Since the NFC East has boiled down to just one team still in contention for anything, I thought today’s Daily Dose would be best served with a primary focus on the two teams Dallas crushed in weeks 16 through 18. Okay, so that was just a chance to mention that we blew out the Eagles again, sue me.

Pete Carroll In, Jack Del Rio Out?

But first up is the most obvious and over-run story of the week—Pete Carroll has signed a five year deal with the Seattle Seahawks worth $7 mil a year. I wish him the best of luck, and he’ll need it, because that team is in shambles and will need their high draft picks to help get that team together.

In the wake of Carroll leaving USC, the Trojans are now stuck trying to find a coach. Oregon State’s head coach said no, Jeff Fisher declined so he could stay with the Titans, and now it looks as though the interest, by process of elimination, has fallen squarely onto the shoulders of current Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio. Del Rio, a seventh-year HC in Jacksonville, is scheduled to meet with team officials today to discuss and determine his future with the organization.

ESPN is reporting, however, that the former linebacker for USC is so interested in the vacancy that he might just try to get himself fired from the Jaguars. It has its definite benefits—he would still be owed the remaining $15 mil on his contract and could dive into the high prestige life of coaching college football. We’ll see what happens.

Eagles Announce Starter For 2010

Now, on to the Eagles. Coach Andy Reid has stated that soon-to-be 12 year veteran Donovan McNabb will be the Eagles’ starting quarterback in 2010. This despite the overwhelming, and by now yearly occurrence, disapproval of McNabb by Philadelphia fans. Check it out on NFL.com.

Also, newly hired Cleveland Browns President Mike Holmgren has managed to steal away Philadelphia’s GM, Tom Heckert. Eagles V.P. of Player Personnel Howie Roseman is most likely to fill the now defunct GM spot.

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Now I want you all to understand before further reading what I have to say.  I believe that this Dallas Cowboys team is the best we’ve seen in years.  From top to bottom they are hands down one of the best teams in the league.  I believe that Tony Romo and Wade Phillips have finally got over the hump and this team is ready to be a dominating team for years to come.

Last night the Cowboys played brilliantly on every level.  Their heart, talent, and intensity were unmatched by a good Philadelphia Eagles team.  I do believe though, that the Eagles beat themselves before the game even started.  There was a significant series of events that pissed off the Cowboys and I plan to recap them today.  So without further ado, here is how the Eagles beat themselves:

Spitting on the Star— Eagles blogger Dave Spadaro felt that he needed to video tape a voyage onto the field and spit on the Dallas Cowboys Star.  An emblem that has seen it’s share of abuse but is one of the most respected in the league.  The minute he did that he incited a riot.  That idiot did more damage than he expected, firing up a Dallas Cowboys Team that has Super potential.

DeSean Twitters— DeSean Jackson has been virtually shut down by emerging cornerback Mike Jenkins.  This week DeSean Jackson thought it would be appropriate to talk trash on the team that had previously shut him down 2 times already.  Jackson said that Mike Jenkins had never shut him down and the Eagles were going to Sting the ‘Boys.  Didn’t work! Instead it warned Dallas to sharpen their stingers and they stung.

McNabb Dancing— Walking onto the field last night, McNabb—cocky as ever—felt it appropriate to start dancing and jump at and scare a fan on the other side of the glass.  It was McNabb who started laughing and took it all as a game.  Well McNabb? We have the last laugh.  Game Over.

We’ll be back with a full break down and analysis of this game as well as the matchup with Minnesota next Sunday at noon.

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How They Stack Up

11-4 Record 10-5 6-2 Home 5-2 5-2 Road 5-3 4-1 Division 3-2 429 Total Points 339 20.9 Avg Points Allowed 16.7 28.6 Avg Points Per Game 22.6 5498 Total Offense 5916 3898 Pass Yards 3992 1600 Rush Yards 1924 47 TD 40 42 Sacks 37 Won 6 Streak Won 2 1st, NFC East Position 2nd, NFC East

Eagles (11-4)	Key Matchups	Cowboys (10-5)
Dallas Defensive Line (3-4) DE DT DE The Dallas Cowboys come into this matchup with a defensive line that has helped attain 38 sacks this season, while limiting teams to a rushing yards per game average of 94.1 – good for 5th in the league. This unit is highlighted by Pro Bowl Defensive Tackle Jay Ratliff who had 2 sacks against the Redskins last week. Opposing the Cowboys in the trenches is a tough offensive line for the Philadelphia Eagles. This line has allowed 34 sacks this season and is responsible for the play of Donovan McNabb. If this line wasn’t good, DeSean Jackson wouldn’t be so dominant. The Eagles rank 21st in rushing offense, and have lost their starting center for the remainder of the season. Advantage: Draw Philadelphia Offensive Line LT LG C RG RT
Dallas Offensive Line RT RG C LG LT The Dallas Cowboys have one of the largest offensive lines in the league. They lead the way for the leagues 8th best rush offense. They have gotten better lately in protecting Tony Romo but still have obvious weaknesses and that mostly lies at Left Tackle where Flozell Adams isn’t always reliable. Trent Cole is an animal and will be able to beat Adams from time to time, match that with the improved play of Defensive Tackles Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson and you have a formula for the leagues 8th best rush defense. The real story will lie with the pass rush, the Cowboys have allowed 32 sacks this season, and Tony doesn’t like feeling pressured. Advantage: Draw Philadelphia Defensive Line (4-3) DE DT DT DE
Dallas Wide Receivers WR WR WR WR WR I’m really struggling with analyzing this matchup. On one hand Miles Austin, Kevin Ogletree, and Crayton have been spot on. Austin is someone you have to account for on every play and even when you do, you still might get burned. Whereas Ogletree and Crayton have offered great plays when they are called upon, they are not called upon as often as Austin. On the other hand, Roy Williams can’t hold onto the ball and Sam Hurd, while good, has been dropping some as well in his limited playing time. Roy says he’s going to get back to basics, but only time will tell if it helps. Philly offers a decent, not stellar, pass defense that ranks in the middle of the league. There is only one man that really jumps out at me as a game changer and, unfortunately, he’s a big game changer. Asante Samuel is a tough DB to face, he’s a pick 6 threat all day long. This matchup will shape the game. Advantage: Draw Philadelphia Defensive Backs DB DB FS DB DB
Dallas Defensive Backs DB DB FS DB DB The Dallas Defense has been stepping up huge lately and may possibly be one of the best defenses in the NFL right now. We’ve seen that they’ve improved many of their flaws but the deep game remains to be seen. Jenkins and Hamlin have been locking down their side of the field, but my biggest concern is Terence Newman. Despite his All Pro repuation, he hasn’t been playing at the level he’s capable of. Not to say he’s not good, because he is, but he needs to lock down his side of the field this week to keep us in this. Philly’s wide receivers are among the most dynamic in the league. From DeSean to Maclin to Avant you can believe that these receivers can break any game wide open. With their deep threat capability, Brent Celek is given a lot of chances to make short gains. This is a versatile passing game that is almost impossible to control. Our only hope is fundamental containment … maybe that will work. Advantage: Philadelphia Philadelphia Wide Receivers WR WR WR WR WR
Dallas Running Backs & Tight Ends RB RB RB FB TE TE TE The Cowboys have one of the most impressive running back rotations in the league. Combine that with Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett and even John Phillips and you have yourself a pretty amazing core. Jason Witten is going to tear through Philly’s mediocre front 7 and it’s going to be an all day combination with Tony Romo. Felix will dash, Barber will Smash, and Tash will run that wildcat to perfection, allowing plenty of offensive balance. This Eagles unit to me is mediocre. Will Witherspoon is talented, but Trotter has lost a step and besides those two the unit as a whole is young. Inexperience will hurt these guys and they will not be able to contain the Cowboys balanced offensive attack. Advantage: Dallas Philadelphia Linebackers OLB LB OLB SS MLB MLB OLB
Dallas Linebackers OLB OLB MLB SS MLB LB LB If you’re a football fan, names like Brooking, Ware, and Bradie James should keep you listening. This linebacker team is the core behind the re-emergence of the Dallas D. Ware and Spencer seem to be almost unblockable while Brooking and James have been wreaking havoc on running backs and tight ends. Most experts would consider this a top 5 unit and it’s going to be hard to break through. Westbrook is dangerous when healthy and McCoy has potential. However, neither of these two are going to make a difference in this game. Philly has a secret weapon in the run game and that is their fullback, Leonard Weaver. Weaver can run, catch, and block and it’s just plain difficult to gameplan for a fullback with that potential mixed with dangerous running backs. I’m originally from Philly and my father is a die-hard Eagles fan and he repeatedly tells me that Weaver is the difference maker and I believe him. Advantage: Dallas Philadelphia Runnings Backs & Tight Ends RB RB RB FB TE
	Players To Watch
Sav Rocca	P Sav Rocca & Mat McBriar Special teams are going to have a heavy influence on the outcome of this game. Thats why I’ve highlighted these punters as players to watch. With extremely explosive offenses for both teams you need to give them the longest field possible.	Mat McBriar
	QB Tony Romo Tony’s been brilliant as of late. Throwing only 1 interception in the last month. It’s not only about his improved play though, it’s been his ability to manage games and read defenses that has attributed to his success. Maybe the hottest quarterback in the league, Tony will have to manage, read, and deliver in this game. It’ll be up to him to make the proper changes and get this offense clicking early.	Tony Romo
DeSean Jackson	WR DeSean Jackson DeSean Jackson is the Eagles X-Factor. There is no doubt he has playmaking ability and explosive potential. In this game he’ll face a defense that has been known for being weak against the deep ball and you have to expect him to be able to find holes. The only question is if he’ll be able to burn up-and-coming CB Mike Jenkins who has played some of his best ball as of late.
	images via yahoo.com
	Key Injuries
WR Reggie Brown – Shoulder (Probable) C Nick Cole – Knee (Probable) S Quintin Demps – Ankle (Probable) WR Jeremy Maclin – Foot (Probable) QB Micheal Vick – Quadricep (Probable) G Max Jean-Gilles – Ankle (Probable) T Marc Colombo – Ankle (Out) S Pat Watkins – Knee (Out) WR Miles Austin – Thumb (Probable) CB Terence Newman – Knee (Probable) S Gerald Sensabaugh – Thumb (Probable) LB DeMarcus Ware – Wrist (Probable)
Winner
The Cowboys battle hard and won’t lose by a lack of effort but are unable to contain some of the big plays and lose, which might turn out to give them a better road to the playoffs. Philadelphia 30 – Dallas 24

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In part one of this two-part series, I discussed how the departure of Greg Ellis, Terrell Owens, and Zach Thomas will affect the team going forward.

There are a ton of questions facing the Cowboys, as with any offseason, but this seems to be a make-or-break year for a team that is expected to make a Super Bowl run every season.

Part two of the series discusses how the Cowboys will fare in the “NFC Beast” this season, and addresses those pesky rumors about Garrett and Bum Phillips’ son.

With the departure of Plaxico in New York, the Eagles spurning Dawkins and allowing him to walk to Denver, and an owner in Washington who has no confidence in his quarterback, how will the Cowboys fare in the NFC East?

For the first time in a long time, the Cowboys seem to be one of the most stable teams in NFC East. Terrell is gone and the focus has shifted to Romo, but the circus atmosphere that surrounded the ‘Boys the past few years isn’t as prevalent this season.

The New York Giants running attack will be strong, but not as potent without Derrick Ward. Sack machine Osi Umenyiora will be back from a knee injury, but the offense will be without its lightning rod, Plaxico Burress.

While I believe that the Giants will having a winning record and make a run at the playoffs, I don’t see another improbable Super Bowl run like a couple years ago.

Heading south to D.C., the Redskins have a huge question mark at quarterback. I’m not questioning the skills of former Auburn man Jason Campbell, but his owner seems to have lost all confidence in the kid.

Campbell was left out to dry when the team unsuccessfully tried to trade for quarterback Jay Cutler and then attempted to draft former USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.

The team may not have much faith in Jason, but from all accounts, he still thinks that he can get the job done.

Washington’s only hope at the playoffs this year may be the mental stability of its “star” quarterback. If Campbell can hold steady and Clinton Portis remains healthy, an 8-8 season isn’t that far out of reach.

Over in “Illadelphia,” Donovan McNabb has a new contract, Brian Dawkins is now a Bronco, and blitzing defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is out indefinitely due to a battle with cancer.

As much as I disdain the Eagles, the team seems to be poised for another playoff run as their skill position players are still in place.

The battle for 1-2-3 in the NFC East will be between the Giants, Cowboys, and Eagles. The Cowboys ran away with the division in 2007, and they have the chance to do so again this year.

The ‘Boys have a dastardly tough schedule to end the year with road games against the Giants, Redskins, and Saints. Like last season, the team will face off against the Eagles in the last game of the year, but this time it will be in Texas.

History will be the judge of the future in this case, and I can’t defer from where the ‘Boys have finished the last few years. Their schedule in December is daunting, and the team hasn’t had a winning record during that part of year in over a decade.

Look for the Cowboys to finish second in the NFC East to the Giants or Eagles, but make a serious playoff run in January.

Will this be Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett’s last season in Dallas?

Wade Phillips is entering his third season as head coach in Dallas, and I’m not sure if Jerry will continue to make excuses for Phillips.

As many were calling for Wade’s dismissal after last season’s debacle, Jerry stood by his head coach. Instead of feeding him to the wolves, Jerry decided to give Bum’s son another shot.

If Tony Romo has taken the reigns of the team, the same must be said for Wade Phillips. After last season’s shootout against the Eagles early in the year, which ended with the cowboys winning 41-37, Phillips defended his defense by saying the Eagles were just receiving good breaks and capitalizing off of a few turnovers.

That type of explanation will not fly this season. Wade either has to lead this team deep in the playoffs or to a Super Bowl birth in order to keep his job. His defense has to stand up in the latter months of the season against teams like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

A few years ago, when Jerry brought back former back-up quarterback Jason Garrett to serve as offensive coordinator, it seemed a match made in Heaven as Romo flourished under Garrett’s tutelage.

Last season, though, Romo floundered a little under Garrett’s system and seemed to criticize Jason’s play calling.

Garrett probably has a longer leash than Phillips, simply because he isn’t the head coach.

Heading into training camp, Phillips may have a little sense of urgency because the Cowboys haven’t won a playoff game this decade.

The defense may be a little meaner and the offense a little more disciplined. The turnovers have to stop, and Romo can’t throw his customary one interception a game just to get it out of his system.

If Phillips and Garrett are to remain in Valley Ranch, they both must turn the Cowboys into a more streamlined outfit.

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the most talent-filled rosters in the league. Of course T.O. is gone, and so is Greg Ellis, but the team is still poised to make a serious run at the Super Bowl.

I predicted that the Cowboys will finish second in their division this season, but that could bode well for them. Flying under the radar isn’t something they’re accustomed to doing, and this season just may be the one where they do so.

Overall, I think the team will finish 11-5 with losses against the Giants and Eagles in the division. But, we have to get past training camp to enter into a total season preview.

-JH

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