As the Dallas Cowboys (3-5) gear up to host the Philadelphia Eagles (6-2) at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, the stakes are high. With Dallas still searching for their first home win this season, a victory against the Eagles is crucial to avoid falling further behind in the NFC East standings. Here are five important things to know about the Cowboys’ divisional rivals heading into this Week 10 showdown.
1. The Barkley Effect
Running back Saquon Barkley’s impact with the Eagles has been a game-changer since joining the team this season. Barkley, currently second in the league with 925 rushing yards, is averaging 5.9 yards per carry and has tallied eight touchdowns. His influence on the Eagles’ offense is undeniable, and the Cowboys know firsthand what he brings, as Barkley has averaged 58 yards per game against them in his career. Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons didn’t hold back on his thoughts, calling the Giants’ decision to let Barkley go “a gift to the rest of the league,” and praising his former Penn State teammate’s undeniable talent.
2. Nick Sirianni’s Decision-Making
Despite a strong record, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has been under scrutiny for some of his in-game decisions. In last week’s win over the Jaguars, Sirianni’s decision to go for it on fourth down instead of taking easy field goals raised eyebrows. Although the Eagles are sitting at 6-2 this season, Sirianni’s choices continue to be questioned, especially with his playoff record standing at 2-3. However, his success overall, including a Super Bowl appearance last season, shows he has a track record of getting results when it matters most.
3. Tough Philadelphia Defense
The Eagles boast one of the league’s most formidable defenses, ranking third in yards allowed per game (290.1). In their last three games, they’ve allowed a league-best 204.7 yards per game, while over their last four wins, they’ve held opponents to 14.75 points on average. Dallas’ offense, which averages 336.1 yards per game, faces a true test. At AT&T Stadium, the Cowboys have yet to establish the consistency they need to break through against a team as disciplined as Philadelphia.
4. Potent Eagles Offense
Philadelphia’s offense is ranked sixth overall, averaging 377.1 yards and 24.9 points per game. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has found his rhythm, leading the team with a balanced approach that ranks them among the top-scoring teams on the road. However, Hurts’ record against Dallas sits at 3-3, showing the Cowboys have managed to keep him at bay in past matchups. With Dallas allowing 39.6 points on average at home this season, the defense will need to tighten up against Philadelphia’s relentless offensive attack.
5. A Competitive Rivalry
This NFC East rivalry has been close in recent years, with Dallas holding a narrow 5-4 advantage over Philadelphia since 2019. The two teams have split their season series in each of the past two seasons, with the Eagles edging out the Cowboys in their last matchup, 28-23. The history between these teams runs deep, having played each other 130 times since 1960. Dallas holds a 71-55 all-time lead, but the Eagles are riding momentum that could make this meeting a crucial turning point.
With the stakes high and their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Cowboys will need to bring their best against a well-rounded Eagles squad.
