will we ever win?

Eagles-Boys Preview

The last turn of the tide came with the arrival of Andy Reid in 1999, when on Oct. 10 the Eagles handed the Cowboys a loss at the Vet in Reid's first ever NFL head coaching victory. Not surprisingly, AR's post game remark was, ""I'm going to get a big cheeseburger tonight." Since their prior matchup in 1998, the Cowboys have not won a game in Philadelphia and have little hope to turn the tide on Sunday.

Notwithstanding the Cowboys' #1 ranked defense in the NFC, their respectable passing game (6th in NFC), and an extended rest following a disappointing Thanksgiving Day loss to the Dolphins, the advantage Sunday significantly sways in favor of the Eagles. The Cowboys have not won in Philly since 1998, are 2-7 vs. the Eagles under Andy Reid, and have been outscored 117-248 in that same era. Additionally, the Eagles' defensive performance has been undercut by the total yardage statistics, as their forte this year has been based on key stops in the red zone (2nd in the NFC), forced turnovers (+1 on the season after starting the first two weeks -7), and capitalizing on red zone offensive opportunities (7th in the league at 55.6% vs. the Boys 42.9%). Additionally, Andy Reid's squad is a respectable 10-5 at home in December.

A look to just this season's performances by the two NFC East leaders further supports a Philly win on Sunday. Heck, Dallas this year lost to a miserable Atlanta team in week 1. They also barely beat the Eagles in week 5 after being spotted 7 points on AR's bonehead onside kick call. Considering the stretch of play of McNabb at the time and Andy Reid's inability to call for more runs, today's Eagles are a different team. McNabb is coming off a November NFC Offensive Player of the Month, where he posted a 103.4 passer rating. That combined with the productive three headed running game is sure to thwart the Cowboys' prior blitzing schemes that stalled the Eagles in week 5.

Granted, the Eagles don't put up the best numbers. But, expect to see a score higher than that of the Cowboys on Sunday. And, expect the Cowboys to show that they still have some growing to do under their wonder boy coach. (If you still aren't convinced, realize that this town isn't blessed enough to see Eskin lose his job that easily.)

Fly, Eagles, Fly!
Big Daddy B