The Dallas Cowboys will play the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday afternoon at the Metrodome after throttling the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2nd straight week. The Cowboys continued their domination of the Eagles for the 3rd time this season. The first meeting in Philly in November resulted in the Cowboys pulling a mild upset on the road, beating the hated Eagles 20-13. Last week the Cowboys completely destroyed Philadelphia 24-0 in big D. Last night, they manhandled the Eagles again annihilating them by a score of 34-14. A record crowd for an NFL playoff game of over 90,000 fans cheered on their beloved team at Cowboys stadium.
It was like déjà vu all over again. The Cowboys controlled the clock by running and throwing the ball. It was a thing of beauty watching the Eagles defense being unable to stop the Cowboys marching up and down the field at will. The Cowboys scored 5 consecutive times in the second quarter 3 touchdowns and 2 field goals. They only stopped themselves especially on their first 2 drives by committing penalties. The Eagles committed their share of penalties too. Both teams combined for 23 penalties for 228 yards- a record for a playoff game.
The Eagles sacked Tony Romo once in the Cowboys’ first 2 possessions, but they did not register a sack for the rest of the game with 5:40 minutes left in the first quarter. The Cowboys sacked McNabb 4 times and hurried him several other times. Spencer and Bradie James each smacked McNabb to the turf once while DeMarcus Ware had 2 sacks and forced a fumble. Bobby Carpenter recovered 2 fumbles and the Cowboys won the turnover battle forcing 4 turnovers while giving it away only 1 time. Mike Jenkins intercepted a McNabb pass but fumbled the ball attempting to lateral to Terence Newman.
The Cowboys controlled the clock, possessing the ball for 39 minutes and 34 seconds. Tony Romo finished the day completing 23 of 35 passes for 244 yards, 2 TDs, and no turnovers. Miles Austin had a solid day catching 7 passes for 82 yards and 1 TD. Roy Williams contributed as well snagging 5 passes for 59 yards. Rookie 3rd string Tight End, John Phillips, caught his first TD of his career. Felix Jones led all RBs carrying the ball 16 times for 148 yards including a huge 73-yard touchdown jaunt. Romo spread the ball around to 8 different players. It was a complete team victory. The secondary also batted away 9 passes meant for Eagles receivers. Hamlin, Sensabaugh, Newman, and Jenkins all had fantastic games. They blanketed Eagles receivers not allowing any big plays down field. Wade Phillips is going to have a hard time deciding who gets the game balls. I would give everyone a game ball. The offensive line dominated the Eagles defensive line too. They are finally able to pick up the crazy Philly blitzes.
The Cowboys finally got the 500-pound gorilla off their backs by winning their first playoff game in 13 years. They are rocking and rolling right now, and they are the most dangerous football team in the playoffs. Watch out Vikings, here we come. Next week’s game against Minnesota is going to be one hell of a matchup. Tony Romo vs. Brett Favre; Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton, Jason Witten, vs. Vikes secondary; Vikes OL vs. Cowboys front seven, (Ware and Spencer vs. MInny’s tackles). Wow this is going to be an exciting game. Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian, Visanthe Shiancoe vs. Jenkins, Newman, Scandrick, Sensabaugh and Hamlin. Barber, Felix, and Choice vs. Pat and Kevin Williams. Next weekend’s NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Cowboys and Vikings will be one for the ages!
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