Cowboys at Eagles
THE STORY: The Philadelphia Eagles headed into their bye week on a positive note. Since Andy Reid took over as head coach, they've been unbeatable after a week off. The Eagles will put a perfect 12-0 record under Reid following a bye when they host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night in a matchup of bitter NFC East rivals. Philadelphia, which had lost four straight games prior to a 20-13 victory at Washington on Oct. 16, has yet to win at home as it looks to get back in the division race. Dallas had a bye of sorts a week ago when it trampled the hapless St. Louis Rams 34-7 behind rookie DeMarco Murray's franchise-record 253-yard rushing performance in his first career start.
TV: NBC, 8:20 p.m. ET. LINE: Eagles -3.5, O/U 50.5
ABOUT THE COWBOYS (3-3): After its first five games were decided by four points or fewer, Dallas got a much-needed breather in the rout of the winless Rams. Subbing for an injured Felix Jones, Murray raced 91 yards for a touchdown on his first carry and the Cowboys amassed 294 yards on the ground – the fourth-best total in franchise history. Tony Romo threw for a pair of touchdowns and a season-low 166 yards while not committing a turnover for only the second game this campaign. WR Dez Bryant had five receptions for 90 yards – both season highs – and a scoring pass.
ABOUT THE EAGLES (2-4): Philadelphia also emphasized the running game in its win over Washington, getting 126 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 28 carries by LeSean McCoy. Michael Vick has thrown eight interceptions in his last five games, but the one against Washington came on a deflection. The Eagles also received a boost from their beleaguered defense, which picked off four passes – three by safety Kurt Coleman. Philadelphia, which had allowed a shade under 30 points during its four-game skid, will have its best pass rusher back in the lineup when DE Trent Cole returns from a two-game absence.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. The teams split the season series a year ago, with each winning away from home.
2. Romo has thrown a TD pass in 21 consecutive games, a team record.
3. McCoy is the first Philadelphia player to score at least one touchdown in each of the team’s first six games.