The Dallas Cowboysreturn to the road against one of their most hated rivals in Week 7, the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams come into the contest desperately needing a win. With matching records at 2-4, the loser falls further back in an open NFC East race.
It’s an Eagles team that’s been hurt by players missing time and they’re riding a losing streak twice as long as the Cowboys. That’s not something Brian Schottenheimer’s team will be worrying about on Monday Night Football. Instead, they’ll be trying to bury the Eagles further in the standings. There’s no better satisfaction than beating the Eagles, and here are three reasons to love the Week 7 matchup for the Cowboys.
No Jalen Hurts
For the second time in three weeks, the Cowboys will be playing against a backup
quarterback. Hurts is out for the year with blood clots in his lungs, sidelining him until the 2027 season.
Taking over for Hurts is Tanner McKee, who struggled in his first career start. Against the Carolina Panthers, McKee completed just over 50% of his passes and couldn’t move the offense until the fourth quarter, when the defense was playing soft and allowing completions to keep the clock moving.
McKee also gives the Cowboys a break from playing against a mobile QB. Hurts could beat defenses with his legs, something McKee cannot do at nearly the same level, rushing for zero yards last week.
Dallas’ defense has a chance to get right against an inexperienced backup QB; that’s a big reason to love the Week 7 matchup.
New offensive line
It wasn’t that long ago when the Eagles had what was considered the gold standard in the NFL for the offensive line. A group that was filled with top-tier talent has been reduced to a OL that’s playing with just two of their original starters from the beginning of the season. The sudden retirement of Lane Johnson and the trade of center Cam Jurgens set forth a rebuilding up front.
That transition hasn’t gone well yet. The Eagles have only averaged 2.6 yards a carry in the last three weeks, albeit without Saquon Barkley who should return. In the last two games they’ve rushed for a paltry 57 yards combined, while the offense has converted on just 12 of their last 42 third down attempts.
That’s not good and the offensive line is a part of the problem. The Cowboys have a chance to continue to make the transition difficult for the Eagles’ OL.
Defensive downturn
The Eagles have talent on defense, but they aren’t playing up to their potential. Vic Fangio’s unit is allowing over 119 ypg on the ground, and over 244 yards a contest through the air, which is its worst effort since Fangio arrived in 2024.
Although the defense has only allowed eight passing scores, the Eagles are also tied for fourth in the league giving eight rushing scores, despite playing against only one, top-10 running back.
It’s also a defense that’s known for getting after the quarterback, yet they are tied for next to last in sacks through six games with eight. That’s the same amount as the Cowboys, who have had major problems in generating pressure.
After a rough two-week stretch on offense, the Cowboys need to continue to make life miserable on an underperforming defense. It could be the perfect elixir for what ails the Cowboys’ offense.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 things to love about Cowboys-Eagles tilt include playing a pocket QB
