The Philadelphia Eagles could be lining up for a sneak preview of the NFC Championship Game on Sunday afternoon. Their hated rivals from Dallas are coming into Lincoln Financial Field hot — winners of two straight games, including a 43-20 thrashing to the Rams last week — and supremely confident as evidenced by Dak Prescott’s “honey” comments.
Either way, the NFC East showdown has huge playoff implications plus the age-old issue of bragging rights. It all starts with “clean football,” according to head coach Nick Sirianni who channeled famed college hoops coach Bobby Knight earlier this week.
“Just play clean football. Just play clean football,” Sirianni told reporters. “That’s why I have this picture here. This is Bobby Knight. What it says on his wall right here is: victory favors the team making the fewest mistakes.”
5 Players to Watch: Eagles vs. Cowboys
1. S Kevin Byard: The All-Pro safety didn’t make the desired impact everyone was expecting in his Eagles’ debut but he’s had an extra week to gel with teammates and learn the defensive system. He should be ready to rock against a franchise he’s had great success against over the years. Byard has picked off Dak Prescott three times in two career games, including a highlight-reel moment when he leaped over Amari Cooper and then rushed to midfield to celebrate on the Cowboys’ logo. He was fined $10,000 for his actions. “Party at the star,” Byard joked earlier this week. “It was a good fine.”
2. WR Julio Jones: Whether or not the Eagles intend to open up the playbook for Jones is irrelevant. The future Hall of Famer has been making an impact on limited snaps: 2 catches for 11 yards and a touchdown on 3 targets (31 total offensive snaps). He’s always going to be a threat in the red zone, but don’t be surprised to see Jones get extra looks in the slot as he gets more and more comfortable with the offense and play-caller Brian Johnson.
3. WR CeeDee Lamb: The Pro Bowler recorded 12 receptions for 158 yards and two touchdowns last week. Lamb is now on pace for 1,537 yards while averaging 13.8 yards per catch. Why should the Eagles — with Darius Slay and James Bradberry locking down the outside — be worried about the Cowboys star? Well, Lamb does most of his damage in the slot and Philly has a huge question mark there. Bradley Roby has been ruled out; that likely leaves Eli Ricks or Sydney Brown as the best options to stick to Lamb.
4. RG Tyler Steen: The rookie third-rounder was seeing first-team reps at right guard with Cam Jurgens (foot) limited at practice all week. Sua Opeta is also dealing with a hip issue so there is a chance Steen gets the nod on Sunday. If so, it’ll be up to the 6-foot-6, 321-pounder to contain the likes of Micah Parsons (6 sacks), DeMarcus Lawrence (2 sacks), and Dorance Armstrong (3 sacks). Luckily for Steen, he would be flanked by All-Pro Lane Johnson at right tackle.
5. RB Rashaad Penny: Is this finally the week we get to see Penny suit up? He’s been a healthy scratch for every game so far this season but there is an opportunity after Boston Scott was ruled out due to a personal matter. D’Andre Swift will start and should see the bulk of the carries at running back. However, it might be time to see what Penny can do as Kenny Gainwell continues to struggle out of the backfield. Remember, Dallas is good (not great) against the run through seven games: 762 yards on 185 attempts, or 4.1 yards per carry.
AP Photo/Don Wright, File
