Proving that their shut-out win last week was no fluke, the Dallas Cowboys picked up right where they left off with a 34-14 blowout win over the Philadelphia Eagles Saturday night. In a flag-filled contest (actually setting a playoff record for most penalty yards), only Dallas overcame their mistakes. Philly never stood a chance.
Dallas may have racked up over 400 yards of offense, but their balance was integral to the victory. With 35 passes and 34 runs, the Cowboys' play-calling was near perfect. They exploded in the first half with Tony Romo endzone passes to John Philips and Miles Austin, a Tashard Choice TD run and two Suisham field goals. A well-rested Felix Jones broke off a 73 yard run in the third quarter to put the game out of reach at 34-7. Marion Barber came into the game injured and only carried the ball 3 times for 4 yards, then chilled on the sidelines because of the insurmountable lead and Felix Jones' success. That rest could pay dividends next week. Corner Mike Jenkins played a phenomenal game, supported by a solid secondary.
Andy Reid's Eagles found a few big plays, but not nearly enough to make up for their lack of any running game or consistent passing attack, not to mention their five turnovers. McNabb's throws were off all night and he was under immense pressure from the Dallas front line. After not blitzing enough last week, the Philly defense paid for its aggressiveness on Saturday, being taken advantage of by Dallas receiver screens and draw plays. It wasn't pretty.
Finding his way into the game, Michael Vick was as polarizing on the field as he has been off it. The Eagles' first score came off a gorgeous Vick pass to Jeremy Maclin on the outside which was taken 76 yards to paydirt. His next play was a botched hand-off to fullback Leonard Weaver that was recovered by the Cowboys and taken in for a touchdown on the following drive.
Credit has to go to Wade Philips, Tony Romo and the Dallas squad for not only playing well down the regular season stretch but for overcoming the immense post-season pressure they've been facing all week. Next on their docket is a trip to Minnesota to take on Brett Favre and the Vikings, so Cowboy fans shouldn't start reserving hotel rooms in Miami just yet. Still, Philips certainly saved his job with a fantastic playoff win over a division rival. Jerry Jones should be satiated with that.
On the Eagles sideline, how do you think Donovan McNabb felt tonight? Frankly, he played like crap but he wasn't out there for arguably their best or worst play. Until a late throw to DeSean Jackson, Vick quarterbacked the team's only score. His performance may bring the haters back out of their... hate-caves? (Where do haters go when things are going well?)
Playoff predictions so far: 2-0. It's probably a fluke. I have a good chance at my record evening out on Sunday. Have a good night everyone! I'll be back tomorrow morning with another preview!
Nothing to do with the game really, just wanted a Cowboy cheerleader pic.
