(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Trent Cole is a superb defensive end. One of the best in the league, only surpassed by Osi Umenyiora and a few others. Last year he made 98 tackles, 59 unassisted and nine for a loss.
He led the Eagles in hurries with 22, he was second on his team in sacks with nine, and third in Philadelphia for forced fumbles. His stats speak for themselves; containing him may be the difference between a sack and an "L", or grabbing the "W".
On the blue and white side of the ball, there are a few guys that can put pressure on the QB from the outside (excluding DeMarcus Ware), but Cole's raw ability keeps the Eagles ahead in this match up.
DT—Eagles, Marginally
For the Cowboys, Jay Ratliff is a versatile athlete, playing at TE, DE, and as of last year, nose tackle. He does have a talent of collapsing the pocket almost single-handedly. He is quick and strong and can often stuff runners in the backfield.
The Eagles, however, have a hidden beast in Mike Patterson. He didn't really have an explosive year last season and besides his one interception he has been relatively quiet. However, he hasn't shown his true colors yet and I wouldn't put it past him to be feared in the eyes of quarterback by the end of '09.
CB—Eagles
This is easy. After losing Lito Sheppard, and potentially losing Sheldon Brown, the Eagles could have been grounded when it comes to cornerbacks. But remember, the team still has Asante Samuel, an interception machine and an almost unbeatable corner.
Arguably the best in the league, Samuel will play a huge role in determining the team's success.
Likewise, Terence Newman will play a huge role for the Cowboys. Another P.P.B., he's just too fast and he's also an almost unbeatable corner, but this season I don't see him performing to his greatest potential.
LB—Cowboys
Omar Gaither is a fantastic, fast, all-around player who can really put pressure on quarterbacks, or, if needed, step back for a pick. But he is no DeMarcus Ware.
Ware was the sack leader last year, and there is little doubt that he will do it again. He is a big threat and the Eagles offensive line needs to keep him away from McNabb if they want any chance in winning this match up.
Special Teams—Tied
Longtime Eagle David Akers is still great. The kick returners are fast and unpredictable. Punter Sav Rocca can pin a team deep.
The Cowboys' kicker Nick Folk is great. The kick returners have speed, and the blocking on kick returns is probably one of the best in the league, not to mention punter Mat McBriar's foot of pure skill.
Speed is the great equalizer for the special team units. Both are fast, but not one faster than another, and both have a complete unit.
Conclusion
The last time these two teams met, the Eagles doused the last ember the Cowboys had at a shot for the Super Bowl with a 44-6 victory.
That won't happen again—that shouldn't happen again.
This time its going to be close—very close.
The Cowboys lead the series 54-43, but that doesn't mean anything on game day.
I see the Eagles taking both wins in the upcoming season, but it will be entertaining.
Like a quickly-forgotten ex-Cowboy and ex-Eagle once said:
"Get your popcorn ready."
We're going to send you the most entertaining Philadelphia Eagles articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
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