NFL Wildcard Preview: Eagles-Cowboys

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys -4

Last week the Cowboys dismantled the Eagles to the tune of 28-0. The Eagles had not been shutout in the first half the entire season prior to this game, let alone in a complete 4 quarters. The end result of this wiping of the floor is that instead of the Eagles attaining the first round bye, they will now face off against Dallas in the Wildcard round in Cowboys Stadium.

The Cowboys have been historically atrocious throughout the month of December, but this year they’re heading into the playoffs with all the confidence in the world; they have gained 3 straight wins coming into Saturday’s game (2/3 came against formidable opponents, Saints and Eagles). It’s not only the month of December that’s painful for Dallas fans, so to are the playoffs. The Cowboys have not won in the first round of the NFL playoffs since 1996 against Minnesota.

The loss to Dallas halted a 6 game win streak for the Eagles which definitely slowed down their momentum, but I still wouldn’t count them out. Philadelphia has one of the most impressive playoff records since 2000 at 10-7. Head Coach Andy Reid should take credit for this record as he seems to be at his best in the playoffs, rarely making poor decisions.

Rest  assured this game will be much more competitive than last week’s match-up.

Keys To The Game For Dallas:

Marion Barber and Felix Jones

Last week the Eagles run defense was non-existent and the RB tandem was able to put up some fantastic numbers, but more importantly they were gaining the yards that mattered. One of the main reasons the Cowboys won in week 17 was the “early and often” run philosophy. The Eagles blitz seemed not to work against the run, and if they can’t figure out a way to stop them this time it could spell trouble.

Shut Down Desean Jackson

Just like last week, this is still the top priority for the Dallas defense. Jackson is the big play weapon that the Eagles offense relies on and they will need to shut him down early so that McNabb doesn’t feel comfortable in the pocket. Sustaining drives is not how the Eagles usually win games, the Philadelphia Eagles win on big plays, leading the league in plays of 20 or more yards.

Stick With The Game-plan!

Obviously the Eagles are going to come into this one with an entirely different playbook following a 28-0 wiping, but that doesn’t mean the Cowboys should too. “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”, and I say if it’s gotten you three wins in the month of December, two against the Saints and Eagles, stick with it because you’re clearly doing something right! (but this week the game plan should include fewer penalties).

Keys To The Game For Philadelphia:

Sustaining Drives

This is one of the main reasons the Eagles lost the battle last Sunday, they held the ball for just 19 minutes and 37 seconds the entire game. What this means is that the birds won’t be able to rely as heavily on the big play that has gotten them to this point. They will need to effectively run the ball to pick up those extremely important first downs. Look for a heavy dose of Leonard Weaver in this one.

Containing Miles Austin

Austin is without a doubt this team’s most dangerous weapon. Austin will obviously make a few grabs, so approaching this one the Eagles shouldn’t be overly concerned with not letting him catch the ball, but rather not letting him run with the ball after the catch. Austin is deadly with the ball in his hands and has made Eagles defenders aware of this numerous times this season. If the Eagles can hinder some of the Romo-Austin chemistry things bode well for them, as relying on Roy E. Williams and Patrick Crayton has not been as productive as people would think.

Pressure, Pressure, Pressure!

The Cowboys offensive line did a terrific job last week handling the Eagles blitz. Romo had plenty of time to complete every one of his passes and did so with ease. If Philadelphia even expects to keep this one close they will have to find ways to bust through this line. Trent Cole needs to figure out a way to blow by Flozell Adams.

Thoughts:

There is no way that this game looks anything similar to the last. This will be a competitive match-up down to the wire that is inevitably won in the time of possession battle. For the Eagles to come out of this one victorious they’re going to need to fight hard and not allow the ridiculous crowd noise level in Cowboys stadium to get to them. The Cowboys need simply to keep producing as they have been of late, if they do they WILL enter the next round as the team to beat in the NFC.

My Pick, as seen in our writer contest, is the Dallas Cowboys in a 23-17 victory. If I’m right, rejoice Cowboys fans in your first playoff win since 1996.

Follow us on Twitter: @GridironExperts