NFL Game Picks Week 9: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
By Erik Lambert
Sep 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Byron Maxwell (31) breaks up pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams (83) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Their records may not show it, but it is a pivotal matchup in week 9 between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. Both know a loss could greatly hinder their hopes of winning the division. So who is able to escape with the victory? Check out this NFL game picks rundown to find out.
Backdrop:
There is so much going on with this game. First of all, it’s Eagles-Cowboys. One of the great division rivalries in sports is renewed again. That alone makes it a must-watch but it goes deeper than that. Both are fighting for their lives in the NFC East race. Dallas, riddled by injuries, is 2-5 and in danger of seeing a potential Super Bowl season go up in smoke if they lose this game, especially with Tony Romo not expected back until week 11.
Meanwhile the Eagles can’t overcome their own inconsistency, looking great one week and lost the next. They’ve already lost to the Cowboys once this season. Another would provide a decisive tiebreaker for Dallas in the event of a tie for the division or a wild card berth. On top of all that, DeMarco Murray makes his long anticipated return to Texas.
Matchup To Watch:
Greg Hardy vs. Lane Johnson/Jason Peters
In their first matchup, the Eagles offensive line had enough problems with the Cowboys front. A group that did not yet have defensive end Greg Hardy. Since his arrival they’ve been able to bring consistent pressure off the edge, and Philadelphia is having serious problems at left tackle. Their normal starter Jason Peters is nursing an injury that has kept him out of practice.
This may force them to shift right tackle Lane Johnson into his place. He has been inconsistent all year, having periods of good pass protection interspersed with moments of giving up constant pressure. Either Hardy will face the hobbled Peters or Johnson, who hasn’t played on the left side all season.
Key Stat:
After a difficult start to the year, the Cowboys seem to have finally regained some semblance of their rushing attack. The catalyst to it has been the resurgence of Darren McFadden, the former 1st round pick of the Oakland Raiders who was widely viewed as a bust due to injury problems.
With his help Dallas is averaging 127 yards per game, good for 6th in the league. The Eagles will have to find a way to contend with that. Their run defense hasn’t been all that great this year, allowing 109 yards per game (18th in NFL). Jonathan Stewart put up 125 on them a week ago. One can bet the Cowboys will look to attack that weakness.
Prediction: Eagles win 21-17
The last time these two teams met it was one of the uglier games of the season. Neither could do much right but Dallas had Tony Romo then. Not this time. The Eagles are all too likely to load the box and stop the run in order to dare Matt Cassel to beat them. He hasn’t proven he can do that yet this season. As long as Sam Bradford doesn’t throw the game away, Philadelphia should win this game.