(Photo: Peacock)
NFC Game Of The Week
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Cowboys:
Everything that could go wrong for the Cowboys in 2024 did go wrong, and the biggest blow was losing Dak Prescott to a hamstring injury that required surgery. I was eager to see how he would look entering the new season, especially after having the best year of his career in 2023—a season in which he could’ve won MVP. Just before their opening game last year in Cleveland, Dak signed a contract extension that made him the highest-paid player in the league. When he’s healthy, the difference he makes for this team is clear. I’ve often said that when Dak is in control—meaning he’s playing his game and not trying to do too much—he’s a very productive quarterback. To this day, I still struggle to figure out who this Cowboys team really is. They have moments where they look like contenders, only to fall flat the next week. There’s really no in-between with them—you never know what version of the team you’re going to get. I’m still concerned about their offensive balance. This is a team that thrives when they run the football, which in turn opens up the passing game. Yes, they drafted running back Jaydon Blue out of Texas, but how often will they actually feed him the ball? I’m also not sure George Pickens solves their other issues. First, he’s been immature. Second, CeeDee Lamb is still going to get his share of targets, which could lead to Pickens sulking or complaining when things don’t go his way. Frankly, they may have been better off drafting another receiver to pair with Lamb. Defensively, they’ll miss the presence of DeMarcus Lawrence and of course, Micah Parsons who they traded to Green Bay a week ago today. Tonight, the Cowboys open their season in South Philadelphia.
Eagles:
There were plenty of doubts about the Eagles heading into the 2024 season. Jason Kelce retired—a key piece of their offensive line—and the team was still haunted by how the 2023 season ended. Remember, this was a team that started 10-1 before losing five of their final six games, ending their season with a Wild Card loss in Tampa Bay. There were also questions about Nick Sirianni and whether he had lost the locker room. You can usually tell when players respect their coach—they play hard and leave it all on the field. That turning point came early last season. After a Week 4 loss to the Buccaneers, the Eagles reeled off ten straight wins. The biggest difference-maker in 2024 was the free-agent signing of Saquon Barkley. I said this during the regular season, the playoffs, and throughout the offseason: what Kevin Durant was to the Golden State Warriors, Saquon was to the Eagles. He made an immediate impact, had the best season of his career, became the ninth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards, won Offensive Player of the Year, and captured his first Super Bowl title. You can’t script it any better than that. I have no issues with their offense right now. When they’re firing on all cylinders, they’re tough to stop. My concern lies with the defense—specifically with the losses of Josh Sweat, arguably their best pass rusher, and Milton Williams, a key run-stopper on the interior. Tonight, the Eagles begin their title defense by welcoming their biggest rival to town.
Cowboys X-Factor: Jack Sanborn-
I followed him closely during his time with the Wisconsin Badgers and was always impressed by his instincts and open-field tackling. He’s stout against the run and can also affect the passing game—either by pressuring the quarterback or dropping into coverage. Tonight, he’ll need to be locked in on slowing down Saquon Barkley, spying against Jalen Hurts and trying to keep the Eagles offense from moving the sticks.
Eagles X-Factor: Jordan Davis-
This defense is much better when the big man is healthy and on the field. Jordan was a dominant force at Georgia and continues to be one for Vic Fangio’s defense in Philadelphia. He closes running lanes, but what impresses me most is his ability to rush the passer from the interior. When the edge rushers contain the pocket, Jordan finishes the play up the middle. He can do it all—tackle, pressure the quarterback, and get his hands up to bat down passes.
Final Thoughts:
What a way to kick off the 2025 regular season. I’ve often called this the best rivalry in football today, as these teams and fan bases genuinely dislike one another. Last season, the Eagles swept the season series against the Cowboys. This is an early but crucial NFC East matchup, and a tone-setting opportunity for Dallas. The Eagles will reflect on last year’s accomplishments and begin their title defense. Yes, they lost some key defensive players, but I believe they’ll mesh just like their offensive line did last year. Dak Prescott returns after missing the end of 2024 with a hamstring injury. One thing I’ll be watching closely: can the Cowboys’ defensive front disrupt Jalen Hurts and throw off his timing? They also can’t overcommit to stopping Saquon Barkley, because the Eagles have plenty of weapons on the outside. As for the Eagles, I’d be sending exotic pressures early to test Dak’s hamstring and mobility. These two teams have a history of close, physical battles. I like the Eagles at home to start their season and title defense with a win.
