Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles: What stood out

The Dallas Cowboys took on the Eagles in the regular season finale. We review the game and discuss who and what stood out.

The Cowboys came into this week 17 match-up without much to play for. Having locked up the top seed before last week, the Cowboys clearly attacked this game with damage control in mind. Because of this, assessing the game tape would have to be done differently, deciphering relevant information and players from the completely irrelevant that’s usually synonymous in meaningless games like these.

It was clear before the game even began that the Eagles would be blitzing the injury depleted offensive line early and often. Being less than 100% with Tyron Smith and Ronald Leary sitting out, Scott Linehan had no intention of letting Dak Prescott or Tony Romo stand very long in the pocket. The pressure continued all game as Mark Sanchez led the team down the stretch. Oddly enough, RT Doug Free, not the two injury replacements, struggled the most on the afternoon.
It was nice to see a couple nice plays from Jack Crawford on Sunday. The injuries on the defensive line gave him plenty of opportunities to get his game going for the playoffs. In 2015 he was one of the most underrated Cowboys, impacting plays in a way stats don’t always show. But this season he’s regressed quite a bit and failed to take the next step many of us hoped he would. I’m still optimistic for his career, but want to see more plays this postseason. Right now, I’d much rather see Randy Gregory getting more snaps than Crawford but I’m confident Rod Marinelli will do a good job of rotating and ridding the hot hand.
I liked a specific blitz that Rod Marinelli dialed up in the second quarter. He sent two ‘backers to the left side of the Eagle O-line pushing QB Carson Wentz to roll right onto David Irving’s side. David Irving is fantastic at setting and protecting the edge because his 87+ inch wingspan allows him to control any opposing tackle. When Wentz broke the pocket and ran right, Irving was waiting, extending his arm, pushing off the OT, and meeting Wentz, forcing a throw-away.

The Cowboys defense needs to shore up their screen game because the Eagles ate them up with it using TEs and RBs with success.
I’m a huge Dak Prescott fan and 100% believe he should be starting but watching Romo play again was a thing of beauty. After his first pass I was a little worried he’d be pushing too hard but that was completely dispelled by the time he threw his next pass. I am well on the record on my thoughts about playing Romo, but now that it’s over and he played well AND escaped injury-free, I’m happy he played.

DE Randy Gregory doesn’t have that many numbers on his resume but man is this kid quick and talented. He’s never going to be a reliable player given his drug issues but he needs to be appreciated regardless. His explosiveness is the best on the team and his strength is underrated. He’s even been improving against the run and playing a little in coverage on zone blitzes as well. He could be so good if only…

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It probably goes without saying 3rd string QB Mark Sanchez was less than thrilling in his performance. In fact, his play hearkened back the painful memories of last season most of us have long since repressed. The truth is, Sanchez played like a typical backup. That’s what most teams have waiting in the wings and that’s why the Dallas Cowboys are so damn lucky to be in the position they are in this season. Having a rookie like Dak and a backup like Tony is unheard of these days. The Cowboys are in great position this postseason.

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