They saw each other in Week 1 to open the NFL season, and things have changed so much for both the Eagles and the Cowboys since then. How much? The Eagles are 8-2, leading the NFC East and holding the No. 1 spot in the overall conference standings. Dallas is 4-5-1, but feeling like it is on the upswing after revamping the defense at the league’s trade deadline.
The best rivalry in the NFL renews on Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas as the Eagles, wearing their Kelly Green jerseys (5-0 since 2023) on the road for the first time since the 1996 season, take on the Cowboys and look to extend their lead in the division and stay atop the NFC.
It won’t be easy. It never is. Here are some storylines for the 4:25 PM start (FOX) as both teams look to make a statement …
1. How much better is the Dallas defense now?
Struggling all season, the Cowboys did something about their defense at the trade deadline, acquiring linebacker Logan Wilson from Cincinnati and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets. More than that, Dallas also welcomed back linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, a blitzing, playmaking defender as a rookie a season ago, and rookie cornerback Shavon Revel, Jr., from injury. Dallas looked good defensively on Monday night in its win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Williams in particular. He had 1.5 quarterback sacks, dominated against the run, and demanded double teams as the Cowboys built some confidence.
2. Eagles offense in focus
This has been a season-long conversation as the Eagles look to get something going on a consistent basis offensively. Quarterback Jalen Hurts and Co. have done some good things on offense – namely scoring touchdowns 75 percent of the time in the red zone, best in the NFL, and protecting the football – Hurts has just three giveaways, with 22 total touchdowns scored – and that has helped the Eagles win 8 of their first 10 games.
How do the Eagles attack the Cowboys? The addition of Williams, teamed with tackle Kenny Clark, has given Dallas a formidable twosome inside against the run. The Cowboys are aggressive in coverage, and they will go after Hurts with the blitz game. This is a chess match worth watching, of course, and the Eagles are looking for explosive plays, a reliable running game, and some touchdowns because …