In the division that nobody seems to want to win, it’s showdown time
PHILADELPHIA — Dak Prescott is banged up with a sore shoulder, a finger injury on his throwing hand, and took limited snaps in practice.
Even with nagging — or worse — injuries, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expects Prescott to be in “top form” against Philadelphia.
Prescott is set to tough it out in the game of the season for Dallas.
The Cowboys can win the NFC East with a win over the Eagles on Sunday, a division that seemingly no team wants to win.
Both teams are 7-7, and a playoff berth is still in play for the Eagles. Beat the Cowboys and win in Week 17 against the Giants, and they’re in, two seasons after winning the Super Bowl.
There are jobs and reputations on the line, as well: Dallas coach Jason Garrett could save his job with a division title and a strong playoff run. Eagles QB Carson Wentz could prove to a fan base that still adores former backup Nick Foles that he can
win big games late in the season and show his worth in the postseason.
Wentz knows the stakes mean this start could represent his defining moment in Philadelphia. “It’s definitely a big game,” he said. “We know the situation. We know what’s going on.”
The Eagles are 2-point underdogs at home for a reason — the Cowboys won by 27 in their first matchup and they are 7-2 in Philly under Garrett. The Cowboys have won five of their past six games in Philadelphia.
Aches and all, Prescott is ready to keep the wins rolling.
“He’s as tough as they come,” Garrett said. “His physical toughness and mental toughness are on par with anybody I’ve been around and that’s just what he’s all about. He handles success. He handles adversity. He handles issues as well as anybody.”
Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott is 5-0 against the Eagles and has averaged 163 scrimmage yards per game with three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) over that span. The two-time rushing champion said he doesn’t have any special memories of the rivalry with the Eagles.
“Just like beating up on them,” he said.
Led by Wentz, the Eagles rallied on the final drive in two straight weeks to beat the Giants and Redskins and thrust themselves back into the playoff picture. Missing his top three wide receivers, Wentz relied on tight ends Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert, his running backs and former college quarterback Greg Ward to win at Washington.
“He’s understanding the game, and it takes time,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson said. “With young quarterbacks and young players in this league, it takes time, and that’s where he’s headed and it really has been good to see the last couple weeks.”
PRO BOWL LINE: The timing of the Pro Bowl announcement was good for the Dallas offensive line. For the fifth time in six seasons, left tackle Tyron Smith, right guard Zack Martin and center Travis Frederick were selected to the Pro Bowl.
THIN AT LINEBACKER: The Cowboys signed 2014 Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith this week to bolster an injury-filled linebackers group.