In yet another rematch of Week 17, the Eagles will play the Cowboys on Saturday with a whole lot more than the NFC East title on the line.

In their game last Sunday, Dallas smothered Philadelphia’s offense and routed them 24-0. While Philly certainly came to play, having the No. 2 seed and a 1st round bye in their sights, it’s highly likely that after the Cowboys jumped to a 17-0 1st half lead, Reid turned things off and decided not to show everything before the Wild Card Round.

But aside from the fact that it’s very difficult to beat a team three times in a single season, something which the Cowboys are attempting to do, there’s not a lot of reason to believe that the Eagles are going to win this game.

Now to the rematch and how we see things playing out on Saturday.

When the Cowboys are on offense, expect them to run the ball extensively with Marion Barber and Felix Jones. They’re able to run at will because Philly is severely lacking at the Linebacker position. Look no further than Jeremiah Trotter to realize the truth in that statement.

So DC Sean McDermott has to pick his poison. If he opts to bring a heavy blitz package or keep an extra man in the box, he leaves his CBs in man coverage. And for as talented as Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown are, they’ve yet to prove they can handle Miles Austin and Co.

So look for the Cowboys to continue to run the ball which will have two effects: it will wear out the Eagles smaller defense and set up the play-action pass for Romo, who’s deadly when given time.

When the Eagles are on offense, they’ll need to place more of an emphasis on the running game or they’re in trouble. In last week’s loss, the pass to run ratio was once again lopsided (10 rushes and 36 pass attempts).

If they can run the ball 45% of the time, not only will they pick up important yards on the ground, it’ll also set up the passing game to TE Brent Celek and make WRs Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson that much more effective. Without it, the Cowboys can keep an extra man up top which limits Jackson’s effectiveness.

In their two games this year, No. 10 did nothing.

The threat of a running game also keeps DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer off McNabb as the Eagles play calling won’t be so predictable.

Unfortunately for Philly, Reid’s a creature of habit, and that means he’ll employ a pass heavy attack which will limit McNabb and the offense’s effectiveness and end up being the Eagles undoing.

While it won’t be as lopsided as Week 17, expect a hard fought 24-17 win by Dallas to advance to Round Two.

They’ll also cover the 4 point spread the bookmakers currently have them at.

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