Dallas Cowboys: Keys to Victory against the Eagles in Week 16

The Dallas Cowboys are in familiar territory. We saw the same things last year. The Cowboys looked like a Super Bowl contender in the beginning of the season, only to fall apart late in the season.

Last season, the Dallas Cowboys were one and done in the playoffs. Once again.

The Dallas Cowboys looked like a Super Bowl contender in the beginning of the season, only to fall apart late in the season.

This season they started out fast. Showcasing a pass rush that at one time lead the league in sacks. An offensive juggernaut that found its footing.

You cannot ignore the loss to Jacksonville. A defense that was one of the best in the league. They gave up 33 points to a team no one would call an NFL heavyweight.

Now they face the formidable Eagles. A true NFL heavyweight who are peeking and armed with a full arsenal of weapons.

The Cowboys feared pass rush has not been seen in weeks. Injuries are playing a part. It has always been a battle of attrition.

Dallas is the favorite for the next three weeks. The panic level is high for Cowboys Nation.

Let’s spotlight the keys to victory…

1. Dallas Cowboys Secondary

With Anthony Brown done for the season, Dallas has to decide who will be the outside corner. The panic level is high. It was expected that Kelvin Joseph was going to get tested.

Plenty folks point towards Kelvin Joseph and view him as Public Enemy Number One. He was not alone in getting scorched.

There were five other defenders that weren’t happy with their performance.  Let’s see how they went about handing their assignments.

Kelvin Joseph gave up two catches for 69 yards, DaRon Bland (7 for 62), Diggs (5 for 58), Anthony Barr (3 for 40) and Jayron Kearse (5 for 40).

The entire secondary didn’t seem prepared for what was being thrown at them. They had no answers to the questions the Jaguars asked them.

The Jaguars are not an offensive powerhouse.

I have my doubts if Dallas will go back to Kelvin Joseph this Saturday. The game last week wasn’t too big for Nahshon Wright. He appeared ready to accept the challenge. There is no bigger challenge than this.

Dallas will need Wright and Joseph to grow up fast. It isn’t fair because young players will have growing pains.

2. Dallas Cowboys Pass Rush

A pass rush helps the secondary. A month ago it was the league’s best.

The defense is not doing its job. Attrition is hitting this unit. Micah Parsons is still a force.

Dallas need for DeMarcus Lawrence to raise his level. I understand he is hurting. At this time of year, every team is dealing with injuries.

Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler have both come back to earth. Sam Williams may have hit a rookie wall. It is highly unlikely Sam Williams will play this Saturday after being in a car accident.

It would nice if Neville Gallimore would join the party this season. Too many players not name Parson along the defensive line are not answering the call.

This match up with Philadelphia will be a tall task for this defense. Its current state looks fragile. The Eagles offense offensive line is stout and their offensive weapons are scary.

The Cowboys pass rush is a major key to this game and their playoff future. They have time left to rewrite a new narrative.

3. Dallas Cowboys must cut out down the turnovers.

This is not a Dak Prescott thing. This is a team thing.

Dak was 23-30-256 yds and 3 TDs against Jacksonville. He threw 2 INTs. The first one INT his arm was hit as he threw. The second one was in the receiver’s hands. In hindsight, neither were his fault.

The offensive line has to pass protect better. Offensive play designs have drawn up with a purpose. Receivers have to make plays for their QB.

Better care of the football is needed.

4. Dallas Cowboys playmakers

Dallas best players have to make plays on both sides of the ball. Cowboys need their best players to lead. As they go, the team goes.

Right now, this Cowboys group have some serious concerns.

They have been hit by injuries. They have not shown the ability to close games. Questionable depth is rearing its ugly head.

Dallas is struggling to find their way. No team wants to back its way into the playoffs. They want to be peaking.

Playing their best football heading to the playoffs. The Dallas Cowboys are not doing that. Saturday would be the time to turn the corner.