Every week, we gather to discuss the latest news about the Dallas Cowboys and seek our writer’s perspective on each headline. Welcome back to the roundtable. This week we have David Howman and Jess Haynie.
The Eagles’ offensive line is looking solid again this year. How can the Cowboys’ pass rush realistically disrupt Jalen Hurts without overcommitting and giving up big plays to Saquon Barkley?
Facing the conundrum this week in defeating the Philadelphia Eagles is how to get past the Eagles rushing attack and their offensive line. For the Cowboys, the key is simple, generate pressure without overcommitting and leaving Saquon Barkley lanes to break loose. Disguised pressure is critical.
Showing a four-man rush while sneaking in a delayed linebacker or safety can confuse Hurts without exposing the edges. Edge defenders must focus on containment, keeping Hurts in the pocket rather than letting him escape.
Winning the trenches in this game will take patience and precision from Dallas. With disciplined pressure, smart spying, and controlled aggression, the Cowboys can disrupt Hurts while keeping Barkley in check. Overcommit, and the Eagles’ dynamic offense will punishes the defense.
Jess: Finding that balance won’t be easy, which is part of why Philly is the defending champion. It’s going to put tremendous pressure on our linebackers to diagnose things, which is a lot to ask in Week 1 with some new players and a new scheme. It will also test our defensive tackles to hold up against the run, which is rightfully concerning. Especially in this first game, the best defense will be a good offense that forces the Eagles to become more one-dimensional themselves.
Howman: I’m not as bullish on the Eagles offensive line, honestly. They should still be a very good unit, but Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata aren’t getting any younger and Landon Dickerson had surgery just two weeks ago; even if he plays in this game, I’d be surprised if he’s 100%. I think that’s enough to level the playing field, especially with Osa Odighizuwa now unlocked as a penetrating 3-technique in this new defense under Matt Eberflus.
This rivalry is as much mental as it is physical. How do the Cowboys avoid getting caught up in the emotion of the game given this will see the Eagles unveil its 2024 championship banner, and instead execute on the field while avoiding penalties?
Discipline is the cornerstone. The Cowboys must focus on fundamentals, staying in assignments, communicating effectively, and avoiding costly penalties, which have been a recurring issue for this team. Overreacting to crowd noise, trash talk, or the pageantry of the championship celebration can lead to mental mistakes that swing momentum. Ultimately, this game will reward composure. The Cowboys can harness the intensity of the rivalry while playing smart football, avoiding penalties, and executing their game plan.
Jess: It will definitely be a challenge, but the good coaches find ways to channel that into motivation. At the very least, I think Brian Schottenheimer will do a better job of that than Mike McCarthy would. But given how chronic Dallas’ penalty issues have been for decades, it’s hard to feel confident about it. And there’s now the additional mental concern of the team dealing with Micah Parsons’ departure, which is hanging over them all week.
Howman: What is there to avoid? This is your number one rival, they swept you last year, and are unveiling their Super Bowl banner before kickoff. This game is a perfect opportunity to embarrass your rival. If that isn’t enough to get these players up and executing on all levels, then the season may be dead on arrival.
The Cowboys’ secondary has question marks going into this game. How do you feel they will handle the A.J. Brown/DeVonta Smith combo for their first test of the season?
The challenge is clear, cover two elite, game-changing receivers while keeping the rest of the Eagles’ offense in check. Communication will be key. Dallas needs to stick to assignments, avoid overplaying routes, and use help over the top when necessary. Mixing zone and man coverage will keep Hurts guessing and prevent either Brown or Smith from getting into a rhythm.
Jess: In man-on-man situations, I would imagine they’ll have DaRon Bland shadow Brown and Trevon Diggs on Smith. But Matt Eberflus tends to play more zone. That can be good for ballhawks, especially if we get pressure on Hurts, but also a danger if the Eagles get their run game going. As with the first question, it’s going to be a tough day if Philly gets to dictate the tempo.
Howman: I feel pretty good about Elam and Bland, to be honest. I’m not convinced Diggs will be ready to go for this one, but that would be a major win too. Regardless, this will be a game where Malik Hooker really needs to be ready to go as that center field safety to help take away big plays.
Rapid Fire
CeeDee Lamb over/under 100 yards receiving against the Eagles?
Jess: Under. Philly focuses on taking him away, forcing Prescott to get it done with Pickens, Ferguson, and others.
Howman: Over. Dak and CeeDee have an elite connection, and the presence of George Pickens will keep Philly from focusing just on Lamb.
Which Cowboys defender records the first sack?
Jess: Donovan Ezeiruaku. The new era begins.
Howman: James Houston, of course.
George Pickens, over/under 55.5 receiving yards against the Eagles?
Jess: Over. See my response to the Lamb question.
Howman: I wouldn’t put actual money on this one, but I can see Pickens hauling in two deep shots to hit the over.
Javonte Williams or Saquon Barkley to score the first rushing touchdown of the game?
Jess: Have to go with Barkley based on the odds.
Howman: The best odds for rushing touchdowns in any Eagles game is Jalen Hurts, but I’ll play along and say Barkley.
First Cowboys player to score will be?
Jess: Yep, Brandon Aubrey.
Howman: James Houston, with a sack in the endzone for a safety.
