The Philadelpiha Eagles 9-1 win after considerable starting difficulties and continue to hold the best record of the entire league. Against the Dallas Cowboys 5-5, the strong offensive line can only convince in the second half of the 37:9 victory. The two quarterbacks didn’t have their best night.
The abstinence of the cowboys was the big topic before the game. In addition to Ezekiel Elliott, the Texans had to do without Sean Lee, Tyron Smith and Darren McFadden, among others. While Lee has been playing superbly in the last few weeks, O-Line problems made themselves clear last week against the Falcons.
After major problems in the opening drive, however, the Dallas Defense was able to cope better than expected. In the six Possessions that followed, only 30 yards were allowed until the break and, despite promising field positions, they foiled every third down after interceptions.
Other image in the second pass. Now the Eagles-O-Line breaks up gaps and tackles on the second level were too rare. Here the absence of Lee was clearly noticeable. Carson Wentz (14/27,168 YDS, 2TD) and the Eagles Run Game therefore did not benefit until the second half of the race.
Dak Prescott (18/31,154 YDS, 3INT) experienced a weak evening and made unusual mistakes. The Cowboys-Defense rescued the playcaller several times in the first half. Elliott replacement Alfred Morris stood out positively. He could at least occasionally give the offense a small push.
Dallas Cowboys (5-5) – Philadelphia Eagles (9-1)9:37 (6:7,3:0,0:16,0:14) BOXSCORE
With six points behind in the middle of the third quarter, the cowboys had to find their way back into the defensive, as they did in the first round. Ajayi found a big gap thanks to his protectors and carried the ball deep into the cowboy’s half over 71 yards. From the 15-yard line Philly quickly came to the touchdown and was able to break the will of the Boyz-Defense.
Without Lee, the cowboys’ task of putting even more pressure on Wentz seemed to be crucial. What didn’t look good at all at the opening drive seemed to work very well in the further course of the game. At the beginning of the second half, however, the Eagles-O-Line took control. Holes for the four Eagles-Backs got bigger and Philly controlled the game on the ground from here.
In his second game for the Eagles, Ajayi finally manages to set a big exclamation point. The Running Back was used as a starter of the four-man back corps and was already convincing at the opening drive. In the second run, like the entire Eagles-Offense, he was completely at operating temperature and crowned his performance with a giant run.
Mistakes in the Prescott game have so far been scarce throughout his career. Against the Eagles he tried a little too much for lack of options. So he sometimes stopped too long before throwing the ball. The direct duel against Wentz clearly went to the man from North Dakota State.