Beyond Obvious: 3 reasons for Cowboys, fans, to hate seeing Eagles in Week 10 Ben Grimaldi One of the more anticipated matchups of every season for the Dallas Cowboys has arrived, but there’s considerably less fanfare this time around. This is going to be hard to watch for Cowboys fans because the team isn’t very good this year, and the injuries had made them worse, but losing to the Eagles always stinks. The division rivals are heading in opposite directions as the Eagles are looking to stay within striking distance of first place, while the Cowboys are trying to avoid the basement in the NFC East. It’s hard to see a path for a Cowboys’ win with Cooper Rush under center, but it would be delightful to see it happen. There are always reasons to hate the Eagles, but we’ll settle on three of them ahead of the Week 10 matchup. However, even without quarterback Dak Prescott and a delusional upper management group led by Jerry Jones, there are reasons to hate the Week 10 opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles. The head coach Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports There has never been an Eagles head coach Cowboys fans have liked, but there have been plenty to hate along the rivalry, and their current one is among the worst of the group. Nick Sirianninis arguably the most unlikeable head coach in the league. From wearing a ‘Beat Dallas’ t-shirt before a game between the two teams (which Dallas won) and his clownish sideline antics that annoy his own fan base; Sirianni easy to root against. His histrionics have already worn thin and his decision making this season has been openly questioned around the league. It’s hard to dislike any Eagles coach more than Cowboys fans disliked former head man Buddy Ryan, but Sirianni feels like the most hated HC in the last couple of decades. Aggressive front office Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports It’s easy to look at the Eagles and despise the team, but it’s just as easy to watch how they’re built and become even more frustrated. While the Cowboys typically sit back and watch the offseason play out, the GM Howie Roseman makes them one of the most aggressive teams in the league. By doing so, the Eagles have acquired some of the best talent. This past offseason, the team signed running back Saquon Barkley and added pass rusher Bryce Huff, while also working out extensions for both of their wide receivers. Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) while running with the ball during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The move to add Barkley has been one of the best signings in free agency as the veteran RB is second in the league in rushing with 925 yards, is averaging almost six yards a carry and is third in the NFL in total touchdowns with eight. Among the other acquisitions over the last few years that have contributed to the Eagles’ 6-2 record are trading for cornerback Darius Slay, safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, and WR A.J. Brown, as well as using draft picks for the trade up for defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Unlike Jerry Jones, Roseman isn’t afraid to build from outside the organization. Offensive firepower Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Dallas’ defense won’t like what’s headed their way in Week 10. Philadelphia’s offense, ironically led by former Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, is one of the best in the league. Their unit is sixth in the NFL in yards per game, and the strength of the Eagles’ offense is the rushing attack, where they average almost 175 yards a game on the ground. That’s bad news for defense that can’t stop the run and has been historically bad stopping it at home. The Eagles are also second in the league in rushing touchdowns, with 14, split between Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts. The tush push is headed Dallas’ way, and it’s one of the most hated plays in the game. Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a touchdown pass in front of Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The Eagles also have a good passing game with an explosive duo of DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown at WR. The combination has 917 yards and seven scores on the season, despite Brown missing three games. It’s an offense that thrives because Hurts is rarely pressured, and RBs run through gaping holes behind one of the top offensive lines in the league; a recipe for disaster for the Cowboys’ defensive front. This doesn’t look like a fun matchup for Mike Zimmer’s defense and fans will hate to see the Eagles dominating with an offense led by Moore. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.

It’s hard to stay on top. After a disappointing end to their 2023 season that saw them lose five of their last six regular season games and bow out meekly in the wild-card round the Philadelphia Eagles have seemingly righted their ship. The malaise carried over into the early parts of 2024, but after splitting their first four contests, they’ve reeled off four straight victories and sit just a half-game back of Dan Quinn’s surprising Washington Commanders. Meanwhile Dallas’ wild-card letdown has led to a demoralizing first half of 2024, with the Cowboys sitting at a 3-5 record after three-straight 12-win seasons afforded them 2 NFC East titles across the span. The two teams, ever so familiar with each other, square off again in Week 10 on Sunday. When the Eagles’ offense is on the field, there is a new addition to the usual, recent cast of superstar players. The import of RB Saquon Barkley from the should-be-relegated New York Giants franchise has added another stud weapon at the disposal of the Eagles’ offense. No longer led by Brian Johnson, now under the direction of former Cowboys OC Kellen Moore. The Eagles’ offense really hasn’t been anything extraordinary in 2024. They rank just 13th according to Offensive DVOA, which takes into account game situation when a play happens but most importantly opponent quality. Pro Football Focus has them slightly higher, sitting 10th on offense. According to PFF, they are doing it without their quarterback being one of their best players. It’s not a case of doing things in spite of Jalen Hurts, rather he’s just no longer the centerpiece he has been in recent seasons. In both 2022 and 2023, Hurts was the Eagles’ second-rated player. In 2024, through nine weeks, he’s sitting seventh. Here’s a look at the top 5. 5 RB Saquon Barkley | Overall PFF Grade: 79.2 Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) while running with the ball during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Barkley has rushed for 925 yards through eight games and scored six touchdowns on the ground on a gaudy 5.9 ypc average. He’s chipped in another 20 receptions for 146 yards and another two scores, fumbling just once. His pass protection has been strong, scoring a 70.5 grade from PFF 4 WR DeVonta Smith | Overall PFF Grade: 82.1 Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a touchdown pass in front of Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Smith is nursing a hamstring injury and missed Wednesday practice, so his participation has a question mark currently. For the season, he’s caught 35 of 47 targets for 473 yards and four scores. He’s not much help in run blocking, with a lowly 55.6 grade. 3 RT Lane Johnson | Overall PFF Grade: 82.2 Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) reacts against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Johnson barely beats out Smith here. The five-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro (twice First-Team) has been a staple since joining the league in 2013. He boars a 85.8 pass-pro grade and a 79.6 run-blocking score. 2 LT Jordan Mailata | Overall Grade: 88.4 (injured) Sep 5, 2024; Sao Paolo, Brazil; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata (68) at a press conference at the Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images While Smith’s participation is unknown, Dallas won’t have to face off against Mailata, who is on IR with a hamstring injury. A top-tier LT, he has a 90.9 pass-pro grade and an 83.1 in run blocking. His replacement, Fred Johnson, is not anywhere near an actual replacement. The 6-foot-7 former Florida Gator has an overall grade of just 52.3, with a pass-pro score of 41.2 and a run-block grade of 59.1. 1 WR A.J. Brown | Overall PFF Grade: 90.2 Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown warms up before action against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The debate over which team has the better wideout changes favor in 2024 after CeeDee Lamb won in 2023. Brown has been spectacular for the Eagles when he’s played, which he will in this week’s contest. He has 23 catches for 444 yards; a 19.3 average per reception, and has three touchdowns in his five contests. His 13.1 yards per target is currently better than Lamb’s 12.5 yards per reception.

No. 1 WR Jalen Tolbert Jul 27, 2022; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Jalen Tolbert (18) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports No. 2 CB Jourdan Lewis Sep 25, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (27) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports No. 4 QB Dak Prescott Dec 10, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) smiles on the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports No. 5 Punter Bryan Anger Dallas Cowboys punter Bryan Anger (5) prepares for the game against the Giants, at MetLife Stadium. Sunday, September 10, 2023 No. 6 Safety Donovan Wilson Wednesday: — | Thursday: — | Friday: — No. 7 CB Trevon Diggs Apr 26, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs talks to a member of the Mavericks staff during the second quarter of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the LA Clippers during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports No. 9 WR Kavontae Turpin LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 04: NFL player KaVontae Turpin of the Dallas Cowboys attends the NFL Pro Bowl Weekend Celebrity All-Star Game 2023 benefiting the charity D Up On Cancer at the Cox Pavilion on February 04, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) No. 10 QB Cooper Rush Wednesday: — | Thursday: — | Friday: DNP No. 11 DE Micah Parsons Jun 5, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parson (11) warms up during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports No. 13 LB DeMarvion Overshown Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (35) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports No. 14 Safety Markquese Bell Wednesday: Limited | No. 15 RB Ezekiel Elliott Jun 4, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) on the field during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports No. 17 Kicker Brandon Aubrey Sep 17, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) watches his field goal in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports No. 18 LB Damone Clark : Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports No. 19 QB Trey Lance EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 10: Trey Lance #15 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) No. 21 CB Caelen Carson No. 23 RB Rico Dowdle ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 12: Rico Dowdle #23 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) No. 24 Safety Israel Mukuamu Aug 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Israel Mukuamu (24) walks off the field after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports No. 26 CB DaRon Bland Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) eats a turkey leg after the Cowboys victory over the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports Bland was returned to the 53-man roster in Week 9. No. 28 Safety Malik Hooker Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (28) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports No. 29 CB C.J. Goodwin Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive back C.J. Goodwin (29) catches a pass for a first down on a fake punt in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports No. 30 Safety Juanyeh Thomas Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas (30) during pregame warm ups against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports No. 35 LB Marist Liufau No. 40 FB Hunter Luepke Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Hunter Luepke (43) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports No. 41 LB Nick Vigil Sep 12, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Nick Vigil (59) reacts after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (np) in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports No. 42 RB Deuce Vaughn ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 12: Deuce Vaughn #42 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) No. 44 Long Snapper Trent Sieg ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 01: Trent Sieg #44 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with Chauncey Golston #99 of the Dallas Cowboys after Golston’s two point conversion during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at AT&T Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) No. 50 Linebacker Erick Kendricks Jun 5, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau (35) and linebacker Eric Kendricks (50) go through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports No. 52 DE KJ Henry Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end KJ Henry (52) lines up during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium.

Report: Dak Prescott’s injury tore tendon off bone Todd Brock The details of Dak Prescott’s injury are in, and they’re not for the faint of heart. Per NFL Network’s Jane Slater, the Cowboys quarterback appears to have suffered a partial avulsion of his hamstring tendon, partially tearing it right off the bone. ESPN’s Todd Archer later said his source confirmed that diagnosis. Head coach Mike McCarthy had already ruled Prescott out for Sunday’s home matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, but- despite owner Jerry Jones hinting that a subsequent move to injured reserve was imminent– the Cowboys have not made any official determination about a timeline for his return. According to Slater’s sources, the injury typically “takes more than a four-week recovery,” but Prescott is said to be seeking secondary opinions. The team is therefore allowing that process to play out further before placing Prescott on IR, which would automatically mean a four-game absence. “In some cases,” Slater posted on X, “they let it scar over, repair and then strengthen.” But, she said on-air Wednesday evening, the injury could require surgery, depending on its severity. Prescott told reporters he “felt something” on a scramble late in the third quarter of Sunday’s 27-21 loss to Atlanta. After the sack by Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss, Prescott went back to the huddle and ran the next play. Upon trying to step into a cross-field throw, however, he pulled up noticeably. “I felt a pull, felt something I’ve never felt,” Prescott explained. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] He lasted one more play to finish the offense’s drive and then did not return for the Cowboys’ next possession. Backup Cooper Rush finished the Week 9 contest and has been tabbed as the starter this weekend, but third-string option Trey Lance may figure into the mix, too, even if only on a handful of gadget-type plays or run situations. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.

Trade deadline passed, fixing this position is Cowboys biggest priority reidhanson Almost weekly one of my kids will approach me with unapologetic sadness on their face because their tablet has inexplicably died. Forced to now interact with society like a boomer, they express shock over how such a sad, regular-occurring event could have happened to them. Again. In the calmest, most matter-of-fact manor I can muster, I explain to them this is all because they didn’t take the necessary steps to prevent it the night before. If they addressed this extremely predictable issue earlier, it wouldn’t be a problem right now. In many ways, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys represent my children in this illustration. Only instead of Jones forgetting to plug in his tablet night after night, Jones is neglecting to fix the same important position offseason after offseason. Over the past two offseasons it’s been glaringly apparent the Cowboys have had an issue on their interior defensive line. Defensive tackle has headlined nearly every free agent wish list of theirs, yet the Cowboys have repeatedly turned up their nose like DT is somehow the mini tootsie roll of NFL positions. Halfway through the 2025 campaign and it’s clear, DT is still a major issue in Dallas, and much like my kids and their battery-depleted tablets, the Cowboys have no one to blame but themselves. It would take nearly an act of God to salvage the Cowboys DT this season. Mazi Smith has done nothing to alter his disappointing career trajectory, Osa Odighizuwa is approaching free agency and the numerous other band-aids and Bondo Dallas has plugged into the middle are extreme longshots to become long-term solutions at any point in their careers. The same position that headlined the Cowboys wish list the last two offseasons, is the same position that’s likely to headline it again in 2025: DT A good DT can be an anchor in the middle for other positions to play off of. Assessing the play of linebackers, safeties and edge players in 2024, has become almost an impossible task given the struggles at DT. The trickle-down effects of the poor DT play cannot be overstated. Luckily for the Cowboys, DT is one of the easiest positions to fill in the offseason. Majority of the top-rated DTs in the league today have either hit free agency or switched teams through free agency at some point in their careers. While it’s a costly position to fill, it’s a position that’s readily available to DT-needy teams willing to spend and desperate for instant solutions. DT is an unpredictable position to draft and often takes time to develop. Players rarely hit the ground running so if any position is worth paying for in free agency, it’s the one. But we’ve been down this road before. Recommendations, cause and effect explanations, and not-so-polite “I told you sos.” At the end of the day, Jerry Jones just needs to charge his tablet. Related articles [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.

Cowboys release 10-year veteran DT, former 2nd-round pick angeltorres Dallas churned the bottom of their roster today with a few moves, including a trade, and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips became the latest casualty after they released the 10-year veteran. The move doesn’t actually open a roster spot as Phillips had been on IR with a disputed injury. The Cowboys acquired Phillips from the Giants along with a 2026 seventh-round draft pick in exchange for a sixth-rounder in 2026. Phillips played in the season’s first two games before landing on injured reserve. The Cowboys placed him on IR because of a wrist injury, something Phillips disputed when he first talked to the media. Phillips spent a stint on injured reserve last December as a member of the Buffalo Bills. He had signed with the Giants as a free agent but was traded to Dallas during training camp. The Cowboys have a desperate need for defensive tackle help ranking near the bottom of all rush defense metrics and moving on from the veteran is yet another stain on this front office and their curious way of conducting business. According to Phillips’s Instagram account, he appears headed back to Buffalo. With one open roster spot, Dallas must make another move if they intend to bring back two defensive starters. Phillips was the first domino to fall and another name must be moved. The search continues in Dallas for capable interior lineman as another name has been scratched from the list. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.