Cowboys Game Preview vs. Eagles: Analysis, prediction, TV info
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (grass, outdoors)
When: Sunday, Nov. 11, 4:15 p.m. (Fox)
Spread: Cowboys by 1.5
Forecast: Clear, temperatures in the mid 50's
2012 records: Cowboys (3-5); Eagles (3-5)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Dec. 24, 2011: Eagles 20, Cowboys 7; Oct. 30, 2011: Eagles 34, Cowboys 7. Series record: Cowboys hold a 60-46 edge.
What matters: These are two of the worst teams in the NFL in terms of turnovers. The Cowboys are 31st in the league with a minus-11 turnover ratio, and the Eagles are 29th at minus-9. Cowboys QB Tony Romo still leads the NFL with 13 interceptions, but Eagles QB Michael Vick isn't far behind with nine.
Who matters: While the Cowboys went 0-2 against the Eagles last season, outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware was a beast in both games, recording four sacks in the first meeting with two more in the finale. The Eagles have struggled to protect Vick this season and making sure Ware is out of the backfield will have to be a top priority. This year, Ware has nine sacks in eight games and is closing in on the Cowboys' all-time sack record, owned by Harvey Martin with 114. Ware (108.5) needs six full sacks to become the franchise leader.
Key matchups: The Eagles haven't been as dominating with their pass rush this year, but defensive ends Trent Cole and Jason Babin are always dangerous. How offensive tackles Tyron Smith and Doug Free handle the edge will be a key to keeping Tony Romo upright and able to make plays down the field. Romo said this week he has to “work harder against the Eagles than any other team because they put you on the move so much.”
Injuries of note: The Cowboys will again be without running back DeMarco Murray (sprained foot), meaning Felix Jones will start again and there will be more carries for Phillip Tanner and Lance Dunbar. Nose tackle Jay Ratliff (ankle) and cornerback Mike Jenkins (back) are questionable and expected to be game-time decisions.
Inside stuff: This game also matches two of the worst teams in the NFL in red-zone scoring. The Cowboys rank 26th in the league in touchdown percentage, scoring 11 on 25 attempts (44 percent). The Eagles are even worse, ranked 30th, scoring 10 touchdowns in 27 trips (37 percent) inside the 20.
Stat you should know: Of the teams Romo has faced more than three times, no team has given him more problems than the Eagles. Romo has a 78.1 quarterback rating in nine games as a starter. He's completed 57.6 of his passes against Philly, although his career percentage is 64.7. Romo has 11 touchdowns to 11 interceptions against the Eagles and averages just 223 yards passing per contest.
Looking ahead: The Cowboys have been at home for just three games in the first 10 weeks of the season, but it changes with five of the last seven games at homes.
Prediction: Eagles 27, Cowboys 17
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