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Dallas offense vs. Philadelphia defense

The Cowboys have consistently put up big numbers over the first four weeks of the season, averaging over 33 points per game. They run into an Eagle defense that has to be demoralized following a strong performance in a 16-15 loss to the New York Giants last week. The old names have risen to the fore in Dallas, with QB Troy Aikman, RB Emmitt Smith and WR Michael Irvin all making solid contributions in route to the Cowboys' 3-0 start. Irvin, in particular, has been helped by the addition of WR Raghib Ismail -- the vertical passing threat the team's offense has so sorely lacked over the last few seasons. With two touchdown receptions of over 60 yards, Ismail's game-breaking speed allows the 'Boys to open up the underneath routes for Irvin and TE David LaFleur, who is finally beginning to play up to expectations. RB Smith seems to have returned to form and, while he has lost some speed, he is averaging 98 yards per game with four touchdowns in only three games. On the goal line, Smith has been his old reliable self -- holding on to the football and finding the end zone. The challenge this week for the Cowboys will be throwing the football. The Philadelphia secondary has been one of the team's few bright spots, and RDC Bobby Taylor has been able to take Irvin out of his game in past meetings. On the ground, the Cowboys need to win the war of the trenches (which should not be that difficult against an undersized Philadelphia defensive line) and keep the Eagles' quick linebackers from making plays at or behind the line of scrimmage.

The Eagles defense has scored more touchdowns in the last 15 quarters than their offense. Against the Giants last week, RDC Bobby Taylor showed his big-play skills with an interception return for a touchdown. As a unit against New York, the Eagles D forced six turnovers and accounted for 9 of the teams' sixteen points. The Philadelphia defense benefitted from the return of LDT Bill Johnson, who is still recovering from a high ankle sprain. Johnson -- known for his strength against the run -- added a much-needed push up the middle against the Giants and notched his first sack of the year. This week, the pickings might be a little slimmer against a Cowboy offensive line that has allowed only three sacks on the year. Johnson and LDT Hollis Thomas will have their work cut out for them as they match up against perennial Pro-Bowl OC Mark Stepnoski, LOG Larry Allen and ROG Everitt McIver -- the best interior threesome the Eagles have faced all year. For the Eagles to get to Aikman, LOLB James Darling, MLB Jeremiah Trotter and ROLB William Thomas will have to come on blitzes, overloading the Cowboy offensive line, which unfortunately will expose the secondary to the risk of the big play. The secondary tandem of Troy Vincent and Taylor have played well to this point in the season, particularly Vincent, who has two interceptions. Against the Cowboy tandem of Ismail and Irvin, however, Taylor and Vincent will need backside help from FS Brian Dawkins and SS Tim Hauck. Dawkins is often asked to come on blitzes by Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson and Hauck has below average cover skills, so expect Dallas to hit for some big plays.

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