Cowboys vs. Eagles: Eagles' Sunday Night Victory Proves Philly Is Back on Track

The Philadelphia Eagles took apart the Dallas Cowboys, 34-7, on Sunday night.

Everything went according to plan.

The offense jumped out to an early lead. The defense was able to pin their ears back and rush Tony Romo. Emerging Cowboy running back DeMarco Murray only got eight carries.

Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan did his best Rex impression and referred to the Eagles as the "all-hype team" prior to the season.

For most of the season, Ryan has been exactly right. Unfortunately for his Cowboys, Week 8 is when the Eagles finally put it all together.

There is a lot of work still to be done in order to get back on top, but the Eagles are starting to look like the team that many expected them to be.

LeSean McCoy Passes Test

One of the biggest questions heading into this contest was which force would win. Would it be the Eagles' No. 1 ranked rushing attack, or the Cowboys top ranked rushing defense?

It took less than15 minutes to figure this one out.

LeSean McCoy's Houdini-style running frustrated the Cowboys all night. He set a career high with 185 yards on 30 carries to go along with two touchdowns.

The third-year star continues to dazzle, and the Eagles have started to lean on him.

McCoy will be a nightmare for defenses the rest of the year.

In order to stop him, defensive coordinators will need to bring extra men into the box. That will open up more single coverage for the Eagles' speed-demons on the outside.

It's a lose-lose situation.

Michael Vick's Decision-Making

Another glowing bright-spot from Sunday's win was the play of Michael Vick.

Turnovers have plagued Philadelphia, and Vick was a big part of the problem. Coming into the game, he had three lost fumbles and had thrown eight interceptions.

Against the Cowboys, Vick turned in his first clean sheet of the year.

In addition to protecting the ball, Vick showed great patience in going through his progressions. He did not force the ball into coverage and was successful taking what the defense gave him.

The Cowboys gave safety help on DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, forcing Vick to beat them elsewhere.

That's exactly what he did.

The Eagles quarterback relied on Brent Celek and Jason Avant to beat soft coverage in the middle of the field. Celek and Avant accounted for 168, more than half, of Vick's passing yards.

Vick showed his full potential with sound decision-making and crisp passing.

Asomugha in Tight Coverage

Nnamdi Asomugha was the big prize this offseason. The man widely regarded as the second-best corner in football has been pretty average this season.

Whether he was overrated or misused by the coaching staff, Asomugha simply wasn't delivering as expected.

The Eagles said several weeks ago that they probably threw too much at Asomugha too quickly. Defensive coordinator Juan Castillo said that the team would make things simpler for him going forward.

On Sunday they did just that.

Asomugha spent most of the game in tighter, man coverage and played very well. He came away with an interception and broke up a pass in the end zone.

The Eagles should continue to put Asomugha on the top receiver and let him go to work.

Strong Offensive Line

The Eagles offensive line has made major strides.

This group looked hapless throughout the preseason and into the early games of the regular season. Now, they are developing into a unit that can be another strength for this team.

Jason Peters returned from his hamstring injury and picked up right where he left off.

Evan Mathis has been one of the team's most consistent, but least heralded players.

Jason Kelce had an embarrassing mistake on a shotgun snap, but continues to excel in run blocking.

Rookie Danny Watkins' name has hardly been mentioned since he was activated. That is exactly what an offensive lineman wants.

Todd Herremans has done a little of everything. Peters' return allowed Herremans to move back over to anchor the right side.

This line is opening up gaping holes for LeSean McCoy and improving in pass protection. The Eagles' offensive playmakers are loving the time and space that the offensive line is giving them.

Coaching and Confidence

Blame Andy Reid.

Blame Juan Castillo.

Blame Jim Washburn's wide nine.

During the four-game skid there was plenty of blame to go around. Adjustments had to be made.

Over the last two wins, the Eagles coaching staff has risen to the challenge.

Reid ran his record to 13-0 when coming off of a bye week. Castillo seems to be doing a better job game-planning and adjusting during games.

Everyone on the Eagles sideline, players and coaches alike, are feeling good and settling in.

A talented, confident Eagles team is not something that the Chicago Bears, or anyone else will be anxious to face.