NFC East: Cowboys-Eagles 110809
 |
|
| Al Bello/Getty Images | |
| The Dallas defense did a good job keeping Donovan McNabb on the run. |
PHILADELPHIA -- It wouldn't be wise to make any sweeping judgments on the Dallas Cowboys until their cruelest month arrives in December, but it's fair to say they took an important step at the Linc on Sunday night. They returned to the site of one of the most regrettable performances in franchise history and seized control of first place in the NFC East with a 20-16 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Winners of four consecutive games, the 6-2 Cowboys will head to Green Bay next Sunday as one of the hottest teams in the league. And last season's 44-6 loss at the Linc could become a distant memory.
"We came out here and laid an egg," said inside linebacker Bradie James of last December's loss. "I won't ever forget that, but we were able to put that behind us and move forward today. Ever since that Kansas City game [a 26-20 Dallas OT victory Oct. 11], it's skyrocketed for us."
Sunday against the Eagles (5-3), the offense made a huge play in the fourth quarter to put the Cowboys on top, 20-13. But it was the defense that won this game. The Cowboys listened to everyone talk all week about how dangerous the Eagles' weapons were. But from the start, the Cowboys didn't let the speed of DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin intimidate them. The Cowboys certainly double-teamed Jackson at times, but they didn't ask cornerback Terence Newman to follow him all over the field as he has done with star receivers in the past.
The Cowboys' game plan was to keep everything in front of them and not allow the big plays that the Eagles have thrived on this season. By the fourth quarter, Cowboys defenders said they could hear Eagles receivers voicing their frustration at not being able to break free. And it might have been some greediness on coach Andy Reid's part that led to a game-changing interception late in the third quarter.
Leading 13-10, the Eagles got the ball back at their 23-yard line. On first down, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin jogged off the line of scrimmage as if he was going to block before turning on the jets in an attempt to race past the Cowboys' secondary. Safety Ken Hamlin recognized from the start what Maclin was doing, and he shouted to second-year cornerback Mike Jenkins, "Stay back!" That proved to be good advice.
"I knew there was something fishy going on," Jenkins said. "Ken was telling me to get over the top of Maclin, so I started sprinting."
Jenkins matched Maclin step for step and then he undercut the route to pluck the interception. That led to a 33-yard field goal by Nick Folk, tying the score at 13. The Cowboys' defense only allowed one play of more than 25 yards -- and that was a 45-yard screen pass to LeSean McCoy.
Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware overwhelmed the Eagles' offensive line and stayed in quarterback Donovan McNabb's face throughout the game. McNabb was only 16-of-30 for 227 yards and he threw two interceptions. He appeared completely out of rhythm for much of the evening -- and the secondary played a large role in that. If you take away the deep ball from the Eagles, they're not much to look at. It's not like they can turn to a power running game.
|
|||||||||||||||||||
"We took it personally that no one was giving us any respect," Jenkins said. "We've been shutting receivers completely down, but people weren't talking about it. I think we made a statement tonight. To come into their house and walk away with a win ... I think it's a big statement."
Even when last year's Cowboys were winning games early in the season, you could see trouble on the horizon. They were a sensitive bunch who couldn't believe it when anyone questioned them. This year's team seems to stay in the present, and players know that nothing will be handed to them.
The Eagles had second-and-1 at the Cowboys' 45-yard line early in the fourth quarter. McCoy was stuffed for no gain on consecutive plays by Anthony Spencer and James. Then McNabb tried to dive for the first down and was stopped by Marcus Spears.
I have no clue why a man with McNabb's lower body strength would try to leave his feet. But it was a huge play for the Cowboys, and Tony Romo connected with Miles Austin for a 49-yard touchdown pass four plays later.
"They ran the ball towards [Marcus] Spears' side and he said on Sundays his side was closed, and he made the big play again," said James. "There was a big pile but the ball fell our way. You never come to Lincoln Financial and not earn a victory here. I think there were a lot of guys out there that were making plays all over the place."
The Cowboys know that December looms, and that's why they need to keep stacking wins in November.
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
PHILADELPHIA -- Don't look now, but the Cowboys are in the driver's seat in the race for the NFC East crown. They returned to the scene of last season's embarrassing 44-6 loss and came up with a clutch performance.
And maybe Roy Williams should spend a little more time complaining about quarterback Tony Romo's throws because the pair were on the same page Sunday night. Williams had five catches for 75 yards and, for at least one evening, he became Romo's favorite target.
Of course, Romo turned to Miles Austin for the game-winning touchdown. Austin froze cornerback Sheldon Brown with a double move and then raced into the end zone to give the Cowboys a 20-13 lead. The Cowboys (6-2) have now won four consecutive games as they prepare to travel to Green Bay.
The Eagles (5-3) will fall a game behind the Cowboys and they will try to regroup with a road game against the resurgent Chargers, who beat the Giants, 21-20, on Sunday. The Cowboys' defense did a nice job of staying in Donovan McNabb's face throughout the game and cornerback Terence Newman helped take DeSean Jackson out of the game.
Eagles running back LeSean McCoy got loose on a 45-yard play, but the Cowboys limited the big plays. Nose tackle Jay Ratliff and DeMarcus Ware were relentless with their pressure. Ratliff destroyed the middle of the Eagles' offensive line and ended up with two sacks.
Romo had his first interception in the past four games, but he made up for it by throwing for 307 yards and a touchdown. The Cowboys are now one of the hottest teams in the NFC. They prevented the Eagles from completing a three-game sweep of their division foes.
PHILADELPHIA -- Don't look now, but the Cowboys are in the driver's seat in the race for the NFC East crown. They returned to the scene of last season's embarrassing 44-6 loss and came up with a clutch performance.
And maybe Roy Williams should spend a little more time complaining about quarterback Tony Romo's throws because the pair were on the same page Sunday night. Williams had five catches for 75 yards and, for at least one evening, he became Romo's favorite target.
Of course, Romo turned to Miles Austin for the game-winning touchdown. Austin froze cornerback Sheldon Brown with a double move and then raced into the end zone to give the Cowboys a 20-13 lead. The Cowboys (6-2) have now won four consecutive games as they prepare to travel to Green Bay.
The Eagles (5-3) will fall a game behind the Cowboys and they will try to regroup with a road game against the resurgent Chargers, who beat the Giants, 21-20, on Sunday. The Cowboys' defense did a nice job of staying in Donovan McNabb's face throughout the game and cornerback Terence Newman helped take DeSean Jackson out of the game.
Eagles running back LeSean McCoy got loose on a 45-yard play, but the Cowboys limited the big plays. Nose tackle Jay Ratliff and DeMarcus Ware were relentless with their pressure. Ratliff destroyed the middle of the Eagles' offensive line and ended up with two sacks.
Romo had his first interception in the past four games, but he made up for it by throwing for 307 yards and a touchdown. The Cowboys are now one of the hottest teams in the NFC. They prevented the Eagles from completing a three-game sweep of their division foes.
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
PHILADELPHIA -- We were just talking about how Miles Austin didn't have a catch in this game. Then on third down, he used a double move to completely freeze cornerback Sheldon Brown. Safety Sean Jones was out of position to make the touchdown-saving tackle, in part, because Austin gave him such a violent inside move.
The legend of Austin lives on and now the Cowboys can try to tee off on McNabb. OK, I'm breaking away to prepare a Rapid Reaction. I'll see you guys back here in 30 minutes or so.
PHILADELPHIA -- We were just talking about how Miles Austin didn't have a catch in this game. Then on third down, he used a double move to completely freeze cornerback Sheldon Brown. Safety Sean Jones was out of position to make the touchdown-saving tackle, in part, because Austin gave him such a violent inside move.
The legend of Austin lives on and now the Cowboys can try to tee off on McNabb. OK, I'm breaking away to prepare a Rapid Reaction. I'll see you guys back here in 30 minutes or so.
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
PHILADELPHIA -- Asante Samuel took a pretty good knock to the head on that Felix Jones run during the Cowboys' last possession. He left the game and was replaced by Ellis Hobbs. Samuel has a neck injury and his return is questionable, according to the Eagles.
The Eagles got the ball back and Donovan McNabb tried to dial up Jeremy Maclin on a stop and go route. Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins did a great job of staying with Maclin step for step and then he undercut him at the last minute to make the interception.
Roy Williams is making his presence felt. He's come up big on this drive.
There is absolutely no flow to this game.
PHILADELPHIA -- Asante Samuel took a pretty good knock to the head on that Felix Jones run during the Cowboys' last possession. He left the game and was replaced by Ellis Hobbs. Samuel has a neck injury and his return is questionable, according to the Eagles.
The Eagles got the ball back and Donovan McNabb tried to dial up Jeremy Maclin on a stop and go route. Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins did a great job of staying with Maclin step for step and then he undercut him at the last minute to make the interception.
Roy Williams is making his presence felt. He's come up big on this drive.
There is absolutely no flow to this game.
Eagles execute scramble drill perfectly
November, 8, 2009
Nov 8
10:34
PM ET
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
PHILADELPHIA -- Cowboys safety Gerald Sensabaugh had solid coverage on tight end Brent Celek near the goal line, but Celek bolted to the corner of the end zone when he saw Donovan McNabb rolling right. Sensabaugh got caught staring at McNabb's eyes instead of being aware of Celek. Pretty savvy move by Celek on the touchdown.
I'm not sure what Tony Romo was doing on that last interception. It looked like Jason Witten was looking inside and Romo threw the ball outside. Sheldon Brown had an easy interception.
PHILADELPHIA -- Cowboys safety Gerald Sensabaugh had solid coverage on tight end Brent Celek near the goal line, but Celek bolted to the corner of the end zone when he saw Donovan McNabb rolling right. Sensabaugh got caught staring at McNabb's eyes instead of being aware of Celek. Pretty savvy move by Celek on the touchdown.
I'm not sure what Tony Romo was doing on that last interception. It looked like Jason Witten was looking inside and Romo threw the ball outside. Sheldon Brown had an easy interception.
Dungy thinks Vick could end up in Buffalo
November, 8, 2009
Nov 8
10:17
PM ET
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
PHILADELPHIA -- Former Colts head coach Tony Dungy shared some interesting thoughts on Eagles quarterback Michael Vick during tonight's pregame show on NBC. Dungy, who advised Vick as he returned to the league, said the Bills were interested in the quarterback before he signed with the Eagles.
Dungy also mentioned the Redskins, Browns and Rams as possible destinations.
PHILADELPHIA -- Former Colts head coach Tony Dungy shared some interesting thoughts on Eagles quarterback Michael Vick during tonight's pregame show on NBC. Dungy, who advised Vick as he returned to the league, said the Bills were interested in the quarterback before he signed with the Eagles.
"But I think a dark horse is Buffalo," Dungy said. "They talked originally. There was some communication there. I think that could be a good spot."
Dungy also mentioned the Redskins, Browns and Rams as possible destinations.
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
PHILADELPHIA -- On that second-and-goal play, it looked like Asante Samuel had a fist full of Roy Williams' jersey. Williams screamed for the call, but didn't get it. On third down, Tony Romo had Jason Witten wide open in the corner of the end zone but chose to fire a dart in the general direction of Marion Barber. It looked like the ball was tipped.
There's just no rhythm to this game. The Cowboys have obviously sustained longer drives, but it's not like they have a lot to show for it. The Eagles have to figure out how to combat the Cowboys' pressure. DeMarcus Ware and Jay Ratliff are in control of the game right now. Donovan McNabb is holding the ball too long in this game. And the Cowboys are doing a nice job of bringing him to the ground. You have to do that because McNabb has such tremendous lower body strength that he can slide away from tackles.
PHILADELPHIA -- On that second-and-goal play, it looked like Asante Samuel had a fist full of Roy Williams' jersey. Williams screamed for the call, but didn't get it. On third down, Tony Romo had Jason Witten wide open in the corner of the end zone but chose to fire a dart in the general direction of Marion Barber. It looked like the ball was tipped.
There's just no rhythm to this game. The Cowboys have obviously sustained longer drives, but it's not like they have a lot to show for it. The Eagles have to figure out how to combat the Cowboys' pressure. DeMarcus Ware and Jay Ratliff are in control of the game right now. Donovan McNabb is holding the ball too long in this game. And the Cowboys are doing a nice job of bringing him to the ground. You have to do that because McNabb has such tremendous lower body strength that he can slide away from tackles.
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
PHILADELPHIA -- I was about to brag on the way the Cowboys played defense in the first quarter, but they've opened the second quarter by giving up big plays to Jason Avant and Brent Celek. Avant made an outstanding catch with cornerback Orlando Scandrick draped all over him.
But Celek did a nice job of finding a soft spot behind linebacker Bradie James and in front of safety Gerald Sensabaugh. It looks like the Cowboys are going to have Sensabaugh stay with Celek one-on-one for most of night. So far, Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff is having a a huge game. The Eagles had to settle for a 45-yard field goal from David Akers. On third down, Donovan McNabb took a needless sack. He's got to dump that ball off to LeSean McCoy.
Injury report: Eagles left tackle Jason Peters and safety Quintin Demps have both gone to the locker room for x-rays on their ankles. We'll keep you posted throughout the evening.
PHILADELPHIA -- I was about to brag on the way the Cowboys played defense in the first quarter, but they've opened the second quarter by giving up big plays to Jason Avant and Brent Celek. Avant made an outstanding catch with cornerback Orlando Scandrick draped all over him.
But Celek did a nice job of finding a soft spot behind linebacker Bradie James and in front of safety Gerald Sensabaugh. It looks like the Cowboys are going to have Sensabaugh stay with Celek one-on-one for most of night. So far, Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff is having a a huge game. The Eagles had to settle for a 45-yard field goal from David Akers. On third down, Donovan McNabb took a needless sack. He's got to dump that ball off to LeSean McCoy.
Injury report: Eagles left tackle Jason Peters and safety Quintin Demps have both gone to the locker room for x-rays on their ankles. We'll keep you posted throughout the evening.
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
PHILADELPHIA -- The Cowboys are hoping safety Gerald Sensabaugh can handle Eagles tight end Brent Celek one-on-one. But Sensabaugh just intercepted a Donovan McNabb that was thrown too high for Jeremy Maclin. Perhaps Sensabaugh should review the rule that allows him to run with the ball if he's not touched. He stayed on the ground for three seconds before making a lunge.
So far, Tony Romo and the Cowboys have been pretty impressive on third downs. Kevin Ogletree did a superb job of running after the catch, setting up Tashard Choice's touchdown run out of the Wildcat formation. Someone finally executed the Wildcat formation at the Linc.
Cowboys up, 7-0.
PHILADELPHIA -- The Cowboys are hoping safety Gerald Sensabaugh can handle Eagles tight end Brent Celek one-on-one. But Sensabaugh just intercepted a Donovan McNabb that was thrown too high for Jeremy Maclin. Perhaps Sensabaugh should review the rule that allows him to run with the ball if he's not touched. He stayed on the ground for three seconds before making a lunge.
So far, Tony Romo and the Cowboys have been pretty impressive on third downs. Kevin Ogletree did a superb job of running after the catch, setting up Tashard Choice's touchdown run out of the Wildcat formation. Someone finally executed the Wildcat formation at the Linc.
Cowboys up, 7-0.
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles running back Brian Westbrook (concussion) is officially inactive for tonight's game against the Cowboys. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Westbrook would not play earlier today.
Here are the rest of the Eagles inactives: CB Dimitri Patterson, RB P.J. Hill, RB Brian Westbrook, LB Chris Gocong, G Max Jean-Gilles, G Mike McGlynn, WR Kevin Curtis, DE Victor Abiamiri.
Cowboys inactives: Stephen McGee -- emergency QB, CB Allen Rossum, S Michael Hamlin, LB Steve Octavien, LB Jason Williams, G Montrae Holland, C Duke Preston, T Pat McQuistan
One thing to note is that the Eagles are keeping all three quarterbacks active for tonight's game. For the past couple weeks, Kevin Kolb had been serving as the emergency quarterback. Might be a sign that the Eagles intend on using the Wildcat formation with Michael Vick more than usual. I'll keep you posted.
Update: Here’s a statement from Eagles athletic trainer Rick Burkholder regarding Westbrook’s injury: “On Friday afternoon, Brian began experiencing symptoms of a mild headache. From that point forward, we had Brian reevaluated by [team internist] Dr. Gary Dorshimer and we put him through extensive testing. Even though those tests were determined to be negative, we all thought it would be in the best interests of Brian and the team that he should be deactivated for tonight’s game. We will continue to evaluate Brian this week.”
On Friday, coach Andy Reid indicated that he simply wanted to get running back LeSean McCoy some extra reps. It’s not often we receive a statement from an athletic trainer only minutes before a game.
PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles running back Brian Westbrook (concussion) is officially inactive for tonight's game against the Cowboys. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Westbrook would not play earlier today.
Here are the rest of the Eagles inactives: CB Dimitri Patterson, RB P.J. Hill, RB Brian Westbrook, LB Chris Gocong, G Max Jean-Gilles, G Mike McGlynn, WR Kevin Curtis, DE Victor Abiamiri.
Cowboys inactives: Stephen McGee -- emergency QB, CB Allen Rossum, S Michael Hamlin, LB Steve Octavien, LB Jason Williams, G Montrae Holland, C Duke Preston, T Pat McQuistan
One thing to note is that the Eagles are keeping all three quarterbacks active for tonight's game. For the past couple weeks, Kevin Kolb had been serving as the emergency quarterback. Might be a sign that the Eagles intend on using the Wildcat formation with Michael Vick more than usual. I'll keep you posted.
Update: Here’s a statement from Eagles athletic trainer Rick Burkholder regarding Westbrook’s injury: “On Friday afternoon, Brian began experiencing symptoms of a mild headache. From that point forward, we had Brian reevaluated by [team internist] Dr. Gary Dorshimer and we put him through extensive testing. Even though those tests were determined to be negative, we all thought it would be in the best interests of Brian and the team that he should be deactivated for tonight’s game. We will continue to evaluate Brian this week.”
On Friday, coach Andy Reid indicated that he simply wanted to get running back LeSean McCoy some extra reps. It’s not often we receive a statement from an athletic trainer only minutes before a game.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Matt Mosley
Mosley, an award-winning writer for The Dallas Morning News for seven years, joined ESPN.com in January 2007. Mosley, a Baylor graduate, writes columns, features and blogs for ESPN.com.