was a mess and I believe the fans haters or no helped to improve the playing and coaching of the team. However I do still believe Andy and his Boy need to go. There was absolutely no reason for the team to have played so bad this season other then complacency from the top down. Coaches not putting any effort in then players not putting effort in. Donavon all of a sudden deciding he isn’t going to rush any more, etc. I think 10 years trying to win a ring is too much when this franchise has never won a SB and that’s what this game is all about. How long should we wait, another 5 years? No other team has ever waited this long for a ring under the same head coach, GM and QB. Sure if they get to another SB and win I’m good but If they just get to the playoffs “again” it means nothing as a fan because no “ring”.— epalmer
- I, too, finally agree with EVERYTHING posted by thelastRepublicaninPhilly. I guess that's what makes being an Eagles fan so great. Rich, poor, black, white, Republican, Democrat or Independent - we ALL bleed GREEN!!— Phrossty
- WONDER WHATS GOING THRU T.O.SMALL MIND NOW>>>BOY I COULD HAVE HAD A CHIP BY NOW???? E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!— elbe2k
What a stunning performace by the Eagles D. Why can't they take thAt ferocious D into the face of every QB they see? I give them (A++). Buckhalter is hitting his stride at the right time of the season (A). Number 5 is the most solid QB for not letting radio talk shows and Blogs affect him. I hope he stays in our backfield as long for many games and seasons to come (A). DeSean Jackson has played some good games, but I bet he has some phenominal games ahead (B). B Dawk is my pick for the ultimate team leader and point attacker for the D (A).
