Battle for the East: Dallas Cowboys Vs. Philadelphia Eagles Preview

11 weeks ago, the Dallas Cowboys lost a game of high emotions and even higher intensity to the archrival Philadelphia Eagles. Dallas before they could even blink fell behind quickly as a result of costly turnovers and missed opportunities. Dallas would fight back but Philadelphia clearly wanted the game far more. And yet, despite being one of Dallas's worst performances of this year, this still had a chance to win it in the closing seconds. Philadelphia topped Dallas 38-24 in an ugly win.

But in a lot of ways, that game was also the beginning of the end for both the Cowboys' and the Eagles' starting quarterback. Dallas's Drew Bledsoe had a miserable performance, constantly turning the ball over, including an interception in the end zone to help Philadelphia seal the win. Bledsoe was largely blamed for the lost afterwards. This led to Bledsoe eventually be replaced by Tony Romo. For Donovan McNabb, his luck wasn't much better. His masterful performance against Dallas would prove to be his last great game of the season. Philadelphia would lose their next three games. Then during a humiliating lost to the Tennessee Titans, the Eagles also lost McNabb for the season.

For the Dallas Cowboys, however, replacing Drew Bledsoe for long time back up Tony Romo proved to be a stroke of genius by Dallas Coach Bill Parcells. Since his first start against Carolina, the Cowboys went 6-2 and are now leading the NFC East as well as clinching a playoff berth. The Philadelphia Eagles also have been reborn it seems. After McNabb suffer his season, many (including myself I admit) had written off the Eagles of having any hope of the playoffs. But quarterback Jeff Garcia, since starting for McNabb, has thrown for 9 touchdowns and only 1 interception and more importantly lead his team to 3 straight wins. Behind Garcia's brilliant play and Brian Westbrook's over 1,000 yards rushing for the year, the Eagles, if they win their final two regular season games, will not only make the playoffs but they'll win the NFC East.

For Dallas (9-5) and Philadelphia (8-6), their clash on Christmas day might as well be a Super Bowl game. If Dallas wins, they clinch the division as well as keep hopes alive for a 1^st round bye in the playoffs. However, Philadelphia may have more to lose. A lost by the Eagles puts right back where they started so to speak. It would put right back in the playoff mess in the NFC along with the New York Giants, Atlanta, and even Carolina. It would their final game against Atlanta that much more difficult. With that said, who clearly has the advantage?

Dallas's Tony Romo vs. Philadelphia's secondary:

In the eight games he's started for the Cowboys, Tony Romo has gone 167/249, 2,178 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions. However, though the play of Philadelphia's defensive have left something to be desired, they are still the 12^th ranked passing defense in the NFL. Not the mention any secondary that has both Lito Sheppard and Brian Dawkins is always a force to be reckoned with. Tony Romo has proved resilient but the Eagles secondary will provide a true test. But let's not forget Tony Romo has Terry Glenn, Terrell Owens, and Jason Witten. Can Tony Romo handle the Eagles secondary? Better yet, can the Eagles secondary handle the Dallas wide receivers?

Dallas's Julius Jones/Marion Barber vs. Philadelphia's Front Seven

The glaring weakness of the Philadelphia defense happens to being going up against one of Dallas's biggest strengths. Philadelphia has the 28^th ranked rushing defense in the league. They will going up the against a dual rushing attack from Dallas that ranks 10^th the NFL. Julius Jones and Marion Barber have combined for 1,655 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt, and 17 touchdowns. Marion Barber has been near unstoppable in the red zone and in the 4^th quarter while Julius Jones has provided Dallas with a number of big runs. Philadelphia was able to limit the Giants' Tiki Barber to just 75 yards last week. Can they do the same to Dallas? How Philadelphia handles Dallas's rushing attack could very well be a game decider.

Philadelphia's Jeff Garcia vs. Dallas's Secondary

The strength of the Dallas secondary have been the physical play of cornerbacks Terence Newman and Antony Henry. However, because of Henry's lack of speed and the inconsistently of the Dallas safeties, Dallas has given up the big play all year. Their secondary is ranked 21^st in the league. Jeff Garcia has to be licking his chops for this one. Garcia is know more for his methodical play rather than the home room, but expect Philadelphia to take some shots against Dallas. The past two games against New Orleans and Atlanta, have also unveiled another of Dallas's difficulty covering the backs out on the flats. This and if Philadelphia manages to get Reggie Brown and L.J Smith one on one with the safeties, could make it a very long day for Dallas.

Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook vs. Dallas's Front Seven

This is the classic strength vs. strength match up. Dallas's rushing defense is 7^th in the NFL. Brian Westbrook has 1,092 yards, 5.1 yards per attempt, and 7 touchdowns. Though he didn't get the votes, Brian Westbrook has clearly played at a Pro Bowl caliber. His versatility will undoubtedly give Dallas fits if they allow it. More so than stopping Jeff Garcia, whether of not Dallas can contain Westbrook could also decide the game. Dallas has been tough against the run all year. They have to do it again if they have any hope to win the division.

Other Key Factors:

Ultimately the key factors in the games between Dallas and Philadelphia have always come down to who wins the line of scrimmage and turnovers. Expect a lot of blitzing from both teams. Neither team can afford to have either Garcia or Romo get into any kind of rhythm. Philadelphia must contain Tony Romo in the pocket when they blitz otherwise expect Terrell Owens to dance all over their secondary. The key for Dallas is not so much to sack Jeff Garcia, but to get in his face early and often. Jeff Garcia has played very well for Philadelphia. But his career will show that if can at least pressure Garcia, he's prone to turn the ball over. DeMarcus Ware of Dallas has to have a big game.

As you can see, Dallas and Philadelphia are very evenly matched. The winner will have certainly have earned it. Expect a lot of high emotions and high intensity from both teams. However, if it comes down to a shoot out between these two teams, Dallas's Tony Romo along with the running game of Julius Jones and Marion Barber have the advantage. If Dallas doesn't turn the ball over, Dallas will win on Christmas Day.

My Pick: Dallas 24-17