The Eagles (7-7) will host the Cowboys (7-7) in an important NFC East battle in Week 16 at Lincoln Financial Field.
The details are simple, ff the Cowboys win, they will clinch the division. If the Eagles win, they’ll need to beat the Giants in the regular-season finale or hope the Cowboys lose to Washington.
The Eagles are 2-5 against the Cowboys since Doug Pederson took over in 2016 and have lost the last four games to the Cowboys, dating back to 2017.
Here are 4 things to watch when Philadelphia is on offense:
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1. Eagles use of the screen game
Besides the Carson Wentz to Zach Ertz connection, the only sure thing on offense for Philadelphia this season has been the utilization of the screen game.
The Cowboys defense is one of the worst units at defending the screen, allowing the second-most total yards on screens (465) in the NFL, per Sports Info Solutions. Last week during their win against the Rams, the Cowboys gave up 58 total yards and four first down on four screen passes.
The Eagles haven’t done much well all season on offense, but they’ve excelled at turning screens into opportunistic gains, with the offensive line clearing space for Miles Sanders and Boston Scott to flourish.
2.Halapoulivaati Vaitai vs. DeMarcus Lawrence
Johnson is one of the best right tackles in the game, and Vaitai will have to be on his game against DeMarcus Lawrence. Lawrence has just 5.0 sacks in 14 games, but he’s dangerous and Big-V will need to be on his job.
3. Miles Sanders vs. Cowboys run defense
Sanders has grown into the lead back role, and the offense has moments where it’s looked more explosive without Jordan Howard. He’s coming off his best game as a pro against the Redskins, rushing for 122 yards and totaling 172 yards from scrimmage. The Eagles will look to ride Sanders against Dallas.
Dallas is currently the 12th-best rushing defense in the league, giving up 103.6 yards per game this season.
Look for Philly to target Sanders on third down where he has averaged 9.8 yards from scrimmage per touch (186 yards / 19 touches) on 3rd down this season — best of 35 qualified NFL RBs;
4. Eagles 12 personnel
While Philadelphia has struggled at the wide receiver position, look for Carson Wentz and company to counter the Cowboys by utilizing a ton of 12 personnel (2 tight ends.)
Eagles TEs have averaged 18.8 targets per game since week 12 — highest in NFL. The Cowboys have allowed 6.2 receptions per game to TEs since week 12 — tied for fourth-highest in NFL.
Ertz and Goedert have to perform.
