What's the Cowboys answer to the Eagles

[Phoenix-Talon]

Not looking for a fist fight! Just trying to compare starters, look at your version of our "A" team as it relates to yours. That said, ...

*Play-makers/pro-bowlers are depicted by "bold" print

QB -- McNabb, Detmer, McMahon

RB -- Westbrook (he'll be there), Buckhaulter, Moats

FB -- Parry, Ritchie, Tapeh

WR -- T.O., Pinkston, Reggie Brown, G. Lewis, McMullen

TE -- LJ, Bartrum

OL -- Thomas, Runyan, Andrews, Hicks, Fraley, Sculio, Clarke, Darilek/Ephraim/Furio/Jackson

DE -- Kearse, Douglas, McDougle (once his wound heals)

DT -- Rayburn, Walker, Simon (perhaps), Thomas,

LB -- Trotter, Sim, Jones, Adams, Labinjo

CB -- Brown, Sheppard, Hood, Wynn, Ware

S -- Lewis, Dawkins, Reed, Quientin

K -- Akers

P -- Dirk

Get some ...

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I guess I'm not sure why Andews is bolded. I thought he was injured much of last year.

Philly has a good team, a very good team. But it's coming apart at the seams due to internal problems.

I see two big advantages with Philly as compared to Dallas. #1 is McNabb. While I don't think he's as good as his numbers from last season he is better than Bledsoe... no doubt about that.

And while Dallas does have some great talent on defense now it's unproven talent in a lot of respects, where Philly's is proven. The two teams haven't been this close talent wise is several seasons. While I'm not expecting the Cowboys to win the division this year if the Eagles continue to have problems within the organization or a major injury hits here or there then Dallas could be neck & neck come the end of the season.

 

[chicago JK]

I don't like comparing starters. I see it every year at Extremeskins where they rate their lineups with or ahead of such rosters as the Pats and Eagles. As you know the Eagles know what they are doing. Anyone who is discussing/predicting their demise is clearly trying find cracks that probably aren't there. The Eagles are still the class of the NFC EAST. The only way Dallas catches Philly is by putting together a few more solid drafts and also adding solid medium priced depth guys in FA.


Sure it is possible Dallas could shock the world and finish first in the NFC EAST this year but the only way they will consistently play at Philly's level is by mimicing this offseason a few more times (minus the high priced FA acquisitions).

 

[dmq]

I would say the key to beating the Eagles is the 3-4. Me thinks they have a tough time with it.

 

[poke]

the cowboys answer to the eagles is to line up and play. on paper the eagles
have better, more experienced players....but its still football and that means
you have to keep doing it. past accomplishments mean nothing.

 

[morasp]

The Cowboy's answer is look out. The two teams played each other tough last year and we are a lot better this year at almost every position.

 

[kmd24]

Football is a team sport. It is foolish to try to compare individuals.

For some teams, like the Patriots, the whole is definitely greater than the sum of the parts. For others, like the Minnesota Vikings of recent years, the whole has been much worse than the sum of the parts.

It has taken two years for Bill Parcells to get the groceries in place, and he is still missing an ingredient or two. Some of the produce may not be quite ripe. But the components look like they may meld together quite nicely.



If you insist on comparing individuals, it should give you pause to know that some of the recent acquisitions - Henry, Bledsoe, Ware, Burnett, and Beriault among others - are performing much better than expected early on. Others like Ferguson and Rivera are right where they should be. And some of the holdovers - Larry Allen, Andre Gurode, Terence Newman, Patrick Crayton, Matt McBriar, Bradie James - look as good or better than they ever have. To me, that sounds like a dramatically improved talent base, both starters and depth.

Consider that last year's team (minus a couple of key pieces like Dan Campbell and Terry Glenn) played a close game with the Eagles in Philly, and it is easy to see why Cowboys fans think our team might finally break through against the Eagles in 2005.

 

[doomsday_II]

The talent question will be more interesting at the end of the season since we will have rooks with a lot of playing time.

It boils down to the OL setting the pace on offense and we will have two new starters, possibly three which will have beat out last years starters, plus a new Larry Allen (crossing fingers). This has the potential to be the best line we have had since the mid 90's.

We will be a running team, and this alone will improve the defense. Add to that four projected first round picks (at one time or another) who should get significant playing time or outright starting in the front seven, the cowboy nation is excited. AND two new free agent ball hawk DB's, the defense, once it gels (trainging camp, 2,8,16 games) should have the playmakers to dictate to the offense.

Like I said we have so many new faces the question will answer itself later in the season.

 

[Aikmaniac]

The two teams played each other tough last year...

In Dallas, the Eagles embarrassed the Cowboys. Remember that circus 14 second play?


In Philly, Dallas did play the Eagles tough. I think that game is what you were talking about as far as playing tough.

Still, the Cowboys need to be able to pressure McNabb, stop the run, and keep that offense off the field. If they do that, the Cowboys will be back atop the NFC East where they should be.

 

[TheSkaven]

Good post, It's interesting to read the responses.

The Cowboys played the Eagles very competitively at the Linc last year, with a clearly inferior team. With the changes that Dallas has made this off-season, I would expect every game to be competitive, and the sweeps to be a thing of the past.

As for starters, I'd say that most positions are a push other than QB and TE. I'd also take Parcells as a game-day coach over Reid. The gap has clearly narrowed.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

I guess I'm not sure why Andews is bolded. I thought he was injured much of last year.

I agree ..Andrews should not have been bolded. While he showed signs of greatness in 2004, he is a rookie (and he was injured last year). My bias -- I think he's going to be treacherous this year -- but we'll see.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

I would say the key to beating the Eagles is the 3-4. Me thinks they have a tough time with it.

No disrespect, but that's a weak reason, with no foundation. At least elaborate what you mean.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

The Cowboy's answer is look out. The two teams played each other tough last year and we are a lot better this year at almost every position.

That's a weak reason also ..."look out?!?" Listen, the Cowboys always play the Eagles and the Commanders hard -- the Only difference is that you own the Commanders!

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

Football is a team sport. It is foolish to try to compare individuals.

Collectively, the individuals listed make up the team -- I'm not trying to be foolish, I was merely wondering who were your answers to those Eagle team players listed. You may not know!

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

The talent question will be more interesting at the end of the season since we will have rooks with a lot of playing time.

No argument, you're right! But we're not there yet and I think it's interesting to look at the talent "pre" season; also interesting to compare at the end of the season (take a chance ...go out on the limb for a rookie)!

We will be a running team, and this alone will improve the defense.

Wait ...I know there's a connection here, but I just can't pull it together. Ok, how does being a run-based team on the offense improve your defense? Now I do realize that the longer the offense is on the field, it gives the deffense a rest. But either the talent is there or it isn't -- the way I see it, the run game has no bearing!

 

[Doomsday101]

Not looking for a fist fight! Just trying to compare starters, look at your version of our "A" team as it relates to yours. That said, ...

*Play-makers/pro-bowlers are depicted by "bold" print

QB -- McNabb, Detmer, McMahon

RB -- Westbrook (he'll be there), Buckhaulter, Moats

FB -- Parry, Ritchie, Tapeh

WR -- T.O., Pinkston, Reggie Brown, G. Lewis, McMullen

TE -- LJ, Bartrum

OL -- Thomas, Runyan, Andrews, Hicks, Fraley, Sculio, Clarke, Darilek/Ephraim/Furio/Jackson

DE -- Kearse, Douglas, McDougle (once his wound heals)

DT -- Rayburn, Walker, Simon (perhaps), Thomas,

LB -- Trotter, Sim, Jones, Adams, Labinjo

CB -- Brown, Sheppard, Hood, Wynn, Ware

S -- Lewis, Dawkins, Reed, Quientin

K -- Akers

P -- Dirk

Get some ...

We know who the starters are as for the Cowboys to be able to go in and beat the eagles our guys just need to step up and out play the eagles. Philly is a good team but Philly is not unbeatable

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

We know who the starters are as for the Cowboys to be able to go in and beat the eagles our guys just need to step up and out play the eagles. Philly is a good team but Philly is not unbeatable

Of course Philly is beatable! So were the Miami Dolphins when they went 17-0. But that's beside the point. We're not talking who is going to win, we trying to look at player/position to determine level of talent needed to counter the opponent team.

I wish your team much success this year (just not as much success as the Eagles).

 

[Doomsday101]

Of course Philly is beatable! So were the Miami Dolphins when they went 17-0. But that's beside the point. We're not talking who is going to win, we trying to look at player/position to determine level of talent needed to counter the opponent team.

I wish your team much success this year (just not as much success as the Eagles).

I wish I could return the feeling but I just can't stand Philly dating back to buddy ryan and really can't stand the fans who attend the game, the action over the years speaks for itself. I'm not accusing you of such act but watching many Philly games over the years I don't think it is by accident that they have gotten the reputation they have. When looking at the Philly Roster I do see a lot of talent but I also think as Dallas,NY Giants and Skins continue to rebuild and improve our teams that the free ride in the NFC East the eagles have enjoyed is about over.

 

[kmd24]

Collectively, the individuals listed make up the team -- I'm not trying to be foolish, I was merely wondering who were your answers to those Eagle team players listed. You may not know!

Before every game, in almost every newspaper across the country, sportswriters compare teams position by position. It is foolish. (I am not singling you out here - go roll your eyes somewhere else). It's just a disdain I have for the player-by-player comparison that is so frequently done. This comparison makes a lot more sense in a game like basketball, where guards are matched with guards, centers with centers, etc. on the court. Drew Bledsoe is never on the field at the same time as McNabb, so why compare the two.

Football is more about whether your defense can stop the counter trey or if their offense can find the seams in your two deep zone. To be honest, I don't think anybody know yet what the Dallas defensive scheme will look like this year.

I can say on offense that Dallas has plenty of answers for the Philly defense. In particular, I think that the Dallas OL will match up favorable with the Philly DL, particularly in the run game, where Kearse's greatest talent is not a factor. If Simon doesn't show, that's even better for Larry Allen and company.

I also expect to see an upgraded passing attack, which should be able to challenge the Philly secondary. The emergence of Patrick Crayton, a Quincy Morgan with a full offseason, and a healthy Glenn combined with an improved QB situation and a competent running game should put a lot of pressure on the Eagles secondary. I am unaware of anything the Eagles have done in the secondary. Having a more experienced Sheppard and Brown will help, but it's a unit that has essentially stood pat.

On defense, I expect to see many improvements, but I won't comment too much on the front seven since no one really knows what it will look like. The one thing I will say is that I expect to see a defense much stouter against the run due to the addition of Jason Ferguson, a legitimate talent where there previously was mostly pass rushing talent (Glover). In the secondary, the additions of Henry and Glenn finally insure a solid starter across from Newman. In addition, Roy Williams will move to SS, his natural position, and the competition at FS looks likely to yield a better safety tandem than the out of position RW and his counterpart (Dixon or Scott) in 2004. Keith Davis or Justin Beriault could easily play FS and provide coverage on par with RW's in 2004. JMO. I think this unit will match up favorably with the Philly passing attack. I am a little concerned about the Philly rookie WR Brown, since he could provide a legitimate threat across from TO. The rest of the Philly WR corps is not that scary, IMO.

That's about all I have time for right now.

 

[Ken]

No disrespect, but that's a weak reason, with no foundation. At least elaborate what you mean.

New England and Pittsburge and Baltimore.

Last year they gave you fits with the 3-4.


You scored 15 points in a win over Baltimore.

3 pts in a loss to pittsburge. 4 sacks on McNabb.

21 in a loss to NE in the Super bowl. 3 ints 4 sacks and battered the whole game to the point of vomiting.


Granted, they are 3 of the best d's in the league, but they are 3-4s.

It just makes sense with a guy as athletic as McNabb, that if you swap out a big, fat, slow DT for a LB, it will be a better matchup.