Sulzbach: Fly, Cowboys, Fly: ‘Boys down Birds to gather ground in NFC East

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The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles get ready for their game. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Sulzbach.

Two teams. Two games a season. One historic rivalry.

The Philadelphia Eagles, currently known as the reigning World Champions, have a significant rivalry with the Dallas Cowboys; America’s Team.

On Sunday, Nov. 11, the two teams met for their first division matchup of the season. This one at Lincoln Financial Field. 

The Cowboys started the season rough on the road. Prior to their game in Philadelphia, they had a record of 3-5 with a loss at every away game. Considering this, going into Sunday night’s game, the Cowboys were not the favored choice.

The game was a must-win for the Eagles, so they could tie the Washington Redskins for first place in the NFC East at 5-4. For the Cowboys, it was a must-win in order to tie with the Eagles at 4-5 and to keep them in the running for the playoffs.  

The two teams have recently introduced new wide receivers into their line ups. The Eagles acquired Golden Tate from the Detroit Lions, while the Cowboys acquired Amari Cooper from the Oakland Raiders in return for a 2019 first round pick. Cooper finished the night with 75 yards on six receptions while Tate had just 19 yards on two catches.

Both teams’ starting quarterbacks are in their third season in the NFL. Philly’s Carson Wentz went 32 of 44 for 360 yards, had two passing touchdowns and an interception. Dak Prescott went 26 of 36 for 270 yards, had a passing touchdown, a rushing touchdown and no interceptions.

As far as weapons out of the backfield go, Ezekiel Elliott went off, having touchdowns both through the air, and on the ground and topped his night off with a highlight reel hurdle over Tre Sullivan on a 32-yard run. Elliott ended the game with 151 rushing yards, one yard short of his season high of 152.

The Cowboys even opened up their bag of tricks, as they tried to fake a punt on fourth and two at their own 31. Safety Jeff Heath took the ball for a three yard run and was able to grab the first down.

Dallas linebacker Leighton Vander Esch would receive NFC Rookie of the Week honors with 13 solo sacks and 1 interception after the game.

The Cowboys lassoed a win coming out of the Sunday night showdown and although predicted otherwise, the ‘Boys were able to put up and finish the fight.

Next, the Cowboys will play at home versus the Washington Redskins for a Thanksgiving day game, while the Eagles will face the 8-1 New Orleans Saints.

Although the Dallas Cowboys rode off with a victory, the coaching staff will continue to be questioned as well as Prescott’s fit in cowboy boots.

Seems like underdogs are no longer the hungry dogs.

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