Place battleground (protection): Cowboys vs Eagles head-to-head breakdown

Beforehand we broke down the offense for this week’s upcoming recreation for the Dallas Cowboys. Now we dive again into the place battleground, this time taking a look at how the defensive positions and particular groups stack up towards one another

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Cowboys line of defense have been probably the most spectacular by way of how far they’ve risen this season. Initially of the 12 months the line of defense struggled with accidents, couldn’t generate stress and was getting crushed simply within the run recreation. The final three video games has Dallas be the primary crew in sacks per recreation and have allowed the sixth-fewest rush yards per recreation. Osa Odighizuwa continues to be the anchor that finds methods to disrupt any play coming his manner. Micah Parson is the straw that stirs this drink for the protection, it’s no shock since his return from harm some a number of weeks again this protection has improved. Chauncey Golston is an unsung hero that’s performed effectively the previous two weeks.

The most important downside for this protection is the very fact they’re dealing with the primary speeding offense this season. It’s not simply Saquon Barkley, it’s additionally Jalen Hurts who leads the league in speeding touchdowns. Including to Dallas’ defensive issues is the Eagles offensive line which is constructed to pave the best way within the working recreation, and does so very successfully.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ line of defense has been a big power for the crew throughout the present NFL season. A number of key gamers have emerged as impactful contributors, showcasing each particular person expertise and efficient teamwork. Jalen Carter has been a standout performer on the Eagles’ line of defense. His potential to hurry the passer is especially noteworthy, as he has achieved a powerful pass-rush grade of 80.6 rating fifth amongst defensive inside gamers within the NFL. Over the previous 4 video games, Carter has delivered three robust performances, solidifying his place as an important asset for the Eagles.

After experiencing a stoop earlier within the season, Josh Sweat has rebounded impressively. In his final 5 video games, he has recorded 5 sacks, seven quarterback hits, and 5 tackles for loss. Milton Williams has contributed successfully to the line of defense’s general efficiency and continues to develop right into a dependable participant inside the rotation.Win: Eagles

Photograph by Mitchell Leff/Getty Photographs

LINEBACKER

Marist Liufau has now solidified himself as the brand new sheriff on the town. He’s been making performs the final couple of weeks and final week was no exception. He’s now established himself as a defensive playmaker resulting in performs that lead to both a turnover or a adverse play for the opposition. Eric Kendricks is a key determine on this protection and he was inactive final week resulting from a calf pressure.

The Eagles linebacker corps this season is characterised by a mixture of established expertise and rising potential. The crew has made important adjustments to its linebacker unit, bringing in new gamers by way of free company and the draft, whereas additionally counting on returning gamers who’ve proven promise. Nakobe Dean is seeking to set up himself as a key participant after an injury-plagued second 12 months in 2023. He’s second on the crew in tackles and tackles for loss. The participant main the best way in tackles and tackles for loss is Zack Baun who joined the Eagles after leaving the New Orleans Saints. Dean is coping with an stomach harm.

Conclusion:Shedding gamers resulting from harm is not any exception for each groups at this place. However the lack of DeMarvion Overshown severely places a adverse spin to this group for Dallas. Baun and Dean have been each been having good seasons. They will defend very successfully laterally or come down and press. Win: Eagles

Photograph by Mitchell Leff/Getty Photographs

DEFENSIVE BACKS

The Cowboys defensive backs have had a notable season, characterised by each strengths and challenges. The efficiency of this unit might be analyzed by way of a number of key features: general effectiveness, particular person performances, harm points, and their function serving to to seek out methods to impression the opposing passing recreation. This secondary has proven resilience and adaptableness all through the season. They’ve been efficient in creating turnovers, which is a crucial part of their defensive technique. Jourdan Lewis made one of the crucial mind-blowing interceptions final week that appeared like a landing go all the best way up till Lewis stood up with the ball. DaRon Bland had the largest play to finish the sport along with his fumble restoration to finish the sport final week.

One of many standout options of the Eagles’ defensive backs is their potential to work collectively as a unit. This season, they’ve excelled in communication and teamwork, which has allowed them to cowl receivers successfully and help one another in varied defensive schemes. The absence of particular person interceptions amongst cornerbacks highlights a collective strategy the place gamers deal with minimizing large performs reasonably than searching for private accolades.

Rookie Cooper DeJean has made a notable impression throughout the 2024 NFL season. Drafted within the second spherical, he has rapidly established himself as a flexible participant able to contributing considerably to the Eagles’ secondary. His potential to play a number of positions inside the defensive backfield has allowed him to adapt to varied recreation conditions and matchups towards opposing offenses. Quinyon Mitchell has demonstrated elite protection talents, however he’s had a blended season this 12 months. His statistics mirror this, as he has allowed probably the most variety of yards and completions towards him amongst all defensive backs between these two groups.

Conclusion:Accidents have performed a big function in shaping the efficiency of the Cowboys’ defensive backs this season. The absence of key gamers at varied factors has compelled youthful or much less skilled gamers into beginning roles, impacting general cohesion and efficiency. The Eagles have stayed wholesome this 12 months and different starters like Darius Slay and C.J. Gardner-Johnson all come into this week with a clear slate. That’s led to a crew permitting the second-fewest passing yards this 12 months. Win: Eagles

Photograph by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Photographs

SPECIAL TEAMS

Brandon Aubrey made all 4 area objectives with some important scores comprised of 50+ yards. He’s been among the best sniper kickers this 12 months and really dependable.

Jake Elliott has a 77% area purpose proportion this 12 months, that ranks twenty eighth amongst beginning kickers. He’s made one area purpose from seven makes an attempt at 50+ yards.

KaVontae Turpin stays among the best kick return specialists this 12 months and his twin function as returner and vast receiver with big-play potential makes him among the best weapons on the Cowboys roster.

Kenneth Gainwell returns kicks for Philadelphia and averages 24 yards per kickoff return which ranks forty fifth amongst kickoff specialists. Win: Cowboys

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Which crew has the higher protection?

85%

Philadelphia Eagles

(17 votes)

20 votes whole

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