Cowboys roundtable discussion: Talking Cowboys vs. Eagles

Every week, we gather to discuss the latest news about the Dallas Cowboys and seek our writer’s perspective on each headline. Welcome back to the roundtable. This week we have David Howman and Jess Haynie.

The Eagles’ offensive line is looking solid again this year. How can the Cowboys’ pass rush realistically disrupt Jalen Hurts without overcommitting and giving up big plays to Saquon Barkley?

Facing the conundrum this week in defeating the Philadelphia Eagles is how to get past the Eagles rushing attack and their offensive line. For the Cowboys, the key is simple, generate pressure without overcommitting and leaving Saquon Barkley lanes to break loose. Disguised pressure is critical. Showing a four-man rush while sneaking in a delayed linebacker or safety can confuse Hurts without exposing the edges. Edge defenders must focus on containment, keeping Hurts in the pocket rather than letting him escape.

Winning the trenches in this game will take patience and precision from Dallas. With disciplined pressure, smart spying, and controlled aggression, the Cowboys can disrupt Hurts while keeping Barkley in check. Overcommit, and the Eagles’ dynamic offense will punishes the defense.

Jess: Finding that balance won’t be easy, which is part of why Philly is the defending champion. It’s going to put tremendous pressure on our linebackers to diagnose things, which is a lot to ask in Week 1 with some new players and a new scheme. It will also test our defensive tackles to hold up against the run, which is rightfully concerning. Especially in this first game, the best defense will be a good offense that forces the Eagles to become more one-dimensional themselves.

Howman: I’m not as bullish on the Eagles offensive line, honestly. They should still be a very good unit, but Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata aren’t getting any younger and Landon Dickerson had surgery just two weeks ago; even if he plays in this game, I’d be surprised if he’s 100%. I think that’s enough to level the playing field, especially with Osa Odighizuwa now unlocked as a penetrating 3-technique in this new defense under Matt Eberflus.

This rivalry is as much mental as it is physical. How do the Cowboys avoid getting caught up in the emotion of the game given this will see the Eagles unveil its 2024 championship banner, and instead execute on the field while avoiding penalties?

Discipline is the cornerstone. The Cowboys must focus on fundamentals, staying in assignments, communicating effectively, and avoiding costly penalties, which have been a recurring issue for this team. Overreacting to crowd noise, trash talk, or the pageantry of the championship celebration can lead to mental mistakes that swing momentum. Ultimately, this game will reward composure. The Cowboys can harness the intensity of the rivalry while playing smart football, avoiding penalties, and executing their game plan.

Jess: It will definitely be a challenge, but the good coaches find ways to channel that into motivation. At the very least, I think Brian Schottenheimer will do a...