The Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles battle in an NFC East showdown in Week 12. This is a huge divisional bout that could shape the NFC East's outlook for the rest of the year, meaning it'll be important for the Cowboys' defense to remain as stout as possible against the Eagles' offensive playmakers.
The Cowboys are making a push for the playoffs, so they'll take all the help they can get. Yet fans should temper their expectations for pass rusher DeMarvion Overshown and rookie cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. this weekend. When talking to the media on Friday, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that both guys will be on a pitch count, saying that the duo's playing time "should be about the same" as it was against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11, per DLLS Cowboys' Ali Jawad.
DeMarvion Overshown, Shavon Revel Will Be on a Snap Count for in Week 12
In the win over the Raiders, Overshown played in 31 defensive snaps (52%). Meanwhile, Revel suited up in 32% of the snaps (19 total plays) in his NFL debut. Both players are coming off serious knee injuries, and the Cowboys aren't looking to add more to their plate.
From the outside looking in, this isn't what fans want to see. Considering they played last week, many believed their playing time would increase, but that isn't the case. And going up against an Eagles team that beat them in Week 1, having all the help you can get is what is needed.
Since that isn't what's going to happen, it only emphasizes the plays that they'll be out there. Football is a game about reps and consistency, so the more they play, the comfortable they'll be. Trotting out there in practice is one thing, but an actual game is a whole other level.
The Cowboys acquired veteran LB Logan Wilson ahead of the deadline and gave Dallas another player who can allow Overshown to ease back in. It doesn't hurt that Kenneth Murray Jr., Shemar James, and Marist Liufau are other guys in the linebacker room who don't make it a necessity to rush Overshown back.
Meanwhile, Revel is a player the Cowboys could certainly use more of in this matchup. Dallas is already without CB Trevon Diggs, so their top two corners right now are DaRon Bland and Caelen Carson. Revel and Reddy Steward split CB3 duties against Las Vegas, as Dallas' secondary allowed 27 completions on 42 attempts for 209 yards, one touchdown, and an interception.
Since the Eagles have a dynamic duo in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith on the other side, having Revel out there is a bonus. How effective he can be will depend on when the Cowboys decide to throw him out there.
Fans hoping to see more of Overshown and Revel this week shouldn't hold their breath. That doesn't mean Schottenheimer won't eventually abandon that plan. It just means the talent defensive pair will have to find a way to force their head coach's hand.