Time of Possession Battle

[Galian Beast]

Many people are talking about the Eagles style of play and how it is going to hurt our ability to rotate our defensive line the way we like to.

That might be the case or at least in element of the game on Thursday, but I think that overlooks a lot.

The Cowboys are 5th in the NFL in TOP, though we've struggled with it a bit in the last few games. The Eagles are 2nd worst.

The combination of our physical style of play, and their quick tempo offense, is almost certainly going to wear down their defensive line. And they are also coming off of a short week.

Playing us, then playing Seattle, and then playing us again... That doesn't bode well for them at all.

If this team plays smart football and doesn't give up the big plays and special teams plays, we should win. I don't agree that they have better players than us, nor do I think they have a better offense than us. We really do need Terrance Williams to show up, which is helped by him breaking a finger. We may very well need to make full use of the 12 personnel group going forward. This is Escobar's time to show up.

A physical run oriented game, where we take our shots when we have them, will give us the edge here. It's important that we wear these defensive ends out, and keep Romo safe. I wouldn't be mad if Romo only throws the ball 20-25 times on Thursday. If we have to bring Williams up from the PS because of Randle's injury, so be it, but we need RBC here. About 40-45 rushing attempts.

 

[Galian Beast]

We're absolutely going to need Josh Brent for this game. I think the decision to save Brent and McClain for the Eagles will ultimately pay off.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Turnovers must be avoided. We can't get the defense gassed.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

We're absolutely going to need Josh Brent for this game. I think the decision to save Brent and McClain for the Eagles will ultimately pay off.

Not sure we were "saving Brent" for the Eagles. It would have been better for him to get some action to knock off two years of rust. He simply wasn't ready it appears.

 

[fifaguy]

A TOP edge is great as long as you finish drives with scores. Can't afford turnovers and other offensive meltdowns in this game.

 

[Idgit]

We need to come out and play a game like we played against the Saints earlier in the year, where we just executed our offense and kept them at bay most of the night.

I think we match up well with this up-tempo Eagles offense, though. Especially with the backup QB. I was concerned about them stretching us out and running it last year, but we handled them really well, and have been solid on screens and stretch plays all season this year, too.

 

[Doomsay]

We need to get pressure on GQ boy early - he panics quickly with the rash throw.

 

[Macnalty]

NFC east matchup it is going to be a dogfight, without Williams I agree Escobar needs to be ready to dominate against this weak defensive backfield. The eagles need Maclin,Sproles, and Shady to have a great game in order to level the playing field, all are more than capable of that kind of effort so no need to sugarcoat the fact this defense is going to be playing with two lungs screaming for O2. Time Of Possession(nice slow long drives with the tip of the spear) is the best cure for our oxygen deficit on Thanksgiving day along with humiliating the eagles defense in our house.
Lots of gamesmanship should be on display by both teams. Think special team gimmicks.
Defensively the Cowboys are going to be tired, no way around that fact, this is the NFC east Championship matchup expect nothing but their best. Sanchez welcome to Cowboys Eagles week we have your welcome basket waiting for you at AT&T stadium just ask for R McClain.
I never really felt anything(bad or good) about the eagles till that year when the fans were throwing batteries at Jimmy Johnson and the players on the field. Now we should show no mercy and slowly apply our foot to their necks. IMO

 

[VACowboy]

A TOP edge is great as long as you finish drives with scores. Can't afford turnovers and other offensive meltdowns in this game.

That's true no matter what type of offense you play.

But I think an up-tempo offense puts a lot more pressure on an offense to score. If Philly runs plays quickly and doesn't score, all they achieve is creating more game time for us to eat up.

 

[LandryFan]

Many people are talking about the Eagles style of play and how it is going to hurt our ability to rotate our defensive line the way we like to.

That might be the case or at least in element of the game on Thursday, but I think that overlooks a lot.

The Cowboys are 5th in the NFL in TOP, though we've struggled with it a bit in the last few games. The Eagles are 2nd worst.

The combination of our physical style of play, and their quick tempo offense, is almost certainly going to wear down their defensive line. And they are also coming off of a short week.

Playing us, then playing Seattle, and then playing us again... That doesn't bode well for them at all.

If this team plays smart football and doesn't give up the big plays and special teams plays, we should win. I don't agree that they have better players than us, nor do I think they have a better offense than us. We really do need Terrance Williams to show up, which is helped by him breaking a finger. We may very well need to make full use of the 12 personnel group going forward. This is Escobar's time to show up.

A physical run oriented game, where we take our shots when we have them, will give us the edge here. It's important that we wear these defensive ends out, and keep Romo safe. I wouldn't be mad if Romo only throws the ball 20-25 times on Thursday. If we have to bring Williams up from the PS because of Randle's injury, so be it, but we need RBC here. About 40-45 rushing attempts.

Not only would I not be mad about Romo throwing 20-25 times, I would be ecstatic, because that would likely mean our run game is working and we have a nice lead.

 

[fifaguy]

That's true no matter what type of offense you play.

But I think an up-tempo offense puts a lot more pressure on an offense to score. If Philly runs plays quickly and doesn't score, all they achieve is creating more game time for us to eat up.

Our D has shown signs of improving but unless Marinelli pulls a rabbit out of his hat Philly is going to put up a fair number of points. This game will likely be close and I'm hoping that the resolve and maturity that the team showed in the second half on Sunday night ultimately carries the day,,,,

 

[Galian Beast]

Not sure we were "saving Brent" for the Eagles. It would have been better for him to get some action to knock off two years of rust. He simply wasn't ready it appears.

Whether he was ready or not isn't the issue. By not playing him, especially if he wasn't ready, allows us to play him in this game, without him being ill effected by the short turn around.

McClain also got an additional week.

We'll need these DTs ready to go on Thursday.

 

[Galian Beast]

That's true no matter what type of offense you play.

But I think an up-tempo offense puts a lot more pressure on an offense to score. If Philly runs plays quickly and doesn't score, all they achieve is creating more game time for us to eat up.

That's the rub. Exactly how keeping our defense off the field helps them, the Eagles keeping their defense on the field will hurt them. You combine the two qualities, and there is a multiplier effect.

If we can just ran at these guys constantly and effectively, their high tempo offense whether it is scoring or not, will expose their defense to significant stress. I'd love to see 40 to 20 minute TOP.

 

[Plankton]

Pass protection will be key in this game. Bill Davis loves to load up with blitzes, and Trent Cole and Connor Barwin are good edge rushers. The Cowboys need to be on their game in pass protection.

 

[visionary]

There are 3 keys to this game:

1. Run the ball effectively
2. Hit Sanchez again and again and again.
3. Make their offense beat us. Don't give up special team score

 

[xwalker]

Whether he was ready or not isn't the issue. By not playing him, especially if he wasn't ready, allows us to play him in this game, without him being ill effected by the short turn around.

McClain also got an additional week.

We'll need these DTs ready to go on Thursday.

It's unlikely that both T. McClain and Josh Brent will be active for this game.

 

[Galian Beast]

It's unlikely that both T. McClain and Josh Brent will be active for this game.

I wouldn't be so certain of that, especially if T. Crawford is out. J. Crawford is definitely out.

 

[xwalker]

NFC east matchup it is going to be a dogfight, without Williams I agree Escobar needs to be ready to dominate against this weak defensive backfield. The eagles need Maclin,Sproles, and Shady to have a great game in order to level the playing field, all are more than capable of that kind of effort so no need to sugarcoat the fact this defense is going to be playing with two lungs screaming for O2. Time Of Possession(nice slow long drives with the tip of the spear) is the best cure for our oxygen deficit on Thanksgiving day along with humiliating the eagles defense in our house.
Lots of gamesmanship should be on display by both teams. Think special team gimmicks.
Defensively the Cowboys are going to be tired, no way around that fact, this is the NFC east Championship matchup expect nothing but their best. Sanchez welcome to Cowboys Eagles week we have your welcome basket waiting for you at AT&T stadium just ask for R McClain.
I never really felt anything(bad or good) about the eagles till that year when the fans were throwing batteries at Jimmy Johnson and the players on the field. Now we should show no mercy and slowly apply our foot to their necks. IMO

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4737331/jeff-heath-jack-crawford-set-for-surgery
Coach Jason Garrett said wide receiver Terrance Williams fractured the tip of his index finger and will play with a splint. Garrett did not anticipate it being a problem for Williams in catching the ball. Officially Williams was listed as not practicing, but he did do some drills during the portion of practice that was open to the media.

 

[AsthmaField]

I was concerned about them stretching us out and running it last year, but we handled them really well, and have been solid on screens and stretch plays all season this year, too.

Last year I was concerned about... well, everything on defense.

Seriously though, Dallas did do a nice job of handling the Philly offense last season.

 

[Doomsday101]

Many people are talking about the Eagles style of play and how it is going to hurt our ability to rotate our defensive line the way we like to.

That might be the case or at least in element of the game on Thursday, but I think that overlooks a lot.

The Cowboys are 5th in the NFL in TOP, though we've struggled with it a bit in the last few games. The Eagles are 2nd worst.

The combination of our physical style of play, and their quick tempo offense, is almost certainly going to wear down their defensive line. And they are also coming off of a short week.

Playing us, then playing Seattle, and then playing us again... That doesn't bode well for them at all.

If this team plays smart football and doesn't give up the big plays and special teams plays, we should win. I don't agree that they have better players than us, nor do I think they have a better offense than us. We really do need Terrance Williams to show up, which is helped by him breaking a finger. We may very well need to make full use of the 12 personnel group going forward. This is Escobar's time to show up.

A physical run oriented game, where we take our shots when we have them, will give us the edge here. It's important that we wear these defensive ends out, and keep Romo safe. I wouldn't be mad if Romo only throws the ball 20-25 times on Thursday. If we have to bring Williams up from the PS because of Randle's injury, so be it, but we need RBC here. About 40-45 rushing attempts.

Kelly is not big on TOP as you said they are all about hurry up. Philly is 30th in the NFL in TOP. I think a big key will be Dallas defense winning the 3rd down battles, sooner they can get off the field the more chances out offense can control the ball and the game.