In what might be the biggest the game of the year for both teams, Sunday will feature an NFC East showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. Given each team's 3-3 record and the fact that Dallas is in the midst three-game skid, this game has the potential to define the rest of the season for whoever comes out on top.
Philadelphia will have their hands full trying to stop a Dallas team that ranks second in yards per game. Here are three key predictions for the Eagles defense this Sunday:
1. The Eagles secondary will struggle, once again
While Jalen Ramsey sits in Los Angeles ready to become a Ram, many thought his presence in an Eagles uniform made a lot of sense. Philadelphia has struggled mightily in terms of defending the pass, ranking 29 out of the league's 32 teams, and the numbers get even worse on the road.
The Eagles give up an average of 349 yards through the air while on the road this season, meaning Dak Prescott and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore are licking their chops. Philadelphia is still missing Avonte Maddox, who remains out with a concussion/neck injury, and fellow corner Ronald Darby is questionable after being limited in practice all week.
Dallas is a pass-happy team and they will get their yards no matter what, but it will be up to the Eagles secondary make those yards difficult to gain if they want to keep up with a high powered Dallas offense.
2. The defensive line will hold Zeke to under 100 yards
The Eagles will not win this game if both of their defensive units aren't able to do their job in stopping the Dallas offense. Fortunately, Philly hosts one of the best rushing defenses in the league but they better be ready for Ezekiel Elliott.
After dropping three straight, Dallas will try to revert back to the run just a bit, meaning one of the best backs in the league will be getting more touches than usual. The Eagles will have to get the Dallas offense off the field when the opportunity is in front of them and stop third-down runs.
Philadelphia lets up the league's second-fewest first down runs per game, which they will need in order to give the ball back to their offense. If they aren't hurt too much by the play-action, Fletcher Cox and company will hold Zeke to under 100, forcing Prescott to be the one to beat them.
3. Philly will hold Dallas to under 60 plays
The fewer the plays, the fewer opportunities it gives the Dallas offense to score right? As stated previously, the Eagles can't let the Cowboys pick up drive saving first downs and have to get some key three and outs. They will have to keep the ball out of Prescott's and Elliott's hands and control clock in order for the offense to get their groove going.
Make no mistake, Dallas is on the ropes and another loss Sunday would send Cowboy fans into a panic. The Eagles must use this desperation to their advantage in stuffing their third and fourth-down attempts. Holding them under 60 plays will mean the defense is doing their job in giving the offense a chance.
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