Cowboys Mailbox: Can the Cowboys contain the Eagle's rushing game?

[CCBoy]

The Eagles are the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL and the Cowboys are the No. 1 rushing defense. Can the Cowboys contain them?


http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/mailbag.cfm?id=424664AE-AAF7-759E-02B94B6746BFD586



Jung Yi - Orange, CA: ith LeSean McCoy and Michael Vick, the Eagles are the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL and the Cowboys are the No. 1 rushing defense. Can the Cowboys contain them?

Nick: Great question and it'll probably be the difference in the game. I'm starting to think McCoy should be mentioned when talking about the NFL's best backs. He really does it all, and I'm sure Vick's running ability helps provide some room for McCoy, and probably vice versa. I think getting Jason Hatcher back this week will help the Cowboys' run defense. The key to me will be what happens on first down. If the Eagles can keep the down-and-distance manageable and prevent third-and-long situations, they will be much more effective.

Rob: It's a great matchup. Last year they did half the job, limiting Vick to 16 rushing yards. But McCoy rushed for 149, and DeSean Jackson had 210 yards on only four catches. Stopping Vick is important, but I don't think they can get away with loading the box every play. They can't allow Jackson and Jeremy Maclin to gash them downfield....

[CCBoy]

This was Rob Ryan's pre-season comment:

"I don't know if we win the all-hype team," Ryan said. "I think that might have gone to somebody else, but we're going to beat their *** when we play them.":eagles:

[FLcowboy]

I think the Eagles are in for a surprise. The Cowboys are a much improved team over last year's split. Kitna was good in a 30 - 27 loss, but McGee won the last game in Philly.

I think the Cowboys get a break here by playing on the road. They seem to play a little harder in front of a hostile crowd. This is also a must-win for the Eagles. If they lose and go to 2-5, their play-off chances are just about over. This will force their hand if they fall behind.

I think Austin has a big game, with Bryant drawing double coverage. Witten over the middle will be potent also.

[dallasdave]

The question should be, "Can the eagles contain the Cowboy's rushing attack?"

[Seven]

Is part of the #1 'rushing attack' attributed to Vicks runs? If so.....good. Ware has always had his number.

[TheCount]

McCoy has been everything I imagined Felix would be this year, hopefully we can contain him, Lee and Ratliff need to bring their A game.

[CCBoy]

McCoy has been everything I imagined Felix would be this year, hopefully we can contain him, Lee and Ratliff need to bring their A game.

With a little more time to adjust to packages, Carter and Lee could well be a solution to the 'Vick' problems. Then turn the heat up on him in the pocket, with a good dose of Hatcher, Ratliff, Ware, and Spencer.