This Sunday, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy will take on a familiar foe in Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The two coaches have faced each other numerous times, with McCarthy historically faring well against Fangio in their earlier matchups in the NFC North. However, recent encounters have swung in Fangio’s favor, and McCarthy now looks to turn the tables as the Cowboys host the Eagles in a crucial NFC East clash.
Their rivalry dates back to McCarthy’s days with the Green Bay Packers and Fangio’s tenure as the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator from 2015-2018, where McCarthy held a 6-1 record. Yet since taking the reins in Dallas, McCarthy has lost twice to Fangio’s defenses. In 2021, Fangio led the Denver Broncos to a 30-16 upset, snapping the Cowboys’ six-game win streak. In 2023, as Miami’s defensive coordinator, Fangio’s scheme stifled the Cowboys once again, sacking Dak Prescott four times in a narrow 22-20 Dolphins victory.
Ahead of this weekend, McCarthy acknowledged Fangio’s knack for adapting his schemes and the importance of studying his more recent defensive setups. “I think the biggest thing is just having an understanding of him and knowing his history,” McCarthy noted. “When I turn on the tape now, I’m looking at what he’s doing in Philadelphia.”
With young cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean excelling in Fangio’s two-high safety scheme, the Eagles rank among the NFL’s top five defenses in both rushing and passing yards allowed. McCarthy is preparing for Fangio’s strategic use of Philadelphia’s defensive assets. “The stress points of where he’s attacking us defensively is clear, based on their assets, in my opinion,” McCarthy explained.
McCarthy faces the added challenge of starting backup quarterback Cooper Rush, as Dak Prescott recovers from a hamstring injury. Additionally, receiver CeeDee Lamb, although sidelined with a minor shoulder issue, is expected to be available for the game.
