ARLINGTON, Texas --There were 9 quarterback sacks and 10 points allowed in Miami. There was an all-out domination against the Jets, including a fumble recovery for a touchdown. And then at Cowboys Stadium on Saturday, the Eagles defense pitched a shutout until a blocked punt set up Dallas to score a touchdown with 7 seconds remaining in the game.
Three games, and three dominating performances by the Eagles defense.
"We trust the guy next to us and we trust what Juan (Castillo, defensive coordinator) is doing," said linebacker Akeem Jordan, who had 3 tackles with a defense that permitted just 238 total yards of offense by the Cowboys. "It has taken a lot of time to get to this point, but we're here and we need to build on what we're doing now."
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie started at left cornerback in place of the injured Asante Samuel and helped shut down the talented Dallas receivers. Dez Bryant caught 6 pases for 62 yards and Miles Austin had 4 catches for 40 yards and the late touchdown. Tight end Jason Witten was a non-factor with 4 receptions for 24 yards.
All in all, it was another terrific performance by Castillo, the scheme, and the execution from the players. The Eagles recorded 3 sacks, including one by Trent Cole that gave him 10 for the season.
"Great effort and we were really disappointed that we didn't get the shutout," said defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins. "We have had a lot of effort and spirit, even when we were 4-8. And even though we didn't make the playoffs, and we're all disappointed about that, we know we can build off of what we're doing now. We can keep playing hard and keep winning games and have a lot going for us heading into the offseason."
The defense knocked starting quarterback Tony Romo out of the game in the first series when he was hurried and tackled by defensive end Jason Babin. Stephen McGee replaced Romo and was no match for the Eagles' aggressive scheme, which again featured the stand-up blitz inside and only two down defensive linemen.
Castillo ordered up as much blitzing in this game as he has ever done, relying on Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha to play shut-down press coverage at the cornerback spots.
"It felt great out there," said Rodgers-Cromartie. "We wanted to stop their running game first, and then stick with them in tight coverage. I think we were all feeling it. We played together, great team defense."
One game remains, against Washington next Sunday. The Eagles want to close 2011 on a good note and usher in some optimism for 2012.
"We need to keep winning, no matter what," said Jenkins. "You win and good things happen. It isn't going to happen for us this year. But we know what we are capable of doing and we're finally doing it. Defensively, everyone has stepped up. Juan has done a great job. He's come a long way, as has our defense."
