The Eagles defense and special teams took centerstage in their 21-10 win over the Vikings, which was Minnesota’s first loss of the season. The Eagles’ defensive line completely dominated the Vikings’ O-line, sacking Sam Bradford six times and forcing four turnovers.
The Philly offense didn’t play particularly well for the second game in a row, as it gained just 239 total yards and committed four turnovers. Although, it was to be expected given how good the Vikings defense is. The offensive line did bounce back in its second game without suspended lineman Lane Johnson, and kept Wentz upright against a fierce Vikings pass rush.
Wentz will need to improve his play, especially since the Eagles could struggle to run against an improved Cowboys front. Wentz had a reasonably good day on the road against the Lions’ horrific pass defense, but didn’t fare too well against the more passable Bears and Redskins secondaries. Dallas was just 20th in pass defense per DVOA through Week 7, so Philly should still be able to move the ball.
But for the Eagles to escape Dallas with victory, the Philly D-line has to play like it did against Minnesota and keep the Cowboys from running all over them. However, that’ll be tough to do as it goes from facing arguably the worst O-line in the league to the best in Dallas.
The Cowboys are on quite a roll. Dallas has won five games in a row – now the longest active win streak in the NFL after Minnesota’s loss – and has also gone a perfect 5-0 ATS.
The Cowboys running game has been a huge reason for the team’s success. Ezekiel Elliott has been an absolute beast playing behind Dallas’ juggernaut offensive line. The rookie running back has rushed for at least 130 yards in his last four games.
The success of the running game has allowed Dak Prescott to become one of the most effective passers in the league. He had one of his shakiest passing games last time out against the Packers, as he completed just 67 percent of his passes and threw the first interception of his NFL career. But on the bright side, he also had his first three-touchdown game.
Prior to their bye, the Cowboys blew away the Packers’ NFL-best run defense to the tune of 191 yards in Lambeau. They should be able to continue running the ball fairly effectively against an Eagles team which was a mediocre 15th in run defense DVOA heading into Week 8.
Meanwhile, the bye has also come at the right time as the Cowboys are finally starting to get healthy. Dez Bryant is back practicing, and should only help Prescott in the passing game. Starting cornerback Orlando Scandrick is set to return after four games out while Morris Claiborne, who’s played so well in Scandrick’s place, could also feature after suffering a concussion in the Packers game.
Writer’s Prediction
The Cowboys (-4.5) stretch their winning streak to six games as they blow by the Eagles, 28-17.
