Five Keys to an Eagles Win Over the Cowboys

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Can Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson hook up for a big play today?

5. Motivation – It only checks in at number five because it’s still up in the air, but if the Giants win over the Jets, the Eagles know their playoff hopes are dead.  In that scenario, it’ll be difficult to be up for today’s game.

4. Slow Down Witten – With Asante Samuel out of the lineup, the Eagles will only be able to use Nnamdi Asomugha on Witten very sparingly.  The big tight end is Dallas’s leading receiver and could do a lot of damage to the Eagles defense.  Jamar Chaney, Keenan Clayton and Brian Rolle could land in coverage from the linebacker position, as could Casey Matthews.  Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman may be key in stopping Witten as well.

3. Execute on Big Plays – If the Cowboys play the run, as I expect, then they’ll be leaving a lot of single-high safety looks.  The Eagles will likely go after them deep in that scenario and it’s on Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson to execute when the opportunities arise.  Throw Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper into that equation as well, as they could end up deep down field too.

2. Commit to the Run – Even if the Cowboys are slowing down LeSean McCoy, the Eagles need to give him the ball 20 to 25 times in order to keep the Cowboys honest defensively and keep opening things up for Jackson downfield.

1. Pressure Romo – Defensively, with Samuel out, the Eagles don’t match up particularly well in the passing game.  As such, it will be essential to get pressure on Tony Romo and force him to make mistakes.

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