Eagles Vs. Cowboys: 10 Reasons Why The Birds Should Worry

The Philadelphia Eagles are the hottest team in football right now. Some are suggesting that they could make a legitimate Super Bowl run. There are, however, a few obstacles in the way. One of them resides in Arlington, Texas and goes by the name of the Dallas Cowboys.

Though the Cowboys only have four wins, they are a not a team to sleep on. Here are a few reasons why the Birds should be concerned.

Miles Austin

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Miles Austin #19 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Before Dez Bryant was lighting it up in Dallas, all eyes were on a man named Miles. Averaging 14.4 yards a possession, 5 touchdowns and 804 yards, Miles Austin has been a thorn in the side of many defenses this season and he has no intentions of slowing down for Philadelphia.

No Winston Justice

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BETHLEHEM, PA - JULY 25: Winston Justice #74 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during training camp on the practice field at Lehigh University on July 25, 2006 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

We don't usually hear a lot about offensive tackles, but Winston Justice is one of the best in the league. He is essential to protecting Vick in that explosive offense which teams have started to figure out. Justice is out with an injury and did not practice at all this week. In his stead is King Dunlap, who isn't terrible, just not as good.

No Asante

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 21: Asante Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after an interception in the second quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on November 21, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Lah

Asante Samuel is a key aspect to Philly's defense. He's missed three games already with a knee injury. We've seen the difference, too. Josilio Hanson is a decent replacement, but he's young and without the likes of Samuel, the Eagles' secondary certainly suffers.

Jason Garrett

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys leads his team against the Detroit Lions late in the fourth quarter at Cowboys Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Lions 35-19. (Photo by Tom

Jason Garrett wants to erase the "interim" part from his title, and so far he's doing a good job. And by good job, I mean he's won three games and barely lost one as the head coach in Dallas. He knows what he's doing. He's made the Cowboys tougher, more hungry and downright better.

Cowboys Have Philly's Number

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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Philadelphia Eagles is sacked by Bradie James #56 of the Dallas Cowboys during the 2010 NFC wild-card playoff game at Cowboys Stadium on January 9, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rona

Last season the Cowboys beat up on the Eagles three times, one time in the playoffs. In fact, the Eagles gave the Cowboys their first playoff win in some 15 years. Now, this is a divisional rivalry, one of the best in the NFL, and though the Eagles may be a better team, the Cowboys have proven that they know how to beat "better" teams (see: Giants, Colts)

Dallas Is Hot Right Now

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 05: Felix Jones #28 of the Dallas Cowboys runs as he is tackled by several defenders against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cowboys defeated the Colts 38-35 in over

Again, the Cowboys have won three of their last four games against teams that were supposed to be better. They know what to do to win games and are proving it.

Jon Kitna Is Playing Out Of His Mind

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 05: Jon Kitna #3 of the Dallas Cowboys passes against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

The term "journeyman" applies to few as well as it does to Jon Kitna. When Tony Romo went down with a broken clavicle, everyone thought all hope was lost, let's just get ready for next season. And while it's not likely the Cowboys will make the postseason, Jon Kitna is playing the best football he's played since joining the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1997. It helps that he has a lot of talent around him, but this guy is proving to be a pretty solid starter right now.

Cowboys, Unlike Eagles, Have Nothing To Lose

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Houston Texans at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

If the Eagles lose this game and the Giants win theirs, the Giants take control of the NFC East. With a loss to Chicago and Green Bay, the Birds would be in serious trouble, as in they might not even make the postseason. The Cowboys would like to win this game, but the Eagles NEED to win this game. Anything less would spell DISASTER.

Cowboys Are Going To Pressure Vick

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 27: Orlando Scandrick #32 of the Dallas Cowboys defends against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 27, 2009 in Landover, Maryland. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins 17-0. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears came up with a pretty good defensive scheme to stop Mike Vick. The Cowboys have all the right tools and they're going to mimic their friends in the Windy City. Of course, Vick is explosive and dynamic, but if he's contained, the 'Boys can certainly turn this offense into something less than spectacular.

Jason Witten Is Still a Beast

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 14: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball against Deon Grant #34 of the New York Giants on November 14, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Remember Jason Witten? That big dude in Dallas? Well, he's still there. While he may not be getting the coverage Dez Bryant and Miles Austin get, he's still a monster. He only has four touchdowns on the season, but don't let that fool you, the guy is still one of the best tight ends in the league and can make any D suffer with his size and playmaking abilities. The Eagles are going to have their hands full with Austin and Williams up top and this guy underneath.