There’s nothing like beating your rival when things feel like they aren’t going your way, and that’s the challenge for the Dallas Cowboys heading into Week 10. They’re undermanned, have less talent and are the underdogs at home, but there are some things to love about the matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Cowboys will be playing a backup quarterback and facing one of the best offenses in the league, but there is a path to victory. The Eagles are far from a juggernaut, despite their 6-2 record. They have been in close games and failed to close a few out.
As the saying goes, throw the record books out when the Cowboys and Eagles get together, and hope Mike McCarthy’s team gives their best outing to date. Here are three things to love about the Week 10 opponent for the Cowboys.
Their record is a bit of a mirage
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The Eagles are currently 6-2, and just a half-game behind the Washington Commanders for first place in the division, but they’ve had one of the easiest roads to get to six wins. Aside from beating the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, where strange things tend to happen, the Eagles have played against just one team currently over .500 and lost.
Philadelphia’s six wins have come against teams that are a combined 18-36. And even in their wins, they have barely hung on to come away victorious, beating three 2-7 teams by an average of just four points a game. That’s hardly dominating, as the Eagles have played a lot of close games despite not playing top competition.
To their credit, the Eagles have won most of those games and beat a few of the teams the Cowboys couldn’t, but there are a lot of contests that have come down to the wire. Nick Sirianni’s team has made mistakes that allowed their opponents to stay in game’s late, so they aren’t immune from making critical errors.
If Dallas can keep it close and make the big plays instead of mistakes, they’ll have a chance to pull off the upset in Week 10.
CeeDee Lamb feasts on the Eagles’ defense
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In the last four matchups, the top wide receiver for the Cowboys has torched the Eagles’ defense. Lamb’s caught 33 passes for 450 yards and three touchdowns as the All-Pro WR has been over 120 yards receiving twice, as well as having two double-digit reception games during that span.
The only time Lamb was under 70 yards receiving in those four contests, unfortunately, came with backup Cooper Rush at quarterback. There is also the issue of Lamb’s shoulder, which has him as questionable for the game. The injury affected Lamb’s performance against the Atlanta Falcons, and time will tell if he can fight through the pain to play.
Lamb is a matchup nightmare for the Eagles, who haven’t had much success stopping the top WR for the Cowboys. Philadelphia’s defense against the pass is good, but they’ve given up 75% of their passing scores to offenses inside the top eight in passing offense, so if Lamb can play, he’ll have the opportunity to be a difference maker.
Micah Parsons returning
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The injuries have taken their toll on the Cowboys, but it looks like they could be getting one of their best defensive players back for the meeting with the Eagles. Edge rusher Micah Parsons should be back to play in Week 10, according to Jerry Jones.
That’s a big deal for a defense that has struggled to create pressure without him. Parsons is one of the best defensive players in the league and he affects the game more than any other Cowboys defender. Without the All-Pro pass rusher in the lineup, there is no one to game plan for and the defense has forced just one measly turnover.
Parsons can’t beat the Eagles by himself, but he’ll help a shorthanded group that’s struggled in all phases this season. The Cowboys must love having their best defensive player back on the field, even if he’s not 100%.
