The Cowboys lead the overall series 54-43, but over the last several years the Eagles have been dominating the Cowboys both at Texas Stadium and in the Linc. Last year, the 2 teams split the series, the Cowboys winning their home game and the Eagles absolutely dominating the Cowboys in Philly in a winner makes the playoffs, loser goes home game.
The Eagles look very similar in some cases and very different in others this season. Their addition of WR Jeremy Maclin via draft was a huge pickup that helped take much of the pressure off DeSean Jackson as he now has a worthy counterpart across the field from him. McNabb has once again gotten injured this season in week 1 against Carolina, but despite that has had a great season save the game against Oakland. Brent Celek is emerging as a very Jason Witten-esque TE. He can do it all, run block, pass block, catch in traffic, run after the catch. If McNabb starts using him regularly, Celek has potential to be a top 10 TE. Westbrook is banged up and may or may not play next Sunday night but even if he doesn't, McCoy has proven to be worth the draft pick the Eagles spent on him.
The Eagles defense has only improved since last season despite losing Dawkins. The addition of Ellis Hobbes has given the Eagles even more depth at an already stacked secondary. The Eagles defensive line is anchored by Trent Cole on the end, and their LB core has gotten much better. The Eagles are somewhat weak to the short-mid range passes but they make up for that in deep ball coverage and run defense.
The Cowboys are very similar to last season, also. Early in the year, Tony Romo looked as if he'd have a pitiful season, but he has since bounced back and has played three consecutive games without an interception. Roy Williams has been almost a complete non-factor this season as he continues to drop passes. Jason Witten is once again proving why he's in the conversation for best TE in the league. He may not rack up the yardage or TDs that other more receiver-oriented TEs do, but it's what he does in the trenches that is what makes him great. He is Romo's favorite clutch target and can always be depended on to get past the markers on third down. With the running attack, the Cowboys have it all. The power of Marion Barber, the speed of Felix Jones and the combination of the two, Tashard Choice. I expect Dallas to try to confuse the Eagles defense by alternating backs quite often. Miles Austin, coming off 3 incredible outings will face the test that could prove him a great WR if he has another big day against the Eagles defense. He has almost 500 yards and 4 TDs in his last 3 games.
Defensively, the Cowboys once again rank very high against the run, but their pass defense has been somewhat suspect. It's gotten much better in the recent weeks, as they were able to hold both Matt Ryan and Matt Hasselback in check for the majority of the game. The Cowboys safeties, Ken Hamlin and Gerald Sensabaugh are 2 very hard hitters whose coverage skills can be very lacking at times. It will be necessary for them to concentrate more on the Eagles' receivers than usual for the Cowboys to win this game. DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer are both big blitzers that are going to need to get quite a bit of pressure on McNabb in an attempt to force him to make mistakes. The Cowboys LB corp is second to none in the NFL and they need to show that next Sunday.
Eagles key players:
Donovan McNabb
Jeremy Maclin
DeSean Jackson
Brent Celek
Cowboys key players:
Tony Romo
3 headed monster
Miles Austin
Jason Witten
Eagles keys to success:
don't abandon the run
be patient in the pocket
mix up coverage with blitzes to confuse Romo
Cowboys keys to success:
don't abandon the run
get the ball out quickly to Witten or Austin on blitzes
don't force throws due to heavy blitzing
get pressure on McNabb
shut down the run
Prediction:
Cowboys: 31
Eagles: 24
Subject: The battle for first place the NFC East part two. Cowboys @ Eagles 
