In Roob’s Observations: Can Eagles end years of frustration vs. Cowboys?

Introduction

In the world of sports, few rivalries ignite the passion and intensity quite like the one between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. For Eagles fans, the mere mention of the Cowboys sends shivers down their spines, but in recent years, that shiver has often been accompanied by a sense of frustration. The Eagles have struggled to secure victories against their arch-nemesis, the Cowboys, and it’s been quite some time since they celebrated a signature win against this formidable opponent.

A Decade of Frustration

To truly understand the significance of the upcoming Eagles-Cowboys clash, one must look back over the last decade. The statistics are not in the Eagles’ favor. They’ve managed to secure just three victories in their last 11 meetings with the Cowboys. The recent track record does not inspire much confidence.

Nick Sirianni, the Eagles’ head coach, has a 1-3 record against the Cowboys, with their lone win coming last year at Lincoln Financial Field over backup QB Cooper Rush. The previous victory, in 2020, was against rookie 5th-round pick Ben DiNucci, making his only career start. The last win against Dak Prescott dates back to late in the 2019 season, and the Cowboys were not in their best form at that time, finishing the season with a 4-8 stretch that led to head coach Jason Garrett’s departure.

You have to rewind the clock all the way back to November 27, 2014, for the last time the Eagles beat a playoff-bound Cowboys team with their starting quarterback. In that game, Sanchez, still with the Eagles, threw for 217 yards, connecting with Jordan Matthews for a touchdown, while Jeremy Maclin had 108 receiving yards, and LeSean McCoy ran for an impressive 159 yards. The Cowboys finished the season 12-4 and won a playoff game, while the Eagles, despite a 10-6 record, missed the postseason.

With the upcoming game, the Eagles have a lot at stake. A win would not only end this decade-long frustration but also put them in an excellent position for a second consecutive No. 1 seed going into the bye week. However, a loss would mean extending their streak of 12 seasons without sweeping the Cowboys, making the rematch at AT&T Stadium a must-win, which is further complicated by the Eagles’ five-game losing streak at that venue.

The Last Eagles Coach with Back-to-Back 10-Win Seasons

It’s worth noting that the last Eagles coach to achieve back-to-back 10-win seasons was Chip Kelly. The Eagles faithful remember the Kelly era for its fast-paced offense, but the team hasn’t been able to replicate that level of success in the years that followed.

Pete Pihos: A Legend’s Sudden Exit

In 1955, Pete Pihos, a name synonymous with Eagles history, led the NFL in receptions with an impressive 62 catches for 864 yards in a 12-game season. He was a mainstay in the all-pro first team and a Pro Bowl regular. Pihos was in the prime of his career at 32 years old when he abruptly retired. His decision to step away from the game allowed him to pursue opportunities in the business world and spend more time with his family. Pihos, fondly known as “The Golden Greek,” was deservedly inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.

The Elusive 100-Yard Rusher

The Eagles have faced a significant drought when it comes to having a 100-yard rusher against the Cowboys. Their last 100-yard rusher against Dallas was LeSean McCoy, who put up an outstanding 159 rushing yards in a Thursday night showdown back in 2014 at AT&T Stadium. Despite several close calls, no Eagles running back has managed to break the 100-yard mark against the Cowboys since that memorable game.

Dak Prescott’s Impressive Streak

Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ star quarterback, boasts an impressive feat at Lincoln Financial Field. He has thrown 145 passes at the Linc without an interception, a record that stands above all other players. Jeff Garcia is next on the list with 120 passes without an interception, a testament to Prescott’s ability to protect the football. Garcia, who also had a stint with the Eagles, managed 91 passes at the Linc without an interception.

Jake Elliott: The King of Long-Range Kicks

Since the start of the 2021 season, Jake Elliott has established himself as the most accurate kicker in the NFL from 50 yards and beyond, with a remarkable 87 percent success rate. Among kickers with at least 10 attempts, he leads the pack. Chris Boswell of the Steelers, Matt Gay of the Colts, and Chase McLaughlin of the Bucs are the only other kickers who join him in the 80 percent club.

But when it comes to the most accurate kicker in NFL history, the crown belongs to a former Eagle. Among kickers who’ve attempted at least 30 field goals in their career, Cameron Dicker holds the top spot with an astonishing 94.1 percent success rate. His debut as an Eagle in October last year, where he went 2-for-2, including a game-winning 23-yarder, remains a cherished memory. He subsequently signed with the Chargers and continues to impress, with a perfect record from 50 yards and in, going 30-for-30 in his career.

Nate Allen: The One with 10 Career Interceptions

Over the past two decades, the Eagles have drafted numerous players, but only one managed to achieve 10 career interceptions while wearing the Eagles’ colors. That distinction belongs to Nate Allen, a testament to his skills in the secondary.

Carson Wentz: A Surprising Omission

Carson Wentz, once regarded as a rising star in the NFL, has experienced a stunning fall from grace. Despite several teams in dire need of a quarterback, Wentz finds himself without a call. The Browns, with a 4-3 record, have opted to start P.J. Walker, who has one touchdown pass and five interceptions, over Wentz. The Vikings, sitting at 4-4, have chosen to start Jaren Hall, a rookie 5th-round pick with only three career passes, and have acquired Josh Dobbs, who holds a 1-9 career record, rather than considering Wentz.

Wentz’s journey from a top-tier quarterback to unwanted commodity is nothing short of remarkable. Just two years ago, he threw 27 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions for the Colts before a perplexing performance against the Jaguars. Even during his tenure with Washington last year, he maintained a passer rating of at least 100 in four of his eight starts. His former coaches, including Doug Pederson and Frank Reich, have refrained from offering him even a courtesy workout, a telling sign of his tarnished reputation.