Dallas may not be favored this Sunday against Philadelphia, but what players do you think can have individual success?
Sunday’s projected to be another dark one for the Dallas Cowboys. Already struggling and now perhaps without QB Dak Prescott for the rest of the season, Dallas hosts a 6-2 Eagles team that’s been rolling since their bye week. Even if team success seems unlikely, are there any individual players who might benefit from the QB change or the matchup with Philadelphia?
BUY
WR Jalen Tolbert
As long as CeeDee Lamb actually plays and the offensive line gives Cooper Rush a chance to breathe, Jalen Tolbert could have a nice game. One thing that Rush showed during his starting run in 2022 was the ability to work through the receiving options and make a smart, decisive throw. Tolbert has been missed sometimes this year as Prescott has been too focused on certain guys and looked out of sorts from the lack of protection.
Again, this is predicated on Lamb being out there to draw attention and Rush actually having chances to progress through his receivers. Even if Lamb does play, the Eagles’ defensive line could give Dallas way more than it can handle. So consider this a buyer beware, but still a decent shot at a good game for Tolbert.
TE Jake Ferguson
Over the last two weeks, Jags TE Evan Engram had 45 yards on five catches and the Bengals’ Mike Gesicki had seven receptions for 73 yards against Philly. As long as he’s not trapped at the line of scrimmage trying to help with pass blocking, Ferguson could do some damage. Much like Tolbert, he’ll benefit greatly if Lamb can play through the shoulder issue and give his teammates more one-on-one matchups.
SELL
RB Rico Dowdle
Dowdle might want to contract another illness this week because the Eagles’ run defense is tough. They haven’t allowed an opposing RB to average above 3.8 yards over the last three weeks. While Dowdle’s coming off a nice game against Atlanta and hasn’t been held below 4.0 ypc since the season opener, the Eagles will probably focus on shutting down the run and forcing Cooper Rush to try to beat them passing.
DE/LB Micah Parsons
Philadelphia may make Parsons wish he’d waited a week before returning. You may recall past years when the Eagles put Parsons in a blender using their read-option plays, and that was before Jalen Hurts was running them with Saquon Barkley. There’s also a good chance that the Eagles will just send everything in the opposite direction from wherever Parsons lines up, neutralizing him the same way teams were prior to his injury. Either way, it doesn’t project to be a joyous return for Dallas’ defensive star.
