Eagles vs. Cowboys: 5 Matchups That Will Decide Sunday Night Clash

Sunday night is a must-win game for the Dallas Cowboys against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Sitting at 5-6 in the NFC East, Dallas is still alive for a Wild Card spot. Nevertheless, a loss at home to the lowly Eagles would basically end Big D's postseason odds.

In short, the Eagles have an opportunity to play the spoiler role and help clear up the NFC playoff picture. Unfortunately, Philadelphia has significantly underachieved in 2012 and currently rides a seven-game losing streak.

Dallas was just upset at home by the Washington Redskins, which only increases the magnitude of this contest. Here, we look at the matchups that will determine the outcome of the Eagles-Cowboys game on Sunday night.

Eagles' Ground Game vs. Cowboys' Front Seven

The Eagles are entering this game with plenty of key offensive injuries.

Two of which, though, have an extreme impact on the line of scrimmage when Philly takes the field.

According to Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press via Yahoo! Sports:

"

Nick Foles handing off to Bryce Brown in front of a national television audience wasn't the way the Philadelphia Eagles envisioned their season going.

The two rookies will be starting again Sunday night when the struggling Eagles visit Dallas because Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy are still sidelined by concussions. 

"

On the bright side, Brown did accumulate 178 rushing yards and score two times against the Carolina Panthers. The downside was Brown losing two fumbles in Week 12, which displays the continuation of Philly having turnover issues.

Dallas, on the other hand, isn't particularly dominant against the run. So, if the Eagles have any success, it will be in the trenches.

Dallas' Pass Protection vs. Philly's Pass Rush

Dallas protecting Tony Romo and Philadelphia generating quarterback pressure are two underachieving, yet opposing areas.

Romo has been sacked 26 times this season, which may not seem like a lot. However, against strong pass-rushing defenses he has been knocked around quite often. Most notably in the games against the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears.

And although the Eagles have recorded a mere 18 sacks so far, three of them were of Romo in Week 10.

Interestingly enough, the Eagles were tied with Dallas at 17 entering the final quarter a few weeks ago. Provided that Trent Coles and Company can get pressure on Romo, Philly has a chance to create turnovers and win the battle of field position.

Dallas has not been consistently impressive at running the rock, which results in a one-dimensional approach. That alone is simply to the Eagles' advantage.

Nick Foles vs. DeMarcus Ware

No, Nick Foles vs. DeMarcus Ware is not your typical matchup to watch.

Nonetheless, it remains of key importance due to Ware's pass-rushing ability.

Every time he walks up to the line of scrimmage, Foles must find Ware and help his offensive line. Having recorded 10 sacks and four forced fumbles entering Week 13, Ware is enjoying another All-Pro season.

As a result, if Ware is not acknowledged by Foles before each snap, then that amplifies the odds of a turnover. We know the Eagles must run the ball to keep Dallas honest, but failing to isolate Ware and establish a ground threat will favor the Cowboys.

Not only must Ware be accounted for whenever Foles drops back, Philadelphia must be able to run the ball in his direction. If not, then the Eagles' rushing attack is limited in terms of play-calling.

Because Ware will dominate the field if given half a chance.

Balance is key. The luxury of attacking on the ground across the entire line of scrimmage is just as important.

Cowboys' Secondary vs. Eagles' Receivers

Even if the Eagles keep Nick Foles upright and fend off Dallas' pass rush, another problem arises thereafter.

Brandon Carr and Big D's blanketing secondary.

Entering this matchup, the Cowboys rank No. 8 against the pass and allow just 7.7 yards per pass attempt. The good news for Philly is that Dallas has only collected five picks so far in 2012 and has allowed a 62.5 completion percentage.

The bad news for Philly comes in the form of another injury. Per Reuben Frank of CSN Philadelphia:

"

Andy Reid: DeSean two broken ribs. Out for the year.

— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) November 27, 2012"

The matchup now becomes the Cowboys' sound coverage against the Eagles without their best receiver.

As a result, expect Dallas to blitz heavily and lock down in man coverage.

Tony Romo vs. Eagles' Coverage

Defending the pass was to be Philadelphia's strength when they signed Nnamdi Asomugha.

Unfortunately, that has not consistently been the case for the Eagles dating back to 2011.

Looking at the current state of affairs, Dallas is ranked No. 2 in passing offense thanks to Tony Romo. By contrast, Philadelphia ranks No. 14 against the pass and has allowed 20 touchdown passes this season.

Take the Cowboys' inconsistent running game into account and it's no wonder why Romo is typically relied on to create much of the offense. One advantage for Philly, though, is that Romo can be turnover-prone when pressured. After all, he has tossed 15 picks and fumbled five more times.

Make no mistake about it: Philly's coverage presents impressive talent. But without a pass rush, Romo will carve up the Eagles' secondary all game long.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter.