Give me Liberty or give me death It's my first chance to get a glimpse at the behemoth. It also comes on the night that Michael Vick is coming back, when the Dreaded and Feared are here and when the Cowboys seek to make their mark in this league before time runs out.
Again, it's a benchmark game for Jason Garrett. At Philly to end the season is not a fair evaluation. That'd be a tough game for just about anyone.
However, at home with your team playing well, Garrett's status with this team will be further soldified even though I kinda think he has the full-time gig anyway.
Five things:
Vick
As he goes, so go the Eagles. It's a big reason I think the Eagles will be as restricted in the playoffs as the Atlanta Falcons were. Vick can't have a bad or so-so game and have his team still win. He has to be really good game in and game out. However, when he's good, when he has time to either run or throw, when he's upright and in the pocket (or running outside of it) he's as dangerous as they get.
Speed
The Eagles have a lot of it outside of Vick. Frankly, the best way to limit the likes of DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin is to put Vick on his ass. He gets hit a little and throws start going askew, over heads and into the ground. Again, if Vick is upright, those guys will absolutely kill the Cowboys' secondary, who have allowed more than 300 yards passing per game since October.
DeMarcus Ware
It's time for the guy to have a big game. He's been more than quiet this season. Deathly silent, to be more accurate. Keeping contain in addition to getting his paws on Vick are vital.
Miles Austin
Asante Samuel is out. So is Dez Bryant. Jon Kitna will need to throw the ball to somebody. Might as well be the guy going against the second stringer.
Home-Field Disadvantage
The Cowboys are 7-7 at the new stadium. All thanks to a 1-5 turn this season. The Cowboys are on the verge of a 1-7 year at JerryWorld. Someone will not be pleased at this.
Prediction
Eagles 38, Cowboys 33
Cowboys give a good fight, but like against New Orleans, one play will make a difference. Vick throws for 325 ... and we haven't even talked about LeSean McCoy.
