Cowboys vs Eagles headline NFL weekend

As my momma used to say, “Who would’ve thunk it?”

Just three weeks ago the Cowboys were preparing for what everyone, including myself, thought was a sure beat down from New Orleans. The loss to the Saints would be the catalyst that would surely send the Cowboys into a tale spin, ending only after Dallas was eliminated from the playoffs.

Yet these Cowboys stepped up and beat the Saints and the next week they beat the Redskins. Two road wins in December put an end to talk of another Cowboys’ December collapse.

And so entering the final weekend of the season, Dallas is a win away from capturing their second NFC East title in the past three years.

On the other hand, fellow NFC East rival Philadelphia, withstood a number of injuries this season, starting tailback Bryant Westbrook, starting quarterback Donovan McNabb and several offensive lineman have missed several games. Yet amid the upheaval the Eagles cautiously worked their dynamic young play makers, LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin, into an offense that had grown increasingly predictable in 2008.

As a result, the Eagles also enter the final weekend of the season just one win away from capturing the NFC East title.

Last year the Cowboys traveled to Philadelphia on the season’s final weekend of the regular season with a chance to secure a playoff bid and were routed 44-6 by the Eagles. So the question remains, are these Cowboys, who this season answered adversity with a renewed focus and determination, any different than last year’s squad that failed miserably at the end?

Absolutely.

What the Cowboys denied last year but recently acknowledged is that the atmosphere created by Terrell Owens’ selfishness was a major factor in their demise last year. So if you believe like I do, that a locker room can benefit greatly by addition through subtraction, then you’ve got a team that isn’t looking to get the season over with but rather, one that’s focused on making a push for the playoffs.

There’s no way Dallas will fall apart like they did in Philly last year, especially considering the Cowboys have only given up 30+ points in a single game to one team this year, against the NY Giants twice.

Philadelphia has big problems on the offensive line, Romo is playing great, the Cowboys offensive line is rolling and the Cowboys defense is peaking at just the right time.

Hottie Watch – Keep an eye on the tight ends, like I really had to tell you that. Tony Romo’s favorite little buddy All-Pro Jason Whitten and Philadelphia’s Brent Celek are hella fine and they’re having monster years which translates to plenty of face time on TV.

Prediction
Dallas 27 – Philadelphia 20

Other games of importance
New York Jets 27 – Bengals 17
The Jets have proven they can beat any team who doesn’t have anything to play for. Bengals’ starters may play but they will be on the sidelines when the Jets win this one in the second half.

Baltimore 38 – Oakland 17
Flacco will lead the Ravens to their second straight playoff appearance against an Oakland team looking forward to the off season.