(Video/Slideshow) Five keys to the Eagles beating the Cowboys

Slowing down Jason Witten may turn out to be crucial for the Eagles.  Mandatory Credit: Jim O

The Eagles need to shut-down Jason Witten

In a play that would be illegal in today’s NFL, but still haunts me in my nightmares, Jason Witten once caught a ball, had his helmet knocked off by two Eagles defenders, and then proceeded to run 30 more yards into the redzone. While Witten, now 32, isn’t quite the tight-end he once was, he’s still an important person to limit if the Eagles want to win this game.

By listing the fact that I expect DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant both to get theirs in this game behind the best offensive-line in the NFL, I conceded the fact that I expect the Cowboys to win the game. It is possible however, that Bryant and Murray perform within reason, and the Eagles offense is able to go blow-for-blow and beat the Cowboys late. That won’t be possible if the Cowboys are able to use Jason Witten over the middle of the field the way, the way that the Packers used numerous receivers on third-down two weeks ago, or if they get Witten involved as much as the Titans did with their tight-end, Delanie Walker, last week.

Despite the fact that he scored a touchdown last week, Witten was held to four catches for 30 yards, which was within reason considering that Terrence Williams only had one catch. The Eagles need to limit Witten, limit Williams the way that the Giants did, and do their best to keep Murray and Bryant in check. Even if all those things happen, this game will likely come down to a fourth quarter drive led by either Mark Sanchez or Tony Romo.