The Eagles know exactly what they’re walking into today: the most explosive offense they’ve seen all season in a building where mistakes usually turn into fireworks for the Dallas Cowboys.
Quarterback Dak Prescott is playing like an MVP candidate. Javonte Williams has stabilized the backfield. Their receivers, led by CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, are winning one-on-one matchups weekly. And the Cowboys’ offensive numbers — near the top of the league in virtually every category — back up the film.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio didn’t sugar-coat the challenge.
“They’re one of the best offenses in the league,” Fangio said. “They’re like (No. 2) in yards, (No. 2) in points, first in passing, yet 12th in rushing, which means they’ve got balance. They’re really a good offense. With those dynamic receivers, the tight end (Jake Ferguson), Williams at running back. Prescott makes it go. He’s having a hell of a year.”
The Eagles bring in a defense that has been among the NFL’s best — particularly during its recent surge. The Birds have tightened their coverage structure, eliminated explosive plays and have overwhelmed opponents with a front that’s controlling games. Over the past month, they’ve ranked near the top of the league in points allowed, yards allowed and third-down defense.
Jalen Carter has been dominant. Jordan Davis is collapsing pockets and batting passes. Jaelan Phillips has boosted the edge rotation. And younger defensive backs have settled into Fangio’s system.
“We’re communicating, we’re playing fast and we’re playing for each other,” coach Nick Sirianni said this week. “This is the identity we’ve been pushing toward.”
Fangio said the recent stretch has been a product of discipline. “Guys are trusting the calls, trusting their leverage, playing together,” he said. “But the margin for error against Dallas is smaller than usual.”
On the offensive side, Jalen Hurts acknowledged the stakes.
“We know what this matchup means, but it’s still about us,” Hurts said. “Execution. Efficiency. Finishing drives.”
With Dallas’ defense near the bottom of the league in yards allowed and points allowed, the Eagles should have opportunities, theoretically. But scrutiny of their offensive stagnation has reached a fever pitch. Ironically, their season-opening win against the Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field — when receiver A.J. Brown was targeted just once, and not until the fourth quarter — foreshadowed issues to come.
The Cowboys’ defense has been the team’s biggest liability, ranking near the bottom of the NFL against both the run and the pass, and struggling to generate stops in high-leverage situations. They’ve given up chunk plays, blown coverages and have had long drives by the opponents at an alarming rate.
But the one thing that has improved is their defensive line. Since acquiring defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the Jets, Dallas has been more disruptive inside. Their run fits have tightened, and they’re generating more interior pressure.
“They’re big, they’re strong and they’ve improved with what they’ve added,” Sirianni said. “They can change the math up front.”
That will place more responsibility on the Eagles’ offensive line, which will be without right tackle Lane Johnson. Center Cam Jurgens is questionable but was a full participant in Friday’s practice.
Injury report
Eagles: OUT: Johnson, who is out with a foot injury. QUESTIONABLE: T Myles Hinton (back), Cam Jurgens (concussion) and G/C Willie Lampkin (knee/ankle).
In addition to Jurgens, Hinton, Jurgens, Lampkin and edge Jaelan Phillips (shoulder) were all full participants in Friday’s session.
Cowboys: QUESTIONABLE Hakeem Adeniji, who missed Friday’s practice with an illness, and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (neck/shoulder).
Prescott (hip) was a full participant late in the week. DT Solomon Thomas (calf), edge Dante Fowler (shoulder), and S Malik Hooker (toe/personal) all practiced and are expected to be available.
Pregame position grades
Here’s how the teams match up heading into Sunday, based on health and how they’ve been playing recently. Performances will be evaluated postgame.
QB: Cowboys A-, Eagles B-
RB: Eagles B+, Cowboys B
TE: Eagles A-, Cowboys B+
WR: Cowboys A+, Eagles B+
OL: Eagles B, Cowboys B
DL: Eagles A, Cowboys B-
LB: Eagles A, Cowboys C
CB: Eagles B, Cowboys C-
S: Eagles B, Cowboys C-
ST: Eagles A, Cowboys A
On the air
Eagles (8-2) at Cowboys (4-5-1), Today, 4:25 p.m., AT&T Stadium, Dallas.
TV: FOX: Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi.
Radio/streaming: 94.1-FM WIP: Merrill Reese, Mike Quick and Devan Kaney. Tico: Rickie Ricardo, Oscar Budejen and David Gerhardt.
Betting odds
Spread: Eagles by 3.
Over/under: 47.5.
Money line: Eagles -175, Cowboys +150.
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Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc.
