Sunday’s matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox) will be must-see TV and could be the biggest game in Week 9.
The NFL’s biggest rivalry will be packed full of star power featuring two of the best teams in the NFC.
A home win by Philadelphia (7-1) would put them in a commanding position in the NFC East heading into their bye week, while a win by the Cowboys (5-2) would make things more complicated with another matchup looming in between the toughest stretch of games this year.
How Eagles play Micah Parsons
Micah Parsons’ has seen his legend grow since entering the NFL, and through 8 games played in 2023, the Cowboys pass rusher could be the most double and triple teamed player in league history.
Running the football can help Philadelphia slow Parsons down, but on obvious passing situations, will the Eagles allow Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson to play one on one at the tackle positions.
That’s what we’ll be watching.
Elite WR Talent
CeeDee Lamb has recorded 19 receptions, 275 yards and two scores over the previous two games, and he’s totaled 15 catches for 188 yards and two touchdowns against the Eagles last season.
The former Oklahoma wide receiver would be the talk of the NFL if not for A.J. Brown’s dominant six week stretch that included an NFC Offensive Player of the Month award. Add in DeVonta Smith and Brandin Cooks, and Sunday’s offers a spectacular opportunity for elite pass catchers.
Eagles run-pass ratio
Eagles’ offensive coordinator Brian Johnson has received his fair share of criticism, and if he has Jalen Hurts drop back 45+ times on Sunday, he’ll never recover from what Sports Radio in Philadelphia has in store for him.
The Dallas defense is dominant, but they are succeptible to strong rushing attacks, amd Johnson can do QB Jalen Hurts a huge favor by establishing D’Andre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell and Rashaad Penny early and often.
How Eagles secondary matches up with Cowboys receivers
Philadelphia is banged up in the secondary and there’s been some discussion about an obvious disadvantage despite the Eagles having two All-Pros at the cornerback spot.
We’ll be watching to see how DC Sean Desai utilizes Sydney Brown, Eli Ricks and others at the slot cornerback spot.
Eagles linebacker rotation
Nakobe Dean had a career high in tackles against Washington and achieved the feat while being a part of a rotation that included Zach Cunningham and Nicholas Morrow.
Dallas can be stout in the running game, and the three man linebacker rotation will have a big role against the run and the pass.
