Like all good things, this post has come to the end. Offense wins games, but defense wins championships, and that’s today’s topic. We are going to look at the defenses of both teams. Who they have, what’s their depth, performance, injuries, and before it’s all over, I give you the winner! So get your popcorn ready, because this is going to be a show.

Just a few quick notes: 1) All the numbers referenced in this article come from the 2007 season, and were reported at NFL.com 2) Depth charts were provided by Dallascowboys.com and the Philadelphiaeagles.com.

Philadelphia is now on the clock.

                The Philadelphia Eagles’ base defense is a 4-3 system. This means that there are 4 down lineman, and 3 linebackers that make up the front 7 of the defense. The most important part of the Eagles defensive scheme is blitzing and creating pressure. Jim Johnson, the Eagles Defensive Coordinator, will send blitzes from anywhere to create pressure, and hopefully create turnovers. The Eagles starting lineup and backups are as followed:

·         Left Defensive End – Juqua Parker Backups are Victor Abiamiri, Chris Clemons

·         Left Defensive Tackle – Mike Patterson Backups are Trevor Laws

·         Right Defensive Tackle – Broderick Bunkley Backups are Dan Klecko

·         Right Defensive End – Trent Cole Backups are Darren Howard, Bryan Smith

·         Strong Side Linebacker – Chris Gocong Backups are Tank Daniels

·         Middle Linebacker – Stewart Bradley Backups are Joe Mays

·         Weak Side Linebacker – Omar Gaither Backups are Akeem Jordan

·         Left Cornerback – Asante Samuel Backups are Joselio Hanson

·         Right Cornerback – Sheldon Brown Backups are Lito Sheppard

·         Strong Safety – Quintin Mikell Backups are Sean Considine

·         Free Safety – Brian Dawkins Backups are J.R. Reed, Quintin Demps

The Eagles were ranked 10th in the NFL in total defense, averaging 18.8 points and 311.4 yards per game. Against the run, the Eagles ranked 7th in the NFL, giving up 10 TDs, and 1,553 yards on the ground. The Eagles were ranked 18th in the NFL against the pass, giving up 16 TDs and 3,449 yards through the air. The Eagles’ biggest weakness last year, was there inability to generate turnovers. The Eagles didn’t generate a consistent pass rush, and our secondary was depleted by injuries, but that is no longer the case. The Eagles signed cornerback Asante Samuel, and defensive end Chris Clemons, in order to improve upon our weaknesses. The signing of Asante Samuel bolsters the Eagles strength in the secondary. Our defensive line has great depth, and will keep fresh legs on the field for 4 quarters. Our linebackers are young, talented, and aggressive. Look for the Eagles to improve their team defense from a year ago.

The Cowboys use a 3-4 defense, which uses 3 down lineman and 4 linebackers. The 3-4 allows the linebackers to keep everything in front of them (pass and run). In order to be successful, you need linebackers that can do it all, rush the passer, stop the run, and drop into pass coverage. Here’s the Cowboys lineup:

·         Right Defensive End – Chris Canty Backups are Stephen Bowen

·         Nose Tackle – Jay Ratliff Backups are Tank Johnson

·         Left Defensive End – Marcus Spears Backups are Jason Hatcher

·         Strong Side Linebacker – Greg Ellis Backups are Anthony Spencer

·         Middle Inside Linebacker – Bradie James Backups are Bobby Carpenter, Justin Rogers

·         Middle Outside Linebacker – Zach Thomas Backups are Kevin Burnett, Bobby Carpenter

·         Weak Side Linebacker – DeMarcus Ware Backups are Justin Rogers

·         Left Cornerback – Terence Newman Backups are Mike Jenkins, Alan Ball, Orlando Scandrick

·         Right Cornerback – Anthony Henry Backups are Adam Jones

·         Free Safety – Ken Hamlin Backups are Courtney Brown

·         Strong Safety – Roy Williams Backups are Pat Watkins, Keith Davis

The Cowboys were a strong team on defense in 2007. They were 9th overall, giving up 20.3 points and 307.6 yards per game. They ranked 6th against the run allowing, 12 TDs and 1,513 yards, and 13th against the pass, giving up 19 TDs and 3,409 yards through the air. The Cowboys were a formidable defense in 2007. They improved their depth by adding Tank Johnson (Nose Tackles), and Adam Jones (Cornerback). The Cowboys linebackers have tremendous talent. They can play the pass, or the run at a high level. As a group the Cowboys tallied 398 tackles, and of that, had 32.5 sacks. All around, the Cowboys have a great defense.

The Eagles and Cowboys were neck and neck last year in defensive categories, with the Cowboys having the better overall numbers. Both teams have made moves to improve themselves. So, here’s the final breakdown of both teams, starting up front and moving back. The Eagles defensive line has improved from a year ago. They have great depth that consists of, veterans, and young talent. They will make it difficult for any team to run the ball, and they should be in the passers face all day. The Cowboys are going to be the same. They have got a strong front 3, that know their system well. At the linebacker position the Eagles are young, but highly regarded. The only difference for them is who’s starting, and where. The Cowboys linebackers are older, but aren’t close to being past their prime. In the secondary the Eagles are healthy, and talented. Lito Sheppard and Asante Samuel can cover any receiver on the field. Brian Dawkins is getting older, but is not to be dismissed. The Cowboys sent 3 players in their secondary to the Pro Bowl last year (Newman, Hamlin, Williams). Terence Newman is questionable for the game with a groin injury. Roy Williams can be a liability in pass coverage. Adam Jones is a talent, but has to get all of the rust off from his suspension. The defense is a Push.

Who’s going to win the game? The winner is going to come down to turnovers. That has been the deciding factor in our recent history. The team with the fewer turnovers is going to win this game. Agree with it or not, this game could be a shootout, but I’m thinking that it’s going to be a low scoring affair. This game will be decided on the very last drive.

Eagles 17, Dallas 10