For the first time since 2006, the Eagles-Cowboys match-up will really mean something. Last year, the Birds were 3-4 heading into their meeting with Dallas, who was 6-1 and all but a cinch to win the division.
This time however, both teams are good again. The Eagles are a 10-win team in mine and most people's estimations and some have them winning 12. Just check out Steve Olenski's recent poll on his site. And, the Cowboys look poised to be the team to beat in the NFC.
Last year they split, but the games didn't have as much meaning, because let's face it we by their match-up last year that the Eagles weren't winning the division. This year they're much more competitive and the meeting in Big D will carry many playoff and division implications.
On paper, the Cowboys are a better team. There's no doubt about it. I predicted before the season that they would lose both games to the Cowboys, but I see this one being a lot closer.
In order to win, it's obvious what the Eagles need to do; get lots and lots of pressure on Romo. If they can do that and put 8 men in the box on Barber (who's nursing sore ribs) then this game will resemble last season's 10-6 defensive shutdown.
If they don't do that, then expect it to get out of hand.
The X-factor this Sunday will be one DeSean Jackson. If they can get him isolated on Roy Williams, then he'll have a field day on him. Williams is a disaster when it comes to coverage. Expect Andy Reid to work that wrinkle into the offense.
The good thing here is there are no new Eagles on the injury report. Everybody on the Cowboys appears ok to go including Barber, who will likely play through the sore ribs.
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