Eagles-Cowboys scouting report
Recent history: The Eagles swept last season's two games and have won 11 of the last 14. The Cowboys lead the series, 53-42.
OFFENSE
Eagles
354.4 yards per game (8th)
Cowboys
402 yards per game (2nd)
Quarterback
Eagles: Donovan McNabb displayed a little more nimbleness in avoiding rushers last Sunday, which he'll need vs. Cowboys' aggressive zone blitzes. McNabb was effective with screens and slants vs. Vikings and probably will use them again to keep the Cowboys on their heels.
Cowboys: Tony Romo has an NFC-best 95.6 passer rating and leads the conference in TD passes (16) and yards per attempt (8.30). But he's got just 17 career starts and didn't fare well against Jim Johnson's defense last December, completing just 14 of 29 passes and throwing two interceptions.
PICK: EAGLES
Running back
Eagles: Brian Westbrook was held to a season-low 2.2 yards per carry by the Vikings. It won't get much easier vs. the Cowboys' aggressive one-gap 3-4, which is allowing just 3.6 per carry. The Eagles will try to get him matched up vs. linebackers and strong safeties in the passing game.
Cowboys: Marion Barber and Julius Jones have split carries down the middle. But Barber, who is averaging 5.7 yards per carry, essentially has become the go-to guy, particularly in the second half when his punishing style can take advantage of weary defenses.
PICK: EAGLES
Receiver
Eagles: Reggie Brown has 17 catches in the last three games and Kevin Curtis is averaging an impressive 18.2 yards per catch. But slot man Jason Avant has contributed little the last five games. Cowboys' weak-covering safeties could present middle-of-the-field opportunities for TE L.J. Smith.
Cowboys: Jason Witten leads all NFC TEs in receptions (42) and receiving yards (540). Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has been moving Terrell Owens all over the formation, and he has responded with 13 catches for 169 yards and two TDs in the last two games.
PICK: COWBOYS
Offensive line
Eagles: This unit hasn't been nearly as consistent as it was a year ago. Injuries have played a part in that, but so has some occasionally poor interior play, particularly by C Jamaal Jackson. Jackson must control NT Jay Ratliff better than he did the Vikings' Pat Williams.
