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The best Christmas ever.
I have two words to describe the Eagles' 23-7 victory over the Cowboys today, utter domination. When you take into account opening presents this morning, a great meal this afternoon and time spent with the family, today was a lock for the best Christmas ever. The icing on the cake came when I logged on tonight saw this news from ESPN. Randy Johnson may be moved by the Yanks. (See my take on the Johnson news here).
Back to the game of the day: The Eagles won this game in the trenches. They rushed for 204 yards, led by Brian Westbrook's 122 yards on a season-high 26 carries. The Cowboys were held to 83 yards on the ground, 42 of which came from QB Tony Romo. Dallas' "two-headed monster" at running back, Julius Jones and Marion Barber, combined for 41 yards on 17 carries. By shutting down the running game with their front 7 the Eagles were able to lock down Dallas' big play receivers. Terrell Owens and and Terry Glenn tallied 3 catches for 40 yards and 1 touchdown combined. Romo was under constant pressure, as you can see from the photo below.
This win was huge, and I don't want to diminish it, but there's work left to be done for the Eagles. If they come home to Philly next week and take care of business against the Falcons they'll wrap up the NFC East, and secure a home game in the playoffs. I think the Philly fans deserve that more than any fans in the world. This team is peaking, but that momentum can be lost with a clunker to finish off the regular season. The Eagles need to stay focused and keep this train on track right into the playoffs. If the Cowboys lose to the Lions next week it won't matter what the Eagles do, they'll win the NFC East, but I don't want them to back into it.
The highlight of the day in television was flipping over to ESPN and seeing what their Terrell Owens-apologist-in-residence, Michael Irvin, was wearing. A plaid velour navy-blue suit, with a bright red tie. Understandably, he wanted to concentrate on the upcoming Jets/Dolphins game, rather than rehashing his former team's dismantling, but he did manage to blame the loss on the offensive line of the Cowboys. It's not that he's wrong, it's just funny that he doesn't give those guys any credit when they win, when the Cowboys win Irvin always gives the credit to T.O.
Trent Cole nearly ripped Tony Romo's head off on this play. The penalty kept the drive alive, but it was well worth it.(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
how could you not mention the dawkins interception? weapon x is the defensive mvp of the league. no one makes bigger plays when the team needs it.
I'm really surprised at Romo's performance. He seemed so focused before the game with Carrie Underwood.
Yep, T.O.'s amazing focus was on display too. He showed up at the Eagles' hotel the night before to play dominoes with some of his ex-teammates.
Jim,
Fair point. It's gotten to the point where I expect greatness from Dawkins. I wanted to recognize the front seven for controlling the game, but should've mentioned that interception. About 95% of the receivers in the league don't make that over-the-shoulder catch. The Dawk Show is amazing.
Brian
Romo seemed so focused before the game with Carrie Underwood.