FRISCO, Texas – Looking ahead to Sunday’s NFC East battle between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, a couple of Philly’s signature weapons that will likely cause problems for Dallas:
Zach Ertz- Ertz is Carson Wentz’s go-to-target in critical third and fourth down situations. He has consistent route execution and is also a solid blocker. The Eagles like to use a lot of two tight end sets benefitting the size/athletic combo of Ertz and Dallas Goedert. Ertz can make contested catches and has the correct instincts to get in the way of defenders in order to create space for others. The Cowboys have struggled against TE’s in recent weeks. Against the Jets, Ryan Griffin put up over nine yards a reception and the week before, Jimmy Graham had ten yards a catch. Dealing with TE’s creates unfavorable mismatches for the defense; like covering a big receiver.
I spoke with defensive back’s coach Kris Richard on some of the unique challenges for the secondary in covering tight ends. He responded, “ You have to get up and challenge them consistently. You have to make sure your feet and hands are disciplined and that you are not sliding off them.”
The Cowboys’ defense has to securely finish tackles, not allowing Ertz to gain yards after the catch. Dallas needs hats at the ball in order to contain him.
Malcolm Jenkins- Jenkins is the cornerstone of the Eagles’ last line of defense. He can attack offenses in a variety of ways playing both free safety and nickel corner. No.27 has been named to three Pro Bowls in the last four seasons and he had his best game of 2019 in week six against the Vikings totaling eight tackles and a pass defend. He is willing to assist in tackles downfield or inside, and is successful in playing off receivers. Relentless in coverage.
I chatted with Jason Witten on his effectiveness. He admiringly remarked, “ Unique ability in that he came into this league as a cornerback. I thing he has unique cover skills and now playing safety, he just does it all. He is a good tackler and is good vs. the run. He is a smart player; gets everybody lined up and has a good feel, you can tell he does a lot of film study and understands it. Then his versatility: he plays over the nickel, over the tight end, he is back at free safety, so he is all over the field. The ability to do all that allows him to be successful, because he can throw you off offensively. So I have respect for Malcolm and the way he plays the game.”
The Cowboys will need to employ more motion plays- play-action, RPO’s, etc., and spread out the offense to throw off Philadelphia’s defense. That will help get the running game going and will get Dak Prescott out of the pocket where he is not taking hits. Dallas’ offense has to get into a rhythm early on converting on third downs for play-action to be beneficial.
