With the Dallas Cowboys set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles (-8.5) in Philly to kick off the 2025 NFL season Thursday night, let’s take a look at what the Cowboys need to do to pull off, what would be, a major upset in Philadelphia.
- Can the Dallas Cowboys stop Saquon Barkley? Dallas was absolutely dreadful at stopping the run in 2024. The Cowboys defense ranked 29th in 2024 against the run. Having allowed Saquon and the Eagles to rush for 187 rushing yards in their first meeting in 2024, and then another 179 rushing yards in their second meeting, doesn’t bode well for Thursday night. Having lost Micah Parsons (via trade to Green Bay) certainly won’t help. However, the addition of DT Kenny Clark (traded for Micah Parsons) gives Dallas a reason to believe that they finally have that long-needed anchor in the center of the defensive line. Another reason Dallas expects to succeed is their new Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus. Eberflus brings a much more aggressive style to the defensive side of the ball in Dallas. I expect Dallas’ defense to concentrate on stopping the Eagles running game. This has to be the priority for Dallas to have any chance in this game.
- DAK. Can the highest paid quarterback in the NFL ($60M/year) play like the highest paid quarterback in the NFL in this game? Dak has been somewhat of an enigma throughout his career. He has been brilliant at times, and he has been awful the very next week. Which Dak will we see Thursday night? There are always reasons (aka excuses) for Dak Prescott when he underperforms. The most common reasons often heard are 1) his offensive line’s poor performance and 2) his lack of good receiving targets. With the off-season addition of WR George Pickens, a healthy TE Jake Ferguson, and the return of superstar WR CeeDee Lamb, quality receiving targets are everywhere. An expanded role for speedy WR KaVontae Turpin will also add an additional element of blazing speed to the receiving core. Dak should have a plethora of solid receiving options in this game. Dallas has spent a lot of recent draft capital on their offensive line. OT Tyler Guyton (1st Round, 2024), OT Tyler Smith (1st Round, 2022), C Cooper Beebe (3rd Round, 2024), and OG Tyler Booker (1st Round, 2025) have all been added in the last few years, and they have veteran OT Terence Steele (UFA, 2020) as the most tenured lineman, heading into his 6th season with the Cowboys. Guyton has been recovering from a knee injury during Training Camp, but returned to the practice field this week, and is expected to play. Dallas will need the offensive line to continue improving, if they want to have a chance in Philadelphia. I don’t expect to see a flawless game on their part, but if the offensive line can hold up enough to allow Dak time to see the field, the Cowboys will have a legitimate shot at keeping up with the potent Eagles offense.
- The Cowboys MUST establish a running game! The Cowboys entire backfield has changed since 2024. Dallas’ 1,000 yard rusher in 2024, RB Rico Dowdle moved on to Carolina in the offseason. Several new faces have been brought in to try to recreate Dowdle’s success (or improve upon it.) RB Javonte Williams (UFA, 2025) will lead the charge, with backups Miles Sanders (6 year Vet, via PHIL and CAR), and Jaydon Blue (5th Round, 2025) getting some reps as well. The running game is a HUGE question for these 2025 Cowboys, and will go a LONG way in determining their season’s success.
- Slow down Eagles WR DeVonta Smith. With Dallas’ star CB Trevon Diggs just returning to practice this week after an 8-month rehab following a second surgery on his knee, does Dallas have the right personnel to match up with this speed demon? With Dallas’ defense concentrating on Saquon and the Eagles rushing attack, the Eagles wide receivers should see a lot of man coverage. Micah Parsons (traded) absence in this game will be apparent in these passing situations. Can Dallas’ defensive line, with newly added DT Kenny Clark, generate some pressure on Jalen Hurts? Does the Cowboys secondary have enough talent to stay with the Eagles speedy receiving core? On paper, it does not seem that Dallas stands a chance in this aspect. This is where I see the game turning for Philadelphia. Even if Diggs is on the field (which is not certain), it’s doubtful that he would be 100%, after such a long rehab.
Summary: If Dallas’ offensive line can protect Dak, and Dallas can establish any semblance of a running game, I believe the Cowboys can stay in the game against the Eagles. The Eagles are going to take advantage of Dallas’ weak secondary, so the Cowboys will need to keep pace with them offensively. I expect to see a close game through the 3rd quarter, with the Eagles pulling away late. Final score prediction, Eagles 41, Cowboys 31
