Cowboys vs. Eagles Recap: Dallas Finally Finds Its Identity | Broaddus's Scout's Eye
The biggest takeaway from Monday night's 38–21 win over Philadelphia was that Dallas finally played the kind of complementary football that allows this team to win without asking Dak Prescott to carry the entire offense.
The Cowboys didn't beat the Eagles because Prescott threw the ball 40 times. They won because they controlled the line of scrimmage, established a running game, protected their quarterback and forced Philadelphia to play from behind in the fourth quarter.
This was Dallas' most complete offensive performance of the season.
But there are also defensive concerns that shouldn't get overlooked simply because the Cowboys won by 17 points.
Javonte Williams and the Running Game Changed Everything
Dallas entered the game averaging just 76 rushing yards per contest. Against Philadelphia, the Cowboys rushed for 204 yards on 38 attempts.
Javonte Williams finished with 155 yards on 25 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt. It was the most rushing yards by a Cowboys running back since Ezekiel Elliott gained 159 against Tampa Bay in December 2016.
The offensive line controlled the Eagles' defensive front.
This was a significant departure from what Dallas had shown during the previous several weeks.
What I liked most was the commitment to running the football regardless of the situation. Maybe the opponent had a hand in that, especially with a backup quarterback on the other side, but the Cowboys stayed with the approach and made it work.
Dallas didn't abandon the run when Philadelphia took the lead. The Cowboys continued challenging the Eagles' defensive tackles and linebackers.
That helped keep Philadelphia from consistently attacking Prescott with aggressive pass-rush looks. It created manageable third-down situations and allowed Dallas to control the tempo instead of becoming a one-dimensional passing team.
Against a defense with Philadelphia's talent, Dallas consistently kept the ball moving forward.
That's a major accomplishment for an offensive line that has struggled with consistency.
Javonte Williams Was Outstanding
Williams' 34-yard run in the fourth quarter was particularly important because it helped Dallas extend its advantage to two possessions.
His vision was outstanding. He quickly identified the running lanes and hit them in a hurry. He was able to get downhill without constantly having to avoid contact in the backfield.
The results suggest Dallas was getting both movement at the point of attack and quality decisions from its running back.
The Cowboys don't need 200 rushing yards every week.
But they absolutely need to remain committed to running the football.
Dak Prescott Didn't Have to Carry the Offense
The most encouraging aspect of Prescott's performance wasn't necessarily the three touchdown passes.
It was that Dallas didn't constantly put him in situations where he needed to rescue the offense.
With a productive running game, Prescott could attack Philadelphia's secondary without having to deal with obvious passing situations throughout the game.
He finished with 212 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
The protection was outstanding, too.
Zero sacks against Philadelphia is impressive, especially considering the protection problems Dallas experienced against Green Bay and Tampa Bay.
The question when reviewing the tape is how much of that improvement came from better individual blocking and how much came from Philadelphia having to respect the running game.
Either way, Dallas won the battle up front.
The Cowboys forced the Eagles to defend the entire offense rather than simply concentrating on Prescott and the passing game. That balance created opportunities for Dallas to execute its offense the way it was designed.
The Defense Improved, but There Are Still Concerns
The Cowboys allowed 321 yards and 21 points.
Philadelphia converted five of 12 third downs, and Dallas recorded two sacks and an interception.
The most encouraging development was that the Eagles failed to score in the fourth quarter.
But I wouldn't call this a dominant defensive performance.
Saquon Barkley Exposed the Run Defense Early
The early work against Saquon Barkley was concerning.
Barkley finished with 62 yards on just seven carries, averaging 8.9 yards per attempt. His 29-yard run on Philadelphia's opening possession exposed Dallas' vulnerability to explosive rushing plays.
Barkley was later limited by an injury, which is important context when evaluating Dallas' improved defensive performance.
The concern is that Dallas still needs to prove it can consistently defend a quality rushing attack over four quarters.
The Cowboys did a better job as the game progressed, but they can't rely on an opposing running back becoming less available to solve their problems.
They have to win their assignments, control their gaps and tackle consistently.
Tanner McKee Still Moved the Football
Tanner McKee completed 23 of 35 passes for 211 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The Cowboys didn't completely shut him down.
Philadelphia moved the ball effectively at times, particularly during its third-quarter touchdown drive. The Eagles covered 84 yards on that possession and briefly took a 21–20 lead before Dallas answered.
Rookie Makai Lemon finished with seven catches for 67 yards and a touchdown. Dallas Goedert added five receptions for 48 yards.
My biggest question is whether Dallas can consistently win on third down without having to manufacture pressure.
The Cowboys have enough talent along the defensive front to create problems for opposing quarterbacks. But the relationship between the pass rush and coverage needs to be more consistent.
A defense cannot allow opponents to repeatedly complete manageable throws and sustain long possessions.
Dallas improved as the game progressed, but there is still more work to do.
DeMarvion Overshown Was an Encouraging Presence
DeMarvion Overshown was one of the most encouraging defensive performers.
He finished with six tackles, a tackle for loss, two passes defended and an interception in his return from a hamstring injury.
His athletic ability gives Dallas a linebacker capable of making plays in coverage while also pursuing the football.
That's particularly important for a defense that has struggled with space and tackling.
Getting Overshown back gives Christian Parker another player who can cover ground, compete against the run and contribute in passing situations.
Now the Cowboys need to build on that performance.
Quinnen Williams and the Cost of Penalties
Quinnen Williams recorded a sack, but his most interesting play may have been the fourth-and-1 sequence in the second quarter.
Williams appeared to help stop Philadelphia's tush push and force a fumble. Unfortunately, he was penalized for lining up offsides.
I understand the importance of enforcing the rules, but that was a costly moment for Dallas. Instead of getting the football back, Philadelphia maintained possession and eventually scored.
Those are the types of situations that can change a game against a healthier, more explosive opponent.
The Cowboys also committed eight penalties, including two significant defensive infractions that helped Philadelphia extend its second scoring drive.
You can't consistently give opponents extra opportunities and expect to win every week.
Dallas has to be more disciplined, particularly in critical situations.
The Third Quarter Was a Warning
Philadelphia's opening possession of the second half was particularly revealing.
The Eagles marched 84 yards and scored to take a 21–20 lead. Dallas struggled to get off the field during a drive that consumed nearly 10 minutes.
Against a backup quarterback, that's concerning.
The Cowboys eventually responded, and their offense took control of the game. But the defense has to find a way to end drives sooner.
The Eagles were able to sustain that possession through execution and third-down conversions. Dallas needs to create more negative plays and force opposing offenses into uncomfortable situations.
That remains one of the most important areas for Christian Parker to address.
Dallas Finally Played Complementary Football
The Cowboys were the better team Monday night.
The offense controlled the line of scrimmage, the running game created opportunities and Prescott delivered when the Cowboys needed him.
The defense made enough plays to help secure the victory, while Overshown's return offered an encouraging glimpse of what the unit can look like with more of its personnel available.
But the win shouldn't hide the remaining issues.
Dallas still needs to defend the run more consistently, improve its coverage communication and eliminate costly penalties. The Cowboys also need to prove they can sustain this level of offensive execution against other quality opponents.
THE SCOUT'S EYE
My biggest takeaway from this game is that Dallas finally found a formula that doesn't require Dak Prescott to do everything.
The running game worked. The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage. Prescott was protected, and the Cowboys played with the balance and physicality that had been missing.
That's what Dallas needs to build on.
My biggest concern remains the defense. The Cowboys still allowed explosive runs, gave up a long third-quarter scoring drive and committed penalties that extended Philadelphia's possessions.
The next challenge is proving this wasn't simply a favorable matchup against a struggling opponent.
Dallas showed what it can look like when the offense controls the game on the ground. Now the Cowboys have to keep doing it while the defense becomes more consistent.
The Cowboys finally played a complete offensive game. The next step is making that their identity.
— Bryan Broaddus
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