The Philadelphia Eagles (12-3) had their 10-game win streak snapped after they fell to the Washington Commanders last Sunday.
The Birds will now look to get back on track against the Dallas Cowboys (7-8) in Week 17. However, it won't be as easy as it may appear.
Eagles' starting quarterback Jalen Hurts is in concussion protocol and chances of him being available by the weekend are slim to none.
That means backup quarterback Kenny Pickett could get the start. Do the Eagles still have a chance against a sloppy Dallas team?
A to Z Sports' Cowboys beat writer, Mauricio Rodriguez, answers that and more in three burning questions ahead of this NFC East rivalry matchup.
1. Is there a Cowboys player who has found his spark since the last time these two teams met in Week 10 that the Eagles should be worried about?
I'd definitely say Rico Dowdle is the correct answer here. It's not that he wasn't efficient already but the Cowboys have leaned on him much more as of late. Dowdle is actually eighth in the NFL in success rate and the only reason why isn't higher in total yardage is a lack of attempts. In recent weeks, Mike McCarthy has been much more willing to give him a hefty workload. With better interior line play, the result has been a very decent rushing offense.
2. Dallas' defense has looked a lot better in recent weeks. What has changed there?
Mostly, it's been the return of a healthy Micah Parsons. Obviously he's a game changer and opens up so many opportunities for teammates blitzing from all over the field. Speaking of, that's the second thing: The scheme Mike Zimmer brought to town is finally clicking with players and vice versa. Additionally, Carl Lawson and Chauncey Golston have been playing better at defensive end.
3. In your own opinion, do you think the Cowboys have any chance of beating this well-balanced Eagles team? Final score prediction?
I'd be extremely surprised mostly because of how good the Eagles' defense has been. With the way they've been playing, I can trust the Cowboys' defense to wake up and choose violence and produce takeaways regardless of the opponent. But I find it difficult to believe Cooper Rush will be able to challenge the Eagles' secondary like he did against the Bucs last weekend and the same goes for Dowdle vs. this defensive front. I think Dallas comes out to play but falls short. Give me 23-16, Eagles.
