One of the more anticipated matchups of every season for the Dallas Cowboys has arrived, but there’s considerably less fanfare this time around. This is going to be hard to watch for Cowboys fans because the team isn’t very good this year, and the injuries had made them worse, but losing to the Eagles always stinks. The division rivals are heading in opposite directions as the Eagles are looking to stay within striking distance of first place, while the Cowboys are trying to avoid the basement in the NFC East.
It’s hard to see a path for a Cowboys’ win with Cooper Rush under center, but it would be delightful to see it happen. There are always reasons to hate the Eagles, but we’ll settle on three of them ahead of the Week 10 matchup. However, even without quarterback Dak Prescott and a delusional upper management group led by Jerry Jones, there are reasons to hate the Week 10 opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles.
The head coach
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
There has never been an Eagles head coach Cowboys fans have liked, but there have been plenty to hate along the rivalry, and their current one is among the worst of the group. Nick Sirianninis arguably the most unlikeable head coach in the league.
From wearing a ‘Beat Dallas’ t-shirt before a game between the two teams (which Dallas won) and his clownish sideline antics that annoy his own fan base; Sirianni easy to root against. His histrionics have already worn thin and his decision making this season has been openly questioned around the league.
It’s hard to dislike any Eagles coach more than Cowboys fans disliked former head man Buddy Ryan, but Sirianni feels like the most hated HC in the last couple of decades.
Aggressive front office
Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
It’s easy to look at the Eagles and despise the team, but it’s just as easy to watch how they’re built and become even more frustrated. While the Cowboys typically sit back and watch the offseason play out, the GM Howie Roseman makes them one of the most aggressive teams in the league.
By doing so, the Eagles have acquired some of the best talent. This past offseason, the team signed running back Saquon Barkley and added pass rusher Bryce Huff, while also working out extensions for both of their wide receivers.
Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) while running with the ball during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The move to add Barkley has been one of the best signings in free agency as the veteran RB is second in the league in rushing with 925 yards, is averaging almost six yards a carry and is third in the NFL in total touchdowns with eight.
Among the other acquisitions over the last few years that have contributed to the Eagles’ 6-2 record are trading for cornerback Darius Slay, safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, and WR A.J. Brown, as well as using draft picks for the trade up for defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
Unlike Jerry Jones, Roseman isn’t afraid to build from outside the organization.
Offensive firepower
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas’ defense won’t like what’s headed their way in Week 10. Philadelphia’s offense, ironically led by former Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, is one of the best in the league.
Their unit is sixth in the NFL in yards per game, and the strength of the Eagles’ offense is the rushing attack, where they average almost 175 yards a game on the ground. That’s bad news for defense that can’t stop the run and has been historically bad stopping it at home. The Eagles are also second in the league in rushing touchdowns, with 14, split between Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts. The tush push is headed Dallas’ way, and it’s one of the most hated plays in the game.
Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a touchdown pass in front of Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Eagles also have a good passing game with an explosive duo of DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown at WR. The combination has 917 yards and seven scores on the season, despite Brown missing three games.
It’s an offense that thrives because Hurts is rarely pressured, and RBs run through gaping holes behind one of the top offensive lines in the league; a recipe for disaster for the Cowboys’ defensive front.
This doesn’t look like a fun matchup for Mike Zimmer’s defense and fans will hate to see the Eagles dominating with an offense led by Moore.
Follow
