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2011 Record: 8-8, Third In NFC East
Overall Series Record: 47-59
Record In Philadelphia: 27-24
Last Meeting In Philadelphia: Oct. 30, 2011, Eagles 34-7
Game Recap: Michael Vick had arguably his best game as a Philadelphia Eagle. He completed 75 percent of his pass attempts for 279 yards and two touchdowns while adding another 50 yards on the ground in the 34-7 blowout win over the team's biggest rival. LeSean McCoy tore up Rex Ryan's defense to the tune of a career-high 185 yards and two touchdowns.
Offseason Moves
In: G Mackenzy Bernadeau, CB Brandon Carr, LB Dan Connor, QB Kyle Orton, S Brodney Pool, FB Lawrence Vickers, G Nate Livings, CB Morris Claiborne, DE Tyrone Crawford
Out: TE Martellus Bennett, S Abram Elam, LB Bradie James, G Kyle Kosier, CB Terence Newman, WR Laurent Robinson, K David Buehler
How much fun did Eagles fans have watching the Dallas Cowboys collapse at the end of last season, losing four of their final five games to fall all the way to third place in the division standings?
It was arguably one of the bright spots for Eagles fans last season. Dallas was simply a middling team from its 8-8 record to the fact that it ranked 15th in the league in points scored and 16th in points allowed.
The Eagles have had the Cowboys' number in the previous two seasons winning three of the four games played. The one loss was where the Eagles rested their starters for the playoffs and still led until the final minute of the game.
Last season, the Eagles dominated Dallas in both affairs including the 27-point thrashing on prime time at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Cowboys still have the talent to be one of the best teams in the NFL. Tony Romo remains the quarterback for the offense and has the athleticism, arm strength and guile to cause fits for defenses. The protection for Romo was a concern with some rookies added to the line last season, by their first-round pick, tackle Tyron Smith, appears to be a good pick for Dallas. Out of the backfield, DeMarco Murray won't take teams by surprise after his franchise rookie record campaign a year ago. Felix Jones has had success against the Eagles in the past.
Even though 2011 breakout sensation Laurent Robinson left in free agency, the Cowboys still have Dez Bryant and Miles Austin on the outside and the always-dependable Jason Witten at tight end.
The Cowboys' front seven on defense remains one of the best in football. Nose tackle Jay Ratliff is a rare blend of size and quickness. DeMarcus Ware continues to terrorize the left side of offensive lines and it is unlikely we will see the heavyweight battle between he and Jason Peters. Opposite Ware, the Cowboys have Anthony Spencer, who is the team's franchise player in 2012. On the inside at linebacker, the Cowboys have a young star in Sean Lee and they brought in free agent Dan Connor to replace Bradie James. Don't be surprised if Bruce Carter has a bigger role in 2012.
In Rob Ryan's first year as defensive coordinator, the Dallas secondary struggled mightily. Cornerbacks Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins were simply not as good as they have been in previous years. Well, Dallas upgraded the position with former Chief Brandon Carr in free agency and a bold move in the draft to acquire Morris Claiborne to play opposite Carr. Newman was released. Jenkins is reportedly on the trade block. Brodney Pool was signed at safety. Pool played for Ryan in Cleveland.
The Cowboys were in the driver's seat for much of 2011 before tailing off at the end. This will be a critical year for head coach Jason Garrett.
