Heading into the 2022 season, the Dallas Cowboys’ biggest threat to a repeat NFC East title are the Philadelphia Eagles.
It’s easy to see why, too. The Eagles made the playoffs last season and made many improvements to their roster. Philadelphia drafted defensive tackle Jordan Davis and linebacker Nakobe Dean and signed edge rusher Haason Reddick, cornerback James Bradberry and linebacker Kyzir White in free agency.
Both games against the Eagles will be crucial, especially the week 16 contest in Arlington. With much talk around who’s better, here’s how I think the Cowboys and Eagles matchup going into this coming season.
Quarterback: Cowboys
Jalen Hurts has some potential, but he’s nowhere near Dak Prescott’s level. There’s a chance he will experience growth in 2022, and I think he will. However, to say he’s close to Prescott is foolish.
Hurts is a better runner than Prescott, but that’s about all he has over him. You don’t need stats to prove Prescott is better than Hurts. This is an easy choice.
Running Backs: Cowboys
You can make a logical case for Miles Sanders being better than Ezekiel Elliott, but Dallas has far more depth at the running back position.
Tony Pollard is a better RB2 than any Eagles player, which gives the Cowboys the advantage here. Kenneth Gainwell had an alright rookie season, and Boston Scott is a serviceable backup. But Pollard being there gives Dallas the edge.
Pass Catchers: Eagles
At this moment, A.J. Brown is better than CeeDee Lamb and Dallas Goedert is better than Dalton Schultz. Both can become better, especially Lamb. But right now, that’s not the case.
DeVonta Smith is coming off a stellar rookie campaign, and Quez Watkins is a serviceable WR3. Gallup is a quality WR2, but the Cowboys lack proven depth after him. Prescott is the better quarterback, but Hurts will have more weapons in 2022.
Offensive Line: Eagles
If Connor Williams and La’el Collins were still on Dallas’ roster, it would have the advantage. But this year, Dallas is starting rookie Tyler Smith at left guard and Terence Steele at right tackle, who’s never been a full-time starter before.
The Eagles employ Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata at tackle, one of the best tackle duos in the league. In addition, Philadelphia has Jason Kelce at center and the rising Landon Dickerson at guard.
Whether Smith, Steele or even Tyler Biadasz can take a step remains to be seen. Until they do, the Eagles have the advantage.
Defensive Line: Eagles
The Cowboys’ lackluster DT group is what gives Philadelphia the advantage here. While edge rushers Demarcus Lawrence and Reddick are at a similar level, both Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave are better than any DT Dallas has.
We’ve yet to see Neville Gallimore truly break out, and maybe this is the season he does. But for now, the Eagles have the superior defensive line.
Linebackers: Cowboys
I feel pretty confident that Micah Parsons is better than every Eagles linebacker put together. He’s arguably the best LB in football and miles ahead of any Philadelphia LB.
White was a good signing for the Eagles and Dean was an excellent draft selection. But Parsons outweighs them all just on his own.
Secondary: Toss-up
If we were just ranking cornerbacks, the Eagles take this. Darius Slay and James Bradberry are a better duo than Trevon Diggs and Anthony Brown. But, we have to consider safeties too.
Anthony Harris failed to make the impact he made with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. Both Jayron Kearse and Malik Hooker had better seasons than him. Quarterbacks have a 116.7 passer rating when targeting the Eagles’ other starting safety, K’Von Wallace.
The Eagles have the advantage at cornerback while the Cowboys have it at safety. That’s why this is a toss-up. You could go either way in the secondary.
