The Dallas Cowboys have an important opportunity to get their season back on track when they face the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. Both teams enter the Week 7 matchup with 2-4 records, making the divisional showdown an important chance to gain ground in the NFC East.
Dallas is coming off a disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers. To earn a much-needed victory in Philadelphia, the Cowboys must find more balance on offense, protect Dak Prescott and improve their ability to create game-changing plays on defense.
Cowboys must get the run game going
Dallas needs more production on the ground to take pressure off quarterback Dak Prescott. The Cowboys managed only 48 rushing yards against Green Bay, making it difficult to maintain a balanced offensive attack.
Javonte Williams has recorded 317 rushing yards through six games while averaging 3.7 yards per carry. After rushing for 1,201 yards last season, he has yet to produce a 100-yard game this year.
Getting Williams involved early could help Dallas control the tempo and avoid predictable passing situations. Prescott attempted 54 passes against the Packers, highlighting the need for a more effective ground attack.
If the Cowboys can run the ball consistently, they can keep Philadelphia’s defense guessing, sustain drives and create more favorable opportunities for their playmakers.
Dak Prescott must protect the football
Prescott’s recent turnover issues are another concern heading into the divisional matchup. The quarterback has thrown four interceptions over Dallas’ last two games, giving opposing defenses opportunities to disrupt the offense.
The Cowboys cannot afford to give Philadelphia extra possessions through costly mistakes. The Eagles will look for opportunities to pressure Prescott into difficult decisions, particularly if Dallas falls behind the chains and becomes overly reliant on its passing game.
Prescott must remain patient, take what the defense gives him and avoid forcing throws into tight coverage. Protecting the football would help Dallas maintain possession, improve its scoring opportunities and prevent Philadelphia from gaining momentum through turnovers.
Cowboys defense needs to create turnovers and generate pressure
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense needs to start making more game-changing plays when it faces Philadelphia. According to Fox Sports defensive rankings, Dallas ranks 32nd in the NFL in takeaways and has yet to record an interception through the opening weeks of the season.
The Cowboys have also struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks, recording just eight sacks to rank 31st in the league. That lack of production has made it difficult for Dallas to disrupt opposing offenses and create opportunities to change possession.
Against Philadelphia quarterback Tanner McKee, the Cowboys need to find ways to get into the backfield and force mistakes. Generating pressure could lead to hurried throws, potential interceptions and opportunities to force fumbles.
Dallas cannot afford to let another opposing offense operate comfortably. If the Cowboys can improve their pass rush and finally generate takeaways, they could give their offense extra possessions and improve their chances of earning a divisional victory.
