The Cowboys nearly stole a road game from Philadelphia in their second of two regular season meetings a year ago, though they ultimately lost, 12-7. But the Eagles stormed past the Cowboys the last time the two teams faced off at Texas Stadium, as they will do again on Sunday at 3:15 p.m. (CDT). The Cowboys, meanwhile, are once again looking to rebound from a gut-wrenching defeat, falling, 19-13, to Oakland after failing to convert a fourth-and-four from the Raiders five in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter.
What's Up?
Philadelphia survived a scare against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, erasing a 17-point deficit to sneak away with a 37-31 victory at Arrowhead Stadium. The Eagles (3-1) have reeled off three consecutive victories since dropping their season opener to Atlanta, 14-10.
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb's performance certainly has not reflected that of an injured player (sports hernia), as McNabb leads the league with 1,333 passing yards four games into the season. McNabb, whose injury has limited him to seven yards on eight carries, bounced back after a shaky Week 1 performance against Atlanta. McNabb leads the NFC with a 100.6 QB rating, having thrown 11 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Statistical View
- Eagles running back Brian Westbrook made the Pro Bowl last year because of his versatility out of the backfield, which has been on full display again this season. Westbrook has recorded more receiving yards (268) and touchdowns (three) than he has rushing yards (219) and touchdowns (one).
- Receiver Terrell Owens leads the league in receiving yards, having caught 32 passes for 506 yards and four touchdowns.
- Philadelphia always seems capable of pressuring opposing quarterbacks, and this season has been no different. The Eagles have recorded a seventh-best 11 sacks this season, generating pressure from all angles: Safety Brian Dawkins and defensive tackle Darwin Walker lead the team with 2.5 sacks.
- Kicker Todd France, activated against Kansas City because of David Akers' hamstring injury, went 3-for-4 in his first regular season game. But his afternoon started in rather ominous fashion, as the Chiefs blocked his first field-goal attempt.
Chalk Talk
- After scoring only 10 points in their loss to Atlanta, the Eagles have scored a combined 102 points in the last three games (34 points per game). Philadelphia's offense is difficult to stop because of its talented skill position players. In addition to Owens and Westbrook, third-year tight end L.J. Smith has emerged as a legitimate threat in the passing game. Smith, who caught 34 passes last season, already has 26 receptions for 265 yards and two touchdowns.
- Philadelphia's run defense looked stout against a pair of sub-par running teams (San Francisco, Oakland), but the Eagles defense has struggled against teams that with strong running games. Philadelphia surrendered 200 yards on the ground against Atlanta while allowing 144 yards against Kansas City.
Connections
- Eagles linebacker Keith Adams - Started five games with the Cowboys in 2001 because of injuries at middle linebacker. Originally a seventh-round pick of Tennessee in 2001, Adams signed with the Cowboys after being released by the Titans that season. Adams, primarily a special teams player with the Cowboys, was released early in the 2002 season.
- Cowboys assistant head coach Sean Payton - Served as the Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach in the 1997-98 seasons, before joining the Giants in the same capacity the following year.
Miscellaneous
Philadelphia re-signed wide receiver Darnerien McCants on Tuesday. McCants, released by the Eagles after the third week of the season, has one reception for 22 yards this season . . . The Eagles also announced on Tuesday that they placed defensive tackle Paul Grasmanis on injured reserve. Grasmanis had one tackle this season . . . The Cowboys have lost nine of their last 10 games against Philadelphia, with the lone win coming on Oct. 5, 2003, at Texas Stadium.
