Four consecutive losses have put the Philadelphia Eagles in an uncomfortable position, and Sunday's defeat at the hands of the Carolina Panthers only intensified scrutiny on a team that entered the season with much higher expectations. The 25-14 loss exposed familiar problems, leaving Philadelphia searching for answers as it prepares for another divisional test.
Monday night's matchup with the Dallas Cowboysbegins an interesting three-game stretchand offers a chance to change the narrative. Dallas has struggled to stop opposing offenses, and the Eagles have several players who could benefit from the matchup as they attempt to end their losing streak. A better collective performance starts with individuals making the most of their opportunities.
Here are four worth highlighting.
Dontayvion Wicks, wide receiver
Dontayvion Wicks enjoyed a promising start to his first season with the Eagles after following Sean Mannion to Philadelphia. His three-catch, 18-yard outing against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4 initially looked like an outlier, but two weeks later, he followed it with two receptions for 24 yards against Carolina.
Now, a lot goes into that: Tanner McKee's first start in Week 6 and DeVonta Smith's return help explain the reduced opportunities, though Wicks will need to do more with his targets to regain momentum.
Outside those two quieter outings, Wicks has caught 14 passes for 242 yards in his other four appearances. That production reminds us what he can contribute when he finds a rhythm in the passing game.
Dallas has allowed 232.7 passing yards per game, giving Wicks more opportunities to get involved. The Cowboys have also surrendered a passing touchdown in every game this season, including at least two in each of their first four contests. Wicks could benefit if Philadelphia stretches the field and creates more opportunities for its complementary receivers.
Saquon Barkley, running back
Good news comes on Thursday. Mike Garafolo reports that Saquon Barkley is expected back at practice after missing two games with a hamstring injury.
"Eagles RB Saquon Barkley is expected to return to practice today and is in line to play Monday against the Cowboys, sources say. A lift for the team’s offense with a banged-up backfield and Jalen Hurts on the mend."
Moves at tailback, including waiving Carson Steele and Jaydon Blue, suggested this was possible. Nothing is guaranteed yet about whether Barkley will play. Still, this is a nice step forward.
Pierce has managed 49 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 carries with the Eagles. He's added six receptions for just 13 yards, leaving plenty of room for improvement as a runner and receiver.
Barkley has tallied 182 yards on 36 carries through four games. He has yet to reach the end zone. Only six of his carries have gone for first-down yardage, so while this seems like an opportunity for Pierce's bounceback, it is also a chance for Barkley to bounce back.
Cooper DeJean, cornerback
Cooper DeJean has battled injuries this season, and his performance against Carolina reflected some of the difficulties he's faced. Pro Football Focus gave him a 40.5 overall grade in Week 6, its lowest mark among Philadelphia's defenders. According to the site's statistics, he allowed three receptions on six targets for 51 yards and a touchdown, earning him a 39.0 coverage grade.
DeJean played 41 snaps in the slot and 27 in the box, making his potential involvement against CeeDee Lamb worth watching. Lamb leads Dallas with 577 receiving yards and four touchdowns, so Philadelphia will need its secondary to limit his production and prevent him from creating explosive plays after the catch.
DeJean has established himself as a capable defender, and a difficult outing shouldn't overshadow his overall body of work. A healthier performance against Dallas would let him reassert himself in a challenging primetime matchup.
Moro Ojomo, defensive tackle
Moro Ojomo has strengthened his value during a contract year, making his recent performance an interesting subplot as the trade deadline approaches. He could attract interest from teams looking for interior defensive-line help, but his immediate priority is helping Philadelphia get its defense back on track.
Ojomo received a 47.6 PFF defensive grade against Carolina after recording two pressures, one tackle, and a penalty. Those numbers weren't especially impressive, but they don't erase the disruptive impact he's shown throughout his time with the Eagles.
Dallas' offensive line will offer another test, and Ojomo could have an important role in helping Philadelphia generate interior pressure. A stronger performance would benefit the defense immediately while reinforcing the value he's built over the course of the season.
The Eagles need more than one improved performance to end their skid, but Monday's matchup offers several players a chance to respond. If Wicks creates more through the air, Pierce takes advantage of Dallas' run defense, DeJean rebounds in coverage, and Ojomo generates pressure up front, Philadelphia could take a meaningful step toward reversing its recent slide.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles need these four players to deliver against the Cowboys
