Eagles-Cowboys scouting report

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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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Posted 07:30 AM, 11/06/2009
Seed
Good analysis. Stoppping Dallas's run game is most critical. If Romo and a 4th year special team guy (Austin) beats you; it's just a freak incidence. Can not let the strong part of Dallas, the running game and TE beat you.
Comment removed.
Posted 10:40 AM, 11/07/2009
Murphman
The 31-20 prediction is a little presumptuous. I don't think you will see offensive numbers like against the Giants. The Cowboys pass rushing will provide a superior test to an offensive line that really is not that good. Romo is playing with much confidence right now and that really helps the Cowboys as a whole. I see the Cowboys winning this thing 24-20.
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Posted 12:35 PM, 11/07/2009
PhillyTrue
Stop F Jones from getting big plays in the run game and pressure Romo. We all know how Romo plays after you hit him a few times. On the flip side if our O line can keep Donovan off the turf good things will happen when the Eagles have the ball.
Posted 10:43 AM, 11/12/2009
ricaritatu
Domowitch, you're a joke
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