Question, Talon, you the same Talon on another Cowboy site?
Strictly on talent levels, before training camp and before the actual start of games....
On the defensive side of the ball, I would have to go with what The Sporting News has evaluated...
Defensive ends-Dallas
Defensive tackle-Dallas
Linebackers-Dallas
Cornerbacks-Dallas
Safeties-Dallas
This is just the defensive side of the ball, but it is indicative of where Philadelphia will now have to contend with, as Dallas has stepped up in where it stands at game time.
Philadelphia, don't get me wrong, it has a very respectable team, but when intensity hits it's limits, and not a reflection of systems and single game blow outs, is now a step behind Dallas on the defensive side of the ball...the Eagles will have to hit on ALL cyllinders while having the ball.
This season, I don't know if Donovan McNabb is still at that point in his career, that he can be scrambling around, running, and maneuvering to make plays that change games, as he did in the past. I don't know that it would be wise, after three successive years of injury, for him to even assume this role. Hence, the strength of the Eagle offensive line goes without question. If Philadelphia were to receive injury to it's starting offensive tackles, as Dallas did in the past, I would think that both the effectiveness of McNabb, but additionally, that of Westbrook would come into question. Further, an injury to Westbrook, puts the efficiency of all else, into much more scrutiny, than what happend two years ago....with McNabb down for the count and no Garcia.
The middle of the Eagle defense, is suspect...and by this, I mean that the defensive tackle situation is 'soft', the defensive ends are in the lower quarter of the NFC...and at linebacker, the Eagles rate at the bottom quarter also...
Eagles:
Defensive ends-Jevon Kearse is still coming back from knee injury and Darren Howard has not been the player that the Eagles thought that they initially signed.
Defensive tackles-Brodrick Bunkley barely go onto the field as a rookie, and Mike Patterson needs to become much more consistent.
Linebacker-The Eagles believe that it has improved one of it's weakest positions from last year. It, although, has leg 'issues' with both Trotter and Spikes. Chris Gocong is coming of an injured reserve year...and Steart Bradley is a 'rook'.
Cornerback-The seperation in talent is only a nano-fraction...but the Eagles gamble more than the Cowboys. This could be lethal, with a group of receivers that the Cowboys possess.
Safety-This is not far apart, due to the continued play of Brian Dawkins, but if he has an off year, or starts to show age injuries, this becomes a little suspect also. Considine has put on weight, and was not an elite player, so his influence has to be seen this season.
As far as offensive tackles-
1.Commanders
2.Eagles
7.Cowboys
Offensive guards/centers-
3.Giants
6.Eagles
8.Cowboys
RG Shawn Andrews is the strength of the offensive line. LG Herremans played well his first year. C Jamall Jackson moves laterally well and makes calls well.
LT Thomas appears to have come back full strength from his blood clot and back surgery. Jon Runyen appears to have remained consistent, but is at year 11. He is not an elite player, but is a great player. The old fashioned way. He is probably the third best offensive tackle in the NFC....
Taken as a group, this is the real advantage that Philadelphia possesses....
At wide receivers, the Cowboys possess probably the third best group in the NFC....and the Eagles are just behind the Giants, at 9.
I don't know, but holding all the potential down through the entire season, may be a bit too much for Reid and his fine staff, to accomplish...but never the less, as football overall standards go...I want to be there to watch both games between Philadelphia and Dallas....this season!!
