We won’t be the only site recently that has noticed the amount of Cowboys fans who either don’t know what they’re talking about when it comes to the birds..or don’t know what they’re talking about when it comes to their own team. Some under the illusion that we have “downgraded” this off-season whilst others simply still wake up in the mornings exclaiming that Dez caught the ball. Don’t fret Dallas fans, we’re here to make things very, very clear. The Eagles have every chance in the world of “swooping” both games this season and here are five reasons why.
5. The O in O-Line stands for overrated..
The Cowboys have had countless people sing their praises when it comes to their O-Line. New Eagles running back DeMarco Murray will back them up on that for sure. Many people have gone as far as to say that Murray was a product of the Dallas O-line, but that’s an argument for another day. That’s not to say the O-Line are brilliant pass blockers..because they’re not. The O-Line gave up 40 sacks throughout the entirety of last season..but don’t take our word for it, here are some of the finest Cowboys O-Line moments picked from Jimmy Kempski’s twitter feed..
Cowboys OL, Part IV: Ronald Leary Smoked by Fletcher Cox. pic.twitter.com/KNTiY9JZul
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) July 16, 2015
Cowboys OL, Part V: Carbon copy of Leary getting smoked by Cox. pic.twitter.com/Sr7DBhDJuy
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) July 16, 2015
Cowboys OL, Part IX: JPP smokes Tyron Smith. pic.twitter.com/aHucYKSx4A
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) July 16, 2015
Cowboys OL, Part XIV: Nobody picks up Smith on stunt. pic.twitter.com/iBNlIpZ837
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) July 16, 2015
Cowboys OL, Part XV: Another Tyron Smith whiff. pic.twitter.com/feXcoeVp2X
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) July 16, 2015
4. Don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house
The main thing I’ve been picking up on recently is that Cowboys fans tend to throw a lot of stones when it comes to Quarterback smack. They’re always the first to pick up on the fact that Sam Bradford has had his share of injury woes and that backup Mark Sanchez is also no stranger to an X-Ray or two. But they seem to be forgetting that their worshipped Tony Romo didn’t just have one back surgery in 2013..but two. He got through 2014 okay but there’s no certainty that he can get through another year without the same demon occurring.
If Bradford does go down, Sanchez is there to pick up where he left off or failing that, probably Tim Tebow. They’re not exactly terrible backups and both have a proven record in the post season. The Cowboys however..have Brandon Weeden. A man who has thrown 26 touchdowns and 28 interceptions in his career..sure he had that 43 yard pass against the Colts but is that really the record of a man you need to rely on should Romo fall injured before an Eagles game? Because if it is, the Eagles will be jumping with excitement!
3. No more burn outs
Last years encounter will still be fresh in the mind of every birds fan. Bradley Fletcher was constantly burned by Dez Bryant, time after time. Now that Fletcher is playing in New England, the Eagles have made considerable upgrades. Ex Legion of Boom member Byron Maxwell not only fits the scheme and has the right work ethic but is the perfect size at 6″3. Somehow, I can’t see Bryant tearing past Maxwell in the same fashion.
2. No, Dez no party
Leading on from number three, lets say the Eagles completely shut down Bryant, making him impossible to target..(he’s obviously still going to get receptions but just for the sake of this point) who is Romo going to throw too? Jason Witten? Who’s not only getting older but his stats are declining at an alarming rate. Cole Beasley? 5″8 and fumbled twice last season. Sure he had his best season of his career but reliable? Terrance Williams? Who caught only 44 of his 74 targets in comparison to Matthews who caught about the same ratio, but put up 8 touchdowns..the problem with the Cowboys is that their Offense used to run through Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray. Now Murray is a bird and Bryant may not be as consistent due to much more efficient coverage..the Cowboys have to figure something out..and fast.
1. Upgrades aren’t really upgrades
The Dallas Defence has been pretty poor in the past two years, despite being considerably better than 2013, last years Cowboys Defence was still pretty woeful. They were 28th in the NFL when it came to sacks, 31st when it came to rushing touchdowns allowed and 29th in allowing third down conversions. So you’re telling me that a Defence who can’t stop the running game now have to prevent last years top running back? But wait, Dallas fans scream as they disagree. Then comes a speech on Greg Hardy..a man who has no respect from anyone in the league but himself. Sure he picked up 15 sacks in 2013 but missed most of last year and will miss the opening four games this season. So, an upgrade on pass rushing who won’t be playing the Eagles in week 2? They also drafted Randy Gregory but it’s very rare to see players in his position put up big numbers in their rookie season. Marcus Smith didn’t get a single sack, Jaeveon Clowney who was the first overall pick last year also went his rookie season without one. There is nothing to be excited about on the defensive side of the ball, and with the Cowboys biggest new weapon missing the first of two showdowns due to his own weapon issues, it makes life a heck of a lot easier for Chip Kelly.
So there you have it. Next time you see a Cowboys fan trying to rave about how they’re going to the Superbowl and how Chip Kelly has ruined the Eagles..show them this, and let them re-evaluate..
