At long last, the 2013 Dallas Cowboys are no mas. A team that limped its way into the showdown that would decide the NFC East had no real hope of victory, outside of a mullet-touting backup. Unfortunately for Dallas, Kyle Orton did his best Tony Romo impression instead of Troy Aikman, and threw two costly interceptions. On the other sideline, a first year head coach led his team to a division crown, and their first playoff appearance in three seasons.
Philadelphia Eagles(10-6) 24 @ Dallas Cowboys(8-8) 22
Yet another classic division match-up between two beasts of the NFC East resulted in a resounding triumph for the Philadelphia Eagles. The NFL’s rushing title holder LeSean McCoy was back to work for one final time in the 2013 regular season, and dominated a porous Cowboys’ front seven while rushing for 131 yards and one receiving touchdown. Mccoy capped off an incredible season by controlling the offensive tempo, and annihilating what was once a respectable defensive unit.
As for the man with the mullet, Orton struggled in his first start of 2013, tossing two interceptions despite leading the game in passing yardage with 358 yards. Under Orton Jason Witten had perhaps his best game of the season catching 12 passes for 135 yards in the loss. The real victory for Philadelphia’s defense came regarding DeMarco Murray ‘s offensive output, as the third-year back was held to just 51 yards on 17 carries. Billy Davis’ defensive unit disrupted the Cowboy’s game-plan by holding Murray under the century mark, and was a major part of the Eagles’ victory.
As for Monte Kiffin’s group, the Cowboys’ defense struggled yet again, allowing a huge game to Mccoy, and 336 total yards to Nick Foles and the Eagles’ offense. Though Dallas out-gained Philadelphia 417-336, Dallas failed to stop Philadelphia when it mattered, especially in the short-field situations created by Orton’s turnovers. While Kiffin’s group wasn’t’ as despicable as is typical for such a putrid unit, the Cowboys defense had little to no answer for the league’s most prolific rushing attack.
This is the end of the line for Dallas. A team many believed to be contenders, unit its defense took the field. While some of the blame can be shouldered by Romo for costly turnovers, Dallas’ defense was the true cause of the unraveling in big D this year. For Philadelphia, triumph quickly turns to nervous tension, as the Eagles will face off with the New Orleans Saints on Saturday in Philadelphia. But for now, the Philadelphia Eagles can enjoy their reign as 2013 NFC East Champions.