“Release of Jalen Hurts: Underdog Cowboys Face High-Flying Eagles in Crucial Showdown”
The Cowboys are in a rough spot, having dropped three consecutive games and remaining winless at home this season. Meanwhile, the Eagles are on a roll with four straight wins, boasting a 6-2 record and a healthy roster featuring stars like Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and A.J. Brown.
Although Micah Parsons is set to return for the Cowboys this week, they’ll be missing Dak Prescott for several games, handing the reins to Cooper Rush.
While the outlook seems grim for Dallas, the NFL often surprises us. Could that happen here? Here’s what the DallasCowboys.com staff predicts.
Patrik: Last week, I pointed out that despite the few positives the Cowboys can claim in 2024, they have far too many obstacles for me to expect them to beat the Falcons in Atlanta. Now, with Dak Prescott out for an extended period and CeeDee Lamb playing through a sprained AC joint, Dallas sits at 3-5. Though Cooper Rush is a competent backup, it’ll be a tall order for him behind a struggling offensive line, facing one of the league’s top defensive fronts when the Eagles visit AT&T Stadium. The Eagles’ defense ranks top-5 against the run, while the Cowboys’ offense ranks last in rushing.
Micah Parsons will be crucial in trying to contain Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts, but he’s just one man on a team dealing with numerous struggles, including difficulties pressuring the quarterback and forcing turnovers before his injury. Sure, the Cowboys could pull off an upset for their first home win, but they’ll need to play their best, mistake-free game of the season. Prediction: Eagles 30-20
Kyle Youmans: This game will be challenging. The Cowboys have injuries on both sides, and even when healthy, their play has been inconsistent. Still, something shifts when a division rival comes to town. Maybe I’m just an optimist, or maybe I just don’t want to pick the Eagles. Either way, this article isn’t titled “Logical Predictions.” It’s “Gut Feeling,” and my gut says Dallas wins a close one at home, 24-23.
Nick: I can envision a scenario where the Cowboys pull off a win, considering how unpredictable the NFL can be. But my past two predictions for Dallas based on that unpredictability didn’t pan out. Realistically, there’s little reason to pick the Cowboys over the Eagles, who are on a four-game win streak and firing on all cylinders. The Cowboys might play with inspired, pressure-free football, which can be dangerous. I expect them to keep it close early on, but I doubt they’ll sustain it. Prediction: Eagles 37-28.