FanPost

Eagles vs Cowboys - Differences between 2010 and 2009


Last year the Eagles suffered two crippling losses to the hated Dallas Cowboys in back-to-back weeks. It's hard not to look forward to this weeks matchup and wonder if we will be seeing a repeat of last year. While I was reading JimmyK's great article about the comparison of the 2010 Cowboys team to the 2009 team, I was thinking to myself, "what are the differences between this years Eagles team as opposed to last year?"

After the jump I try my best to analyze the differences of the team we'll see this week as opposed to the team we saw in weeks 17 and 18 (Wild Card Playoff Game) of 2009.


Offense

Vick vs McNabb - In Week 17, McNabb completed 20 of 36 passes for 223 yards and 0 TDs, 0 INTs for a rating of 74.2 with 2 fumbles and 1 lost. In the WC game he completed 19 of 37 passes for 230 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT for a rating of 68.5 and 1 fumble lost. No doubt McNabb is the best Eagles QB of all time, but Vick is clearly playing at a higher level than McNabb was playing in those two games last year. Edge: Vick.

McCoy vs Westbrook - Westbrook started the Week 17 shutout and finished with 37 yards on 7 touches. Then McCoy replaced Westbrook as the starter in the WC Playoff game and only had 33 yards on 6 touches. However, it's pretty clear that the 2010 version of McCoy is head and shoulders better than Westbrook or McCoy of 2009. Edge: McCoy.

Schmitt vs Weaver - Weaver was an All-Pro caliber fullback last year and had the best year of his career. He was a do-it-all type fullback that filled so many roles. However in week 17 he only had 1 carry for 2 yards. Then in the WC game, he was slightly more effective gaining 30 yards on 7 touches, but he had 1 fumble lost and another fumbled handoff that was credited to Vick. Weaver is the better player, however Schmitt has filled in nicely this year and hasn't shown any apparent dropoff from Weaver. Edge: Weaver (slightly).

McGlynn vs Cole - Nick Cole was getting his first start at center in week 17, one week after Jamaal Jackson went down for the year. He clearly struggled to contain the Cowboys interior D-line and the lack of continuity in that center position filtered down to hinder the rest of the line as a whole. I appreciate what Nick Cole has done as a backup role player, but I've never ever thought he is a starting caliber offensive lineman. I think McGlynn has been playing fairly well this year since stepping in for Jackson in week 1. Edge: McGlynn.

2010 Offense vs 2009 Offense - There's no question the 2009 Eagles offense was very talented. They set the franchise record in points scored. However if you examine the differences in each team, I think the edge goes to this years offense. Edge: 2010

Defense

Dixon vs Bunkley - Broderick Bunkley has been a mainstay in that RDT position for several years. He has always been a solid, key piece to the Eagles run defense. Dixon took over the starting role since Bunkley went down with an injury earlier in the year and he hasn't looked back. Dixon has been a very pleasant surprise and has arguably been the best defensive lineman besides Trent Cole. Edge: Dixon.

Sims vs Witherspoon - Will Witherspoon came in with a bang in his first game as an Eagle last season against the Redskins. After that he seemed to regress slightly week by week. Ernie Sims has also had some up and down moments this year, but has been more up than down in my opinion. He has been the starter at the WILL position since week 1 and has played well. While Witherspoon put together two decent games last year totalling 12 solo tackles with 1 TFL and 1 PD, I still have to give the edge to Sims. Edge: Sims (slightly).

Bradley vs Jordan/Trotter - Akeem Jordan started the week 17 game. Trotter started the WC game. That is just a formality seeing as both rotated in and out. Neither did much. While Bradley has had some up and down games this year, I think the clear edge has to go to Bradley. Edge: Bradley.

Patterson vs Brown - Sheldon Brown arguably had two of his best seasons as an Eagle in his last two years in Philadelphia. However, Sheldon struggled mightily in those last two games against the Cowboys. He didn't record a single tackle or PD in week 17. Then he followed that up with an average performance with 6 solo tackles in the WC game. Ever since Dimitri Patterson took over the starting role at the RCB position, he has been playing very well. While I want to give the edge to Patterson, I think his lack of experience doesn't allow me to do that, yet. Edge: Brown.

Allen vs Harris - While Nate Allen has had some shaky moments throughout the year, I think the difference between him and Macho Harris is night and day. I never thought Harris was a starting FS and I am not at all surprised that he was unemployed for more than half of this season. Edge: Allen.

2010 Defense vs 2009 Defense - Statistically neither defense gets a clear advantage seeing as the 2010 version of the Eagles defense has had games in which they've looked like a college defense playing against the Oregon Ducks. However they do lead the league in interceptions and have had games in which they've looked like a top 5 defense. The problem with this team is you don't know which team will show up. However, if you analyze the personnel, I have to give the edge to the 2010 defense. The youth on this team has hurt it at times, but the fact that it has more talent overall gives it the edge. Edge: 2010

I am in no way overly confident for this game. The Cowboys team we will see this week is far better than the Cowboys we saw earlier in the season. They are 3-1 in their past four games under interim head coach, Jason Garrett. And if not for a late fumble by Roy Williams on Thanksgiving Day, they could easily be 4-0. This will be a tough game, but seeing the overall improvements on this Eagles team gives me a lot more confidence than I had at the end of last year.

What do you think? Do you disagree with any differences I mentioned. Did I miss any?

Is it Sunday yet?