Monday Night Madness

Every Monday afternoon I will preview and predict the winner of the Monday night game to give you something to think about as we count down the hours to kick-off... Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys 8:30 (EST) Texas Stadium- Irving, Texas Kick-off Weather: 71 Degrees, Sunny LINE: Dallas- 6.5    OVER/ UNDER: 46.5 RANKINGS Total Offense: Eagles- 522.0 (1st)          Cowboys- 487.0 (2nd) Total Defense: Eagles- 166.0 (2nd)         Cowboys- 205.0 (4th) What the Cowboys need to do to win: The Dallas offense should be primed to take on Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's pressure scheme tonight at Texas Stadium. Last week, the Cowboys toyed with the Cleveland Browns, in route to an easy win on the road. Now they return home for a prime time matchup with a division rival in the first "big game" of the young NFL season. The health of RB Marion Barber is a concern, though I expect him to share carries with rookie RB Felix Jones tonight, giving the Cowboy offense a fresh running back in the huddle at all times. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett needs to feature Terrell Owens in the offense early and often. Monday night games are T.O.'s personal stage, and he usually does not disappoint. The key to a Cowboy victory will be their red zone production. If they can score touchdowns against the Eagles defense it could be a long night for Philly fans. On defense, CB Terence Newman is still listed as questionable heading into the ball game. If he can't go, look for Adam Jones to again step into the starting lineup. If Newman does play, the Cowboys will be able to shift Jones back to the nickel spot, giving them an extra playmaker on the field for third downs. After Philly's Donovan McNabb lit up the Rams last week through the air, I expect Dallas to install more pressure packages and try to get to McNabb early and often.  And limiting big plays from RB Brian Westbrook is always a key to beating Philly. Westbrook owned the Dallas defense the last time these two teams met. What the Eagles need to do to win: The Eagles have taken three out of four from the Cowboys and have won the last two at Texas Stadium. Philly was explosive last week in the opener against the Rams and they need another big performance from their two playmakers: McNabb and Westbrook. If they have big nights they will be in position to win in the fourth quarter, if not, this one could turn ugly. WR Reggie Brown is still listed as questionable by the Eagles, putting more pressure on Westbrook to make plays after the catch and in the running game. On defense, expect to see pressure all night long from the Eagles. The only way to derail the Cowboy passing attack is to get to Cowboy starter Tony Romo early. They more hits he takes, the more Romo is going to wear down over the course of the game. The Eagles secondary might be the best in the league, and they have the numbers to match up with the Cowboys receivers. I would expect to see Philly employ some Cover O blitz schemes, get after Romo, and rely on Asante Samuel, Sheldon Brown, and Lito Sheppard to blanket the Cowboys WRs. The key matchup will be safety Brian Dawkins against Cowboy TE Jason Witten. It is Dawkins' job to take Witten out of the game, limiting the big play opportunities he is known for and taking away Romo's #1 target. However, pressure on Romo or not, if the Eagles cannot control the offensive line of the Cowboys, Barber and Jones could have big nights on the ground. PREDICTION: This is one of those NFL games you just don't want to miss. Grab a cold beer, sit back, and watch some of the league's biggest stars go at it on national television. I am going with the Boys in this one-- take the Over. Cowboys 31 Eagles 23

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