The Dallas Cowboys lost a close one in the 2025 season opener to the Philadelphia Eagles back in Week 1, but this isn’t the same team as it was back then. The Cowboys have improved on both sides of the ball, especially the defense here recently with all of the new additions. That could prove to be the difference maker this week, but only if they don’t allow certain matchups to get the better of them.
Today, we have a few matchups we believe the Dallas Cowboys could possibly take advantage of to help sway the game in their favor. Probably to know one’s surprise, they are on the defensive side of the ball.
DE Donovan Ezeiruaku vs. RT Fred Johnson
Not having to face the Eagles All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson in Week 12 is good news for the Cowboys. He has been one of the best RTs, if not the best, since entering the league. He recently suffered a Lisfranc injury that will take him out of action. With him not in the lineup, Philadelphia swing tackle Fred Johnson will step into the starting role. The Eagles have a lot of faith in their backup, but there is still going to be a noticeable drop in production. This is something Donovan Ezeiruaku and the rest of the Cowboys pass rusher’s should try to take advantage of. The more uncomfortable they can make Jalen Hurts the better.
LB DeMarvion Overshown vs. QB Jalen Hurts
The last time these two teams played each other in the season opener the Eagles QB Jalen Hurts played a big part in securing the victory. The Cowboys couldn’t seem to find a solution for how to stop him from doing damage with his legs. He ended up rushing for 62 yards on just 14 attempts and scored two touchdowns. If Dallas wants a chance to upset the Eagles in this Week 12 matchup, they can’t allow that to happen again. That’s where DeMarvion Overshown comes in. Matt Eberflus would be wise to use him as a spy on Hurts to try to keep him contained inside the pocket, forcing him to try to win the game with his arm instead of his legs.
DT Quinnen Williams vs. C Cam Jurgens
Quinnen Williams’ debut with the Cowboys last week couldn’t have gone better if it had been scripted. He was a destructive force in the middle of Dallas’ defensive line and completely dominated the interior of the Raiders offensive line last week. A repeat performance this week against the Eagles would be nice, but this is a better OL than what he faced a week ago. With Cam Jurgens being limited in practice this week with a concussion, there is a chance Williams could be facing the Eagles backup center or quite possibly a less than 100% Jurgens. Either way, this could be a matchup the Cowboys new All-Pro DT could dominate.
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