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Decoding McCarthy/Zimmer Report, Wk 10
Consolidating the Xs and Os from the Week 10 Eagles Game as the season slips away.
Bob Sturm
Nov 12, 2024
Tuesdays – since about 2008 – have been my day to evaluate the offense in this space. However, due to circumstances beyond the Cowboys control, evidently, we have modified this space from now through the end of the regular season as the games themselves have become less compelling. Therefore, we will attempt to combine the offensive and defensive reviews as best we can and that will leave us room for an additional piece in days to come. This week, that will be on the last days of the Mike McCarthy era and what we might learn from this.
Our objectives today:
The Offensive Overview vs the Eagles
When discussing the offense on Sunday, there's no question that it provided some very depressing football to analyze. The offense was absolutely awful in nearly every regard, beginning with the inability to move the ball down the field at all via passing.
The more a smart and talented opponent realizes you are unlikely to threaten them with a pass play, the more they tighten the screws on your alternatives. With Cooper Rush in the game, it quickly became evident that he had no intention of throwing the ball downfield—because when he did, it appeared to be a throw lacking conviction and velocity, seemingly waiting to be intercepted.
All parties understood what was happening very early, and the Cowboys and Rush quickly switched to an offense they thought might have a small chance—running the football and quickly throwing the ball underneath to the edge (which serves as a variation of the run game). This approach might have been competitive if it weren’t for five turnovers.
Considering how conservative the offense was and that they still gave the ball away five times, it boggles the mind that many are targeting the offensive scheme, saying it needs to offer more aggressive shots. The comparison to Malik Willis and the game plan Matt LaFleur provided for him to secure multiple wins from a backup QB up north fails to recognize that the Packers have built a loaded offense with diverse weapons and a consistent ground attack. This offense has failed to reach 300 yards even with its QB1, so the idea that a QB2 would be able to move the ball at all was always a pipe dream. I’d offer LaFleur a camp with these 11 starters to see what he could come up with. I’m not defending the scheme, because it clearly isn’t good enough, but this offensive line, the 31st-ranked running game, and these limited weapons outside of CeeDee just aren’t conducive to plugging in Cooper Rush and expecting victory.
Here is the passing chart, where we find just one completion beyond five yards downfield, in what would have to be called one of the most feeble passing games we can remember since the Dave Campo era. I’m not saying that many reading this could have replicated this passing day, but I am confident we could find at least a few who could.
Below, Kevin Utz put the categories in red if they are failing grades. I think he could have kept going, but it is worth noting that they actually were not in horrible shape on 3rd downs because 6.4 to go is a very strong average. 146 yards is historically awful and 2.6 yards per play means that anyone who watched this game should be given some reward from the franchise for “outstanding loyalty during organizational crisis.”
Five giveaways with zero explosive plays of 20 yards is also a comically inept statistic. And let us also not overlook the impossibly poor 16% passing success rate. The Cowboys actually reached the red zone twice, though this is somewhat misleading given that one of the drives started at Philadelphia's 6-yard line. The Cowboys ran almost no play-action because all 11 Eagles would have pointed and laughed at that concept with the level of QB play Dallas offered.
I was going to peruse the archives to see how 146 yards of offense compares to the "worst offensive days in Cowboys history." The truth is, it doesn’t even crack the 10 worst. However, you’ll see that the only other game since the Campo era comparable to this one was Andy Dalton’s rough day in Washington in 2020 (Dallas heads to Washington in 12 days).
It will surprise nobody to find out that Dallas is 0-13 lifetime with 146 yards or less of offense. Of course, 146 yards and 5 giveaways is roughly as bad as it gets if we go back about 60 years.
But, wait, it gets worse. Because as poor as the offense was in the 1st half, they were even worse in the 2nd:
In a game where it was hard to believe how rough the first half was—including the dreaded fumble into the end zone by Ezekiel Elliott—they somehow lowered the bar in the second half. I don’t think there’s a huge demand to see more of Trey Lance, as he managed the day’s only interception, and the entire Cowboys offense in the second half achieved just three first downs in six possessions.
They had 22 snaps in the second half and 42 yards of offense, averaging 1.9 yards per snap in a game where the Eagles' defense had become disinterested. Words cannot express how sad that truly is. But this might:
Here are the 10 biggest plays for the Cowboys. Zero explosives and in the modern NFL, if your 10 biggest plays feature a 6-yard run and six rushing plays, you probably were blown out in this game.
Check. The Rico Dowdle game was strong, but that is roughly all we have to say about the offensive performance. It best reminds us of John McKay’s immortalized NFL Films quote:
The defense, believe it or not, performed significantly better.
This is not to be confused with playing well enough, but overall, we appreciated the fight and resistance for as long as they could hang in there. The Eagles scored three times off Dallas turnovers and were handed the ball at the Dallas 37-yard line or better on four occasions.
In other words, they might have had a chance to put the team in a position to win if the offense hadn’t sabotaged them all day.
Of course, I’m only saying “might” because the Eagles were doing plenty of damage all day, and once they were able to put things away early in the third quarter, they seemed more intent on resting for their Thursday night showdown with Washington.
The numbers aren’t great, to be sure, but watching Micah Parsons back and DeMarvion Overshown flying around as Zimmer cranked up the blitzing was enjoyable. Let’s focus on the positive aspects in a situation like this.
Right now, the Eagles seem to have a very productive WR group, a threatening TE, a competent OL, a confident QB, and yes, maybe the league’s MVP as their RB. Saquon Barkley is doing great things for them this year and we assume they are going to be in the mix in January in a significant way.
Tactically, the Cowboys have been blitzing more since the bye week and that did not change in Week 10. They are bringing more pressure. It appears they realize that a slow death is still a death, so risk some big plays and try to get to the QB.
We would have to say that the performance by Zimmer’s guys on 3rd downs and overall with 5 sacks is some good news. Not enough, but we will take what we can get.
Take a look:
A lot of it is based on pressure looks. But, yes, a lot of it is based on having Micah Parsons there – which puts the entire offense on red alert – and that often presents others with fine opportunities, too.
In other words, try not to let Podcast Micah make you forget that on-field Micah is spectacular. This may require its own piece very soon.
This week’s splash plays:
And our season leaderboard:
Those who played well
It is a pretty short list. We mentioned Micah Parsons and Rico Dowdle. We continue to like Chauncey Golston and Osa Odighizuwa’s performances. Trevon Diggs was solid. Tyler Smith was also strong and CeeDee Lamb did as much as we can expect under the circumstances. Those are probably the seven worth pointing out.
Those who did not play well enough
This list is considerably longer, but in particular, I will keep it to those that really stood out with many examples.
Cooper Rush had the roughest of days. I just don’t know what sort of offense can be run when the ball delivery is so tentative in this situation. I don’t have a solution right now as Trey Lance is clearly not much of an option, either. But, I was pretty disappointed with this effort.
Here were six key plays that all got pretty negative grades from me for the QB:
And on defense, this Caelen Carson situation since he has returned has been alarming.
In two games back, Jalen Hurts and Kirk Cousins have been hunting No. 21 with regularity. They are going after him as often as possible. Now that makes sense if you are avoiding Trevon Diggs, but it is possible that Carson is having the type of stretch that would get most rookies benched. Dallas has no better options since DaRon Bland’s injury absence has been much longer than expected. Here was Carson’s day:
Over the last two weeks, Cousins and Hurts have targeted Carson 15 times. It has yielded 13 catches for 205 yards for 15.8 yards a reception. On the year, the opposition has a passer rating of 125.4 against him. Of the 25 worst corners in the league this year by passer rating, Carson has the 2nd worst PFF coverage grade. Yes, he is a rookie, but he is also a 5th round rookie who is really struggling.
10 plays that defined this game - Xs and Os breakdown
Ok, let’s go through these plays and call it a day. These will combine both offense and defense.
1Q - 8:57 - 1-10-DAL 20 - C.Rush FUMBLES at DAL 16, RECOVERED by PHI-M.Williams at DAL 17
I think most of Rush’s poor day comes down to this moment that pretty much ruined his day. This is the first play of the second drive and there is no doubt he is handing it off here, but he took his eyes off the snap and the Eagles took the ball away. Now, many of you have mentioned to me that you thought Rush had the ball initially and he was down, so perhaps the Cowboys should challenge the fumble call. I don’t think they would have won it, but I would have tried to get that looked at. That said, he has to catch the snap and then he has to recover the mistake. Both go wrong and Dallas is chasing the game. Worse yet, Rush is rattled because he feels horrible and we completely understand.
1Q - 7:37 - 3-6-DAL 13 - J.Hurts pass short left to S.Barkley to DAL 1 for 12 yards
This is a few plays later and it made me upset. It made me upset because Dallas has Barkley stopped because they have two linebackers who should have him corralled and force a field goal. Now, there is a defensive holding on Jourdan Lewis so the Eagles are about to get the 1st down and the touchdown anyway, but why are my linebackers – especially Eric Kendricks playing this softly? I am not saying tackling Barkley in the open field is fun, but this is the job. I know he is the trusted lieutenant of Zimmer and a veteran of some regard, but I don’t need my LB playing this like he is a reluctant cornerback. It is early in the 1st Quarter and this passivity from one of my physical players is maddening.
1Q - 0:39 - 1-10-DAL 42 - J.Hurts pass short middle to A.Brown to DAL 12 for 30 yards
This is the final play of the 1st Quarter and one of the Eagles big plays on the day. Initially, I was thinking Overshown busted here, but the more I look at it, he is in such a tough spot. Once Hurts breaks contain (Golston let him out of the well) and gets out to the left, Overshown knows that he has to respect the legs of the QB. But, he also knows that he is all alone with AJ Brown in the middle of the field because the others have gone with other threats (Kendricks is chasing Barkley) so Overshown has to play them both. Hurts manipulates that beautifully and once he has Overshown in no-man’s land, he lofts an easy pass and Brown does the rest.
2Q - 15:00 - 1-10-DAL 12 - J.Hurts pass intended for D.Goedert INTERCEPTED by T.Diggs
On the very next play, the Eagles are marching. That is until Trevon Diggs does what he does. This is his 20th career interception and trust me, that is a pretty absurd number in today’s NFL. Amongst active players, he now cracks the top 20 and everyone in front of him is considerably older. This is an open play, it seems, until Diggs dive-bombs the route and gets the ball. Much like Parsons, in a season like this, people can easily throw babies out with the bath water. But, Diggs has rare traits that make you wonder if he is worth the trouble. He gets the football and he is also a very strong coverage player in that teams try to avoid him more and more. Nice job there.
2Q - 10:54 - 2-9-DAL 47 - J.Hurts sacked at PHI 45 for -8 yards (D.Overshown).
Those plays spark a defensive surge that is very promising in the 2nd Quarter. Cover 1 defense on 2nd and 9 and Kendricks bluffs a rush before dropping in coverage while Overshown actually does rush on a delay. Hurts sees nothing open – and sees nothing due to the sun – and eventually Overshown gets there. This play looks like the defense we were promised with chaos caused by athletic pass rushers. The Cowboys are hanging in there and the stadium starts to make noise. Now, 3rd and long…
2Q - 10:06 - 3-17-PHI 45 - J.Hurts sacked at PHI 45 for 0 yards (M.Parsons).
3rd and a mile, so Dallas doesn’t blitz and plays a deep zone to simply get off the field. We are a little worried about the TE that leaks out as a check down because it sort of looks like Hurts can hit him and there is nobody to get him before the sticks. That said, Hurts is dealing with the sun again and feels Parsons so he concedes the punt and lives to fight another series.
2Q - 2:14 - 2-9-PHI 26 - J.Hurts sacked at PHI 16 for -10 yards (M.Parsons). FUMBLE RECOVERED by DAL-M.Liufau
This game gets good here – for a moment – as Dallas is still fighting hard on defense and we are inside 3 minutes and the Eagles are in their own end. Here, Micah Parsons tries to win you a game. His combination of power and speed is unmatched and he gets home, gets the ball free, and nearly generates a defensive touchdown that would give the lead. Again, the stadium appreciates the effort and Dallas might be ahead at the half. Oh the humanity!
2Q - 2:00 - 2-3-PHI 3 - C.Rush pass incomplete short middle to C.Lamb [M.Williams].
I know we already discussed this yesterday at great length, but you cannot tell the story of this game without this play. So, from yesterday:
2Q - 0:28 - 2-1-DAL 14 - J.Hurts pass short right to D.Goedert for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Here is a huge play because you really feel good about forcing a field goal here and going to the half down just 10-6. Zimmer calls another Overshown blitz and the young man is there and Hurts just makes him miss. And, when a free-runner misses on a blitz, it always goes badly. Dallas Goedert is too big for Donovan Wilson in man coverage and Hurts makes a brilliant play to miss, buy time, and deliver the ball for a touchdown. Great play and demoralizing for the stadium. 14-6 at the half.
3Q - 7:13 - 1-10-PHI 17 - J.Hurts pass deep right to A.Brown to DAL 39 for 44 yards
Eagles start a drive with something they couldn’t wait to call. A play-action deep shot against the standard 1st down coverage – Cover 3 – where they can run AJ Brown at Caelen Carson. Double move, huge man, and a brilliant throw. If you have Saquon Barkley and AJ Brown, how do you not call this four times a game? The single-high safety has no chance, so if you are sure your $100 million receiver is better than their Day 3 rookie corner, you keep running it. Gain of 44. Touchdown coming and game over.
3Q - 1:14 - 3-9-DAL 31 - C.Rush sacked at DAL 23 for -8 yards (B.Huff), FUMBLE RECOVERED by PHI-Z.Baun at DAL 21.
Rough scene here. Down 28-6 and 3rd and 14. The game is getting worse by the moment and this is where Bryce Huff decides to show Terence Steele his inside move and it is over quickly. Ball comes out. Steele is trying to hustle, but ends up knocking the ball away from Hunter Luepke and over to the Eagles Zack Baun. Eagles ball and the Cowboys offer a clip for the next Football Follies video as Steele in slow-motion is just not having his best snap of his career.
And that will do it for the Eagles game, folks. The Texans are next.
Consolidating the Xs and Os from the Week 10 Eagles Game as the season slips away.
Bob Sturm
Nov 12, 2024
Tuesdays – since about 2008 – have been my day to evaluate the offense in this space. However, due to circumstances beyond the Cowboys control, evidently, we have modified this space from now through the end of the regular season as the games themselves have become less compelling. Therefore, we will attempt to combine the offensive and defensive reviews as best we can and that will leave us room for an additional piece in days to come. This week, that will be on the last days of the Mike McCarthy era and what we might learn from this.
Our objectives today:
- The Offensive Overview vs the Eagles
- The Defensive Overview vs the Eagles
- Those who played well
- Those who did not play well enough
- 10 plays that defined this game - Xs and Os breakdown
The Offensive Overview vs the Eagles
When discussing the offense on Sunday, there's no question that it provided some very depressing football to analyze. The offense was absolutely awful in nearly every regard, beginning with the inability to move the ball down the field at all via passing.
The more a smart and talented opponent realizes you are unlikely to threaten them with a pass play, the more they tighten the screws on your alternatives. With Cooper Rush in the game, it quickly became evident that he had no intention of throwing the ball downfield—because when he did, it appeared to be a throw lacking conviction and velocity, seemingly waiting to be intercepted.
All parties understood what was happening very early, and the Cowboys and Rush quickly switched to an offense they thought might have a small chance—running the football and quickly throwing the ball underneath to the edge (which serves as a variation of the run game). This approach might have been competitive if it weren’t for five turnovers.
Considering how conservative the offense was and that they still gave the ball away five times, it boggles the mind that many are targeting the offensive scheme, saying it needs to offer more aggressive shots. The comparison to Malik Willis and the game plan Matt LaFleur provided for him to secure multiple wins from a backup QB up north fails to recognize that the Packers have built a loaded offense with diverse weapons and a consistent ground attack. This offense has failed to reach 300 yards even with its QB1, so the idea that a QB2 would be able to move the ball at all was always a pipe dream. I’d offer LaFleur a camp with these 11 starters to see what he could come up with. I’m not defending the scheme, because it clearly isn’t good enough, but this offensive line, the 31st-ranked running game, and these limited weapons outside of CeeDee just aren’t conducive to plugging in Cooper Rush and expecting victory.
Here is the passing chart, where we find just one completion beyond five yards downfield, in what would have to be called one of the most feeble passing games we can remember since the Dave Campo era. I’m not saying that many reading this could have replicated this passing day, but I am confident we could find at least a few who could.
Below, Kevin Utz put the categories in red if they are failing grades. I think he could have kept going, but it is worth noting that they actually were not in horrible shape on 3rd downs because 6.4 to go is a very strong average. 146 yards is historically awful and 2.6 yards per play means that anyone who watched this game should be given some reward from the franchise for “outstanding loyalty during organizational crisis.”
Five giveaways with zero explosive plays of 20 yards is also a comically inept statistic. And let us also not overlook the impossibly poor 16% passing success rate. The Cowboys actually reached the red zone twice, though this is somewhat misleading given that one of the drives started at Philadelphia's 6-yard line. The Cowboys ran almost no play-action because all 11 Eagles would have pointed and laughed at that concept with the level of QB play Dallas offered.
I was going to peruse the archives to see how 146 yards of offense compares to the "worst offensive days in Cowboys history." The truth is, it doesn’t even crack the 10 worst. However, you’ll see that the only other game since the Campo era comparable to this one was Andy Dalton’s rough day in Washington in 2020 (Dallas heads to Washington in 12 days).
It will surprise nobody to find out that Dallas is 0-13 lifetime with 146 yards or less of offense. Of course, 146 yards and 5 giveaways is roughly as bad as it gets if we go back about 60 years.
But, wait, it gets worse. Because as poor as the offense was in the 1st half, they were even worse in the 2nd:
In a game where it was hard to believe how rough the first half was—including the dreaded fumble into the end zone by Ezekiel Elliott—they somehow lowered the bar in the second half. I don’t think there’s a huge demand to see more of Trey Lance, as he managed the day’s only interception, and the entire Cowboys offense in the second half achieved just three first downs in six possessions.
They had 22 snaps in the second half and 42 yards of offense, averaging 1.9 yards per snap in a game where the Eagles' defense had become disinterested. Words cannot express how sad that truly is. But this might:
Here are the 10 biggest plays for the Cowboys. Zero explosives and in the modern NFL, if your 10 biggest plays feature a 6-yard run and six rushing plays, you probably were blown out in this game.
Check. The Rico Dowdle game was strong, but that is roughly all we have to say about the offensive performance. It best reminds us of John McKay’s immortalized NFL Films quote:
The Defensive Overview vs the Eagles
The defense, believe it or not, performed significantly better.
This is not to be confused with playing well enough, but overall, we appreciated the fight and resistance for as long as they could hang in there. The Eagles scored three times off Dallas turnovers and were handed the ball at the Dallas 37-yard line or better on four occasions.
In other words, they might have had a chance to put the team in a position to win if the offense hadn’t sabotaged them all day.
Of course, I’m only saying “might” because the Eagles were doing plenty of damage all day, and once they were able to put things away early in the third quarter, they seemed more intent on resting for their Thursday night showdown with Washington.
The numbers aren’t great, to be sure, but watching Micah Parsons back and DeMarvion Overshown flying around as Zimmer cranked up the blitzing was enjoyable. Let’s focus on the positive aspects in a situation like this.
Right now, the Eagles seem to have a very productive WR group, a threatening TE, a competent OL, a confident QB, and yes, maybe the league’s MVP as their RB. Saquon Barkley is doing great things for them this year and we assume they are going to be in the mix in January in a significant way.
Tactically, the Cowboys have been blitzing more since the bye week and that did not change in Week 10. They are bringing more pressure. It appears they realize that a slow death is still a death, so risk some big plays and try to get to the QB.
We would have to say that the performance by Zimmer’s guys on 3rd downs and overall with 5 sacks is some good news. Not enough, but we will take what we can get.
Take a look:
A lot of it is based on pressure looks. But, yes, a lot of it is based on having Micah Parsons there – which puts the entire offense on red alert – and that often presents others with fine opportunities, too.
In other words, try not to let Podcast Micah make you forget that on-field Micah is spectacular. This may require its own piece very soon.
This week’s splash plays:
And our season leaderboard:
Those who played well
It is a pretty short list. We mentioned Micah Parsons and Rico Dowdle. We continue to like Chauncey Golston and Osa Odighizuwa’s performances. Trevon Diggs was solid. Tyler Smith was also strong and CeeDee Lamb did as much as we can expect under the circumstances. Those are probably the seven worth pointing out.
Those who did not play well enough
This list is considerably longer, but in particular, I will keep it to those that really stood out with many examples.
Cooper Rush had the roughest of days. I just don’t know what sort of offense can be run when the ball delivery is so tentative in this situation. I don’t have a solution right now as Trey Lance is clearly not much of an option, either. But, I was pretty disappointed with this effort.
Here were six key plays that all got pretty negative grades from me for the QB:
And on defense, this Caelen Carson situation since he has returned has been alarming.
In two games back, Jalen Hurts and Kirk Cousins have been hunting No. 21 with regularity. They are going after him as often as possible. Now that makes sense if you are avoiding Trevon Diggs, but it is possible that Carson is having the type of stretch that would get most rookies benched. Dallas has no better options since DaRon Bland’s injury absence has been much longer than expected. Here was Carson’s day:
Over the last two weeks, Cousins and Hurts have targeted Carson 15 times. It has yielded 13 catches for 205 yards for 15.8 yards a reception. On the year, the opposition has a passer rating of 125.4 against him. Of the 25 worst corners in the league this year by passer rating, Carson has the 2nd worst PFF coverage grade. Yes, he is a rookie, but he is also a 5th round rookie who is really struggling.
10 plays that defined this game - Xs and Os breakdown
Ok, let’s go through these plays and call it a day. These will combine both offense and defense.
1Q - 8:57 - 1-10-DAL 20 - C.Rush FUMBLES at DAL 16, RECOVERED by PHI-M.Williams at DAL 17
I think most of Rush’s poor day comes down to this moment that pretty much ruined his day. This is the first play of the second drive and there is no doubt he is handing it off here, but he took his eyes off the snap and the Eagles took the ball away. Now, many of you have mentioned to me that you thought Rush had the ball initially and he was down, so perhaps the Cowboys should challenge the fumble call. I don’t think they would have won it, but I would have tried to get that looked at. That said, he has to catch the snap and then he has to recover the mistake. Both go wrong and Dallas is chasing the game. Worse yet, Rush is rattled because he feels horrible and we completely understand.
1Q - 7:37 - 3-6-DAL 13 - J.Hurts pass short left to S.Barkley to DAL 1 for 12 yards
This is a few plays later and it made me upset. It made me upset because Dallas has Barkley stopped because they have two linebackers who should have him corralled and force a field goal. Now, there is a defensive holding on Jourdan Lewis so the Eagles are about to get the 1st down and the touchdown anyway, but why are my linebackers – especially Eric Kendricks playing this softly? I am not saying tackling Barkley in the open field is fun, but this is the job. I know he is the trusted lieutenant of Zimmer and a veteran of some regard, but I don’t need my LB playing this like he is a reluctant cornerback. It is early in the 1st Quarter and this passivity from one of my physical players is maddening.
1Q - 0:39 - 1-10-DAL 42 - J.Hurts pass short middle to A.Brown to DAL 12 for 30 yards
This is the final play of the 1st Quarter and one of the Eagles big plays on the day. Initially, I was thinking Overshown busted here, but the more I look at it, he is in such a tough spot. Once Hurts breaks contain (Golston let him out of the well) and gets out to the left, Overshown knows that he has to respect the legs of the QB. But, he also knows that he is all alone with AJ Brown in the middle of the field because the others have gone with other threats (Kendricks is chasing Barkley) so Overshown has to play them both. Hurts manipulates that beautifully and once he has Overshown in no-man’s land, he lofts an easy pass and Brown does the rest.
2Q - 15:00 - 1-10-DAL 12 - J.Hurts pass intended for D.Goedert INTERCEPTED by T.Diggs
On the very next play, the Eagles are marching. That is until Trevon Diggs does what he does. This is his 20th career interception and trust me, that is a pretty absurd number in today’s NFL. Amongst active players, he now cracks the top 20 and everyone in front of him is considerably older. This is an open play, it seems, until Diggs dive-bombs the route and gets the ball. Much like Parsons, in a season like this, people can easily throw babies out with the bath water. But, Diggs has rare traits that make you wonder if he is worth the trouble. He gets the football and he is also a very strong coverage player in that teams try to avoid him more and more. Nice job there.
2Q - 10:54 - 2-9-DAL 47 - J.Hurts sacked at PHI 45 for -8 yards (D.Overshown).
Those plays spark a defensive surge that is very promising in the 2nd Quarter. Cover 1 defense on 2nd and 9 and Kendricks bluffs a rush before dropping in coverage while Overshown actually does rush on a delay. Hurts sees nothing open – and sees nothing due to the sun – and eventually Overshown gets there. This play looks like the defense we were promised with chaos caused by athletic pass rushers. The Cowboys are hanging in there and the stadium starts to make noise. Now, 3rd and long…
2Q - 10:06 - 3-17-PHI 45 - J.Hurts sacked at PHI 45 for 0 yards (M.Parsons).
3rd and a mile, so Dallas doesn’t blitz and plays a deep zone to simply get off the field. We are a little worried about the TE that leaks out as a check down because it sort of looks like Hurts can hit him and there is nobody to get him before the sticks. That said, Hurts is dealing with the sun again and feels Parsons so he concedes the punt and lives to fight another series.
2Q - 2:14 - 2-9-PHI 26 - J.Hurts sacked at PHI 16 for -10 yards (M.Parsons). FUMBLE RECOVERED by DAL-M.Liufau
This game gets good here – for a moment – as Dallas is still fighting hard on defense and we are inside 3 minutes and the Eagles are in their own end. Here, Micah Parsons tries to win you a game. His combination of power and speed is unmatched and he gets home, gets the ball free, and nearly generates a defensive touchdown that would give the lead. Again, the stadium appreciates the effort and Dallas might be ahead at the half. Oh the humanity!
2Q - 2:00 - 2-3-PHI 3 - C.Rush pass incomplete short middle to C.Lamb [M.Williams].
I know we already discussed this yesterday at great length, but you cannot tell the story of this game without this play. So, from yesterday:
And then the sun steps in and makes a play on the ball to force a field goal. The end.
2Q - 0:28 - 2-1-DAL 14 - J.Hurts pass short right to D.Goedert for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Here is a huge play because you really feel good about forcing a field goal here and going to the half down just 10-6. Zimmer calls another Overshown blitz and the young man is there and Hurts just makes him miss. And, when a free-runner misses on a blitz, it always goes badly. Dallas Goedert is too big for Donovan Wilson in man coverage and Hurts makes a brilliant play to miss, buy time, and deliver the ball for a touchdown. Great play and demoralizing for the stadium. 14-6 at the half.
3Q - 7:13 - 1-10-PHI 17 - J.Hurts pass deep right to A.Brown to DAL 39 for 44 yards
Eagles start a drive with something they couldn’t wait to call. A play-action deep shot against the standard 1st down coverage – Cover 3 – where they can run AJ Brown at Caelen Carson. Double move, huge man, and a brilliant throw. If you have Saquon Barkley and AJ Brown, how do you not call this four times a game? The single-high safety has no chance, so if you are sure your $100 million receiver is better than their Day 3 rookie corner, you keep running it. Gain of 44. Touchdown coming and game over.
3Q - 1:14 - 3-9-DAL 31 - C.Rush sacked at DAL 23 for -8 yards (B.Huff), FUMBLE RECOVERED by PHI-Z.Baun at DAL 21.
Rough scene here. Down 28-6 and 3rd and 14. The game is getting worse by the moment and this is where Bryce Huff decides to show Terence Steele his inside move and it is over quickly. Ball comes out. Steele is trying to hustle, but ends up knocking the ball away from Hunter Luepke and over to the Eagles Zack Baun. Eagles ball and the Cowboys offer a clip for the next Football Follies video as Steele in slow-motion is just not having his best snap of his career.
And that will do it for the Eagles game, folks. The Texans are next.
