When the Dallas Cowboys face the Philadelphia Eagles, you expect a close fight that's going to go down to the wire. It's a fun, passionate rivalry that both fanbases love to witness twice a year. Bragging rights are on the line, trash talk for months is set up and stakes are high. It's one exciting football game we only get to see twice a year.
But this year, it might not be a close game. The tables have turned for both teams. The Cowboys have come back from 3-5 to 7-5 with four straight wins. A streak that began when both these teams squared off earlier in the year. Now, the Eagles really need a win on Sunday.
This is the concerning bit. Even if the Eagles beat the Cowboys, they'd remain tied for first place in the division. They simply can't afford to lose this football game, which means they'll leave everything on the field and could end up shocking the Cowboys. But if Dallas is smart, they should get the easy win.
You see, we're not talking about the Super Bowl Champions here. We're talking about a 6-6 team that just last Monday saw back to back victories this season. Those two wins, by the way, were against the New York Giants and the Mark Sanchez-led Washington Redskins.
While they deserve a tip of the hat for their amazing Super Bowl run last season, they simply haven't been a consistent football team in 2018. Much had been said about them improving in the offseason talent wise but the losses of Frank Reich as offensive coordinator and John DeFilippo as QB coach seriously hurt the Eagles.
Carson Wentz is far, far from his 2017 MVP front-runner for many reasons, but I dare say losing said coaches is the main one. Losing his starting running back, Jay Ajayi didn't help either.
As for the defense, it certainly has taken a step back with lots of injuries. Linebacker Jordan Hicks will not be active for the game, which will be huge for the Cowboys' running attack. Also ruled out is CB Jalen Mills.
With the Dallas Cowboys coming off from a long week after playing on Thursday Night, this should be an easy game for them and a telling one. A win over a team like the New Orleans Saints should have this team believing in itself like never before. The Cowboys have quite a few areas in which they need to improve drastically and as they get ready to face the Philadelphia Eagles, it's the perfect week to do so.
