Roob’s Observations: Eagles Hold On Against Cowboys, Carry 8-1 Record into Bye Week
Originally published on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Well, that was unexpected.
The Eagles did everything in their power to lose this game, yet somehow, against all odds, they managed to hold on and secure a victory against Dak Prescott and the Cowboys. It’s still a mystery how they did it, but the final score reads Eagles 28, Cowboys 23, and we can all breathe a sigh of relief.
Here are our key takeaways from this crucial win:
1. The sight of Jalen Hurts returning to the field after halftime was a godsend for Eagles fans. After the brutal hit he took in the second quarter, it felt like the entire season was in jeopardy. However, Hurts showed incredible toughness, resilience, and focus by leading the team to victory despite not being anywhere close to 100% physically. His passing game was exceptional once again, completing 74% of his throws for 207 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Hurts is playing at an incredibly high level right now, and the Eagles desperately need him to continue performing at this caliber.
2. This win was absolutely crucial for the Eagles. They had lost 14 of their last 22 games against the Cowboys and struggled against Prescott. To be considered legitimate Super Bowl contenders, the Eagles needed to defeat their biggest rivals and the strongest team in their division. This victory signifies their ability to hold their ground against tough opponents, and they now hold the top seed in the NFC with a 2 ½-game lead over the Cowboys. While there are more challenging games ahead, a win against the Cowboys is a significant achievement and solidifies the Eagles’ status as the best team in the NFL.
3. The Eagles’ offensive line showed impressive resilience in the second half. They started off shaky, allowing three sacks, four hits, and eight pressures on Hurts in the first half. However, they made crucial adjustments during halftime and completely turned their performance around. In the second half, they didn’t allow any sacks, only one hit, and two pressures. Rookie Tyler Steen, in particular, deserves commendation for his excellent play at right guard in his first NFL start. Jeff Stoutland’s coaching expertise was evident in the second-half improvement, and Steen’s heads-up play in recovering a fumble saved the game.
4. Despite various lineup changes and injuries, the Eagles’ secondary managed to hold their ground against the Cowboys. Dak Prescott still had a great game, throwing for 375 yards and three touchdowns, but the defense made crucial plays when it mattered most. Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat secured crucial sacks, and Reed Blankenship’s goal-line stop prevented a touchdown. Darius Slay, Nicholas Morrow, and Sydney Brown also played vital roles in preventing CeeDee Lamb from scoring a potential game-winning touchdown. While the defense gave up plenty of yards and big plays, the final score and the team’s 8-1 record are what truly matter.
5. The Eagles’ running game continued to struggle, but there were signs of improvement in this game. Brian Johnson, the offensive coordinator, didn’t abandon the run after a slow start, and as the game progressed, they began to gain momentum on the ground. Even when the running game isn’t putting up big numbers, there is value in mixing it up and keeping defenses guessing. The Eagles finished with 109 rushing yards on 33 carries, averaging 3.3 yards per carry with two touchdowns. While it’s not where they want to be, sticking with the run game is crucial for offensive balance.
6. Nick Sirianni has shown a tendency to give players who face adversity an opportunity to bounce back the following week. Kenny Gainwell had a tough week with a fumble, poor performance, and off-field issues, but he responded admirably in this game. Gainwell scored a touchdown on the Eagles’ first drive and made significant contributions, including a key block on a big catch-and-run by D’Andre Swift. Despite his limited yardage, he played an important role in this victory and showcased his potential.
7. The Eagles were fortunate to escape with a win considering their penalty troubles. They were called for 10 penalties totaling 98 yards, and a few particularly egregious infractions in the fourth quarter could have cost them the game. Discipline will be crucial moving forward, as unnecessary roughness penalties and roughing the passer calls could prove costly against stronger opponents.
In conclusion, the Eagles’ victory against the Cowboys was hard-fought and showcased their ability to overcome adversity. Despite their flaws, they continue to find ways to win, and their current 8-1 record solidifies their position at the top of the NFC. With more tough challenges ahead, they must address their running game and discipline issues to maintain their success.
