Cowboys at Eagles

Tonight at 8:15 Lincoln Financial Field

TV: NBC10 Radio:WYSP-FM (94.1) Line: Cowboys by 3

How They Match Up

Eagles offense

vs. Cowboys defense

The Cowboys' defense is ranked 13th against the pass and sixth overall, but those numbers are deceiving. Only two of the seven offensive teams they have faced are ranked in the top 15 in the NFL, with four of the five others ranked 23d or below. The Cowboys' secondary yielded nine touchdown passes and 687 passing yards in games against the New York Giants and New England Patriots. At his current level of health, Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb ranks somewhere between Tom Brady and Eli Manning and is capable of finding some holes in the Cowboys' secondary provided he gets time to do it. The 27 sacks allowed by the Eagles is way too many, and even if you take away the 12 against the Giants, the 15 in the six other games is too many. Expect Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware to chase McNabb at least a few times.

With veteran Ken Hamlin at safety, the Cowboys are better at covering from that position than a year ago, although strong safety Roy Williams is known more for his hitting than his coverage skills. The Eagles got some big plays to their tight ends in two wins against the Cowboys last season, so this wouldn't be a bad time for L.J. Smith to reappear as an offensive contributor. The Cowboys will try to take Brian Westbrook out of the game and have been outstanding at stopping the run so far this season, although the Vikings did run for 131 yards against them.

EDGE: Eagles.

Eagles defense

vs. Cowboys offense

The Cowboys have more offensive weapons than any team the Eagles have faced so far this season, including a quarterback who is capable of eluding pressure with his legs. The receiving trio of Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton, and tight end Jason Witten has combined for 102 catches, 1,496 yards and 13 touchdowns. Trent Cole leads the NFL with nine sacks, and the Eagles are third in the league with 24 sacks, but the Giants, who lead the league with 28, were able to get to Tony Romo only once in the season opener. Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson believes his team is going to need to get some turnovers to win this game, and it hasn't had any in the last two weeks. What makes the Cowboys particularly difficult to defend against is that they have a balanced attack. Running back Marion Barber is one of the most physical backs in the league and almost as big a challenge as Minnesota's Adrian Peterson.