2016 NFL Game of the Week Preview, Week 8: Cowboys vs Eagles

(photo credit: thelandryhat,com)

The Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) will travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys (5-1) at AT&T Stadium on Sunday night. These two NFC East rivals will meet for the first time this season. This divisional matchup usually always has playoff implications, and we can expect this prime-time game to impact the division and the playoff picture down the road.

 Dallas is coming off their bye week. Since 2003, they are 8-6 in the game after their bye week. Philadelphia enters this game having dominated the Minnesota Vikings 21-10 last week. Quarterback Carson Wentz, the second overall pick in last year’s draft, has the Eagles playing much better than most expected, as they are second in the NFC East behind the Cowboys. 

The North Dakota State alumni has thrown for 1,324 yards and eight touchdowns, and he’s thrown three interceptions. Wentz has been a large part of this Eagle’s turnaround, but Philadelphia’s defense has dramatically improved, which is the reason why they are in a favorable position at the mid-way point of the season. Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz’s defense has recorded 20 sacks this season. 

The defense is allowing 14.7 points per game, which is third best in the league behind Seattle and Minnesota. Philadelphia has forced 12 turnovers, which has led to their plus-6 turnover differential. Led by Head Coach Jason Garrett, the Cowboys have enjoyed success despite injuries to key players. Quarterback Tony Romo has been out since the preseason, and wide receiver Dez Bryant has been out for three games. Dallas has also been missing guard La’el Collins, linebacker Rolando McClain, and cornerback Orlando Scandrick. 

Dallas has reeled off five straight wins since losing to the New York Giants in Week 1. Two rookie on offense have contributed to this winning streak. Rookie and fourth round pick Dak Prescott has filled in brilliantly for Romo, which makes him an early candidate for MVP. Prescott has thrown for 1,486 yards and seven touchdowns while only throwing one interception. The Mississippi State alumni has been handing off to one of the NFL’s best running backs. 

Rookie and former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott has been running wild behind an offensive line that is one of the best in the league. Elliott has run the ball 137 times for 703 yards and five touchdowns. Elliott has rushed for an average of 5.1 yards per carry. Despite a plethora of injuries and suspensions, the Cowboys defense has been a pleasant surprise. Rod Marinelli’s unit has not allowed a 100-yard rusher or receiver, and the defense has forced nine turnovers. This game will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET on Sunday night, and it will air on NBC.