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The ultimate rivalry in the NFC East will play out another chapter when the Dallas Cowboys tackle the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday morning. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 11:30am (AEDT).
The 5-1 Cowboys play host to the 4-2 Eagles in a vital conference clash that will decide finishing positions in the NFC East.
This showdown will shine a spotlight on the two rookie quarterbacks. Dak Prescott, a late fourth-round selection by the Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft. Prescott was not expected to feature so prominently this season but ongoing injury concerns to regular quarterback Tony Romo, has resulted in Prescott impressively steering the Cowboys to a five-game winning streak and leading the division.
Carson Wentz, the Eagles’ second overall selection in the same draft and a young man who has responded to the pressure of being the starting quarterback and has the Eagles sitting in second place in the NFC East.
Another rookie might also have a huge say in proceedings. Cowboy running back Ezekiel Elliott has terrorised defences on his way to rushing for at least 134 yards in the past 4 matches.
The Cowboys should be primed this week after coming off the bye and will be looking to exploit their No.1 ranked rush offence. Ezekial Elliot ran all over the Green Bay Packers last start on his way to 157 yards and has looked unstoppable at times this season.
The Cowboys have had significant injuries this season to key players, it hasn’t impacted though and coach Jason Garrett should get some credit for that. Starting quarterback Tony Romo has missed the entire season to date, running back Darren McFadden likewise.
However, the Cowboys have not missed a beat as their replacements rookies Prescott and Elliott have played like veterans. Wide receiver Dez Bryant, guard La’el Collins, linebacker Rolando McClain and cornerback Orlando Scandrick also failed to suit up last start.
Only Bryant and Scandrick have been listed as possibilities this week against the Eagles.
The Eagles regained confidence last start after accounting for the previously undefeated Minnesota Vikings. Travelling to Texas should have no fears for the Eagles, they are yet to lose at this venue.
However, they will need to address their turnovers after giving up the ball four times against the Vikings. Clearly they were helped by the fact the Vikings were just as accommodating and turned the ball over four times as well.
It is hard to contemplate the Cowboys being just as generous on their home turf if the Eagles turnover concerns return in this matchup.
The Eagles will need a lift in their rush defence where there ranked 14th and are coming up against the Cowboys rush offence which is ranked No.1.
Only one major injury concern for the Eagles, cornerback Ron Brooks is gone for the season after rupturing his right quadriceps tendon. Safety Malcolm Jenkins may need to play cornerback and Jaylen Watkins can once again replace Jenkins at safety.
Will Prescott and the Cowboys prevail and have Eagles management wondering what could have been? Could the Eagles have taken running back Ezekiel Elliott with their number two pick and secured Prescott cheaply further down the draft order? Or will Carson Wentz discover early season form and justify the Eagles selection?
Prediction
At home, coming off the bye and having the luxury of unleashing their No.1 ranked rush offence against a middle ranked defence, I’m tipping the Cowboys to win here and win pretty easily.
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