First Test: Eagles Begin Title Defense Against a New-Look Cowboys Team

Week 1 of the NFL season has arrived, and it's kicking off with a bang. The spotlight is on a classic NFC East rivalry as the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys in a Thursday night showdown.

Last season, the Eagles' path to a title was paved by a dominant defense and an explosive offense led by Jalen Hurts. With most of their key players returning, including the promotion of Kevin Patullo to offensive coordinator, the Eagles are poised to continue their winning formula.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys are entering a new era. They’ve got a new head coach and defensive coordinator, and their best player, Micah Parsons, is now in Green Bay. However, the Cowboys’ roster features a new dynamic with the addition of wide receiver George Pickens and a handful of former first-rounders. This game will be a true test of what to expect from both teams in 2025.

Jalen Hurts’ Challenge vs. Matt Eberflus's Defense

The last time Jalen Hurts faced a defense coached by Matt Eberflus (Week 15, 2022), it was a mixed bag. He rushed for three touchdowns but also threw two interceptions against an aggressive zone-based scheme. Eberflus's defense is known for its blitz-heavy, Cover 0 looks, a strategy he may lean on more heavily without Parsons to generate pressure. Hurts has shown he can be inconsistent against the blitz, but he was significantly better last season after a tumultuous end to 2023.

Look for Hurts to test the Cowboys’ secondary. Trevon Diggs is recovering from a knee procedure, and the team is starting former Bills first-rounder Kaiir Elam opposite of him. Elam struggled to stick in Buffalo and could be a frequent target for Hurts's deep balls to star receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

A New-Look Cowboys Defense

The Cowboys traded away Parsons in a move they claimed was aimed at improving their run defense, acquiring defensive tackle Kenny Clark in the exchange. While Clark can be disruptive, he's not the consistent run-stopper the Cowboys have needed. His tendency to hunt for big plays could leave the defense vulnerable to a disciplined offensive line like the Eagles'.

Philadelphia’s jumbo-sized offensive line, the heaviest in the NFL, is a formidable unit. With a new guard, Tyler Steen, getting his first full-time start, the Cowboys might try to exploit that spot. However, the Eagles' overall strength up front should allow them to establish a physical rushing attack and get Saquon Barkley in space against Dallas's linebackers.

The Pickens Factor: A New Weapon for Dak

One of the biggest questions for the Cowboys is how their new offense will fare. While CeeDee Lamb is still the primary target, the addition of George Pickens adds a new vertical threat. Pickens's style of play perfectly complements Dak Prescott's preferences for throwing vertical routes like go-routes and stop-routes. Pickens has a history of success on these plays, and his ability to make catches in tight windows should be a major asset.

The matchup of Pickens against the Eagles' secondary will be a key factor. While rookie Quinyon Mitchell is on his way to becoming a star, the other side of the field is manned by Adoree’ Jackson, a solid but not elite corner. This could be where Prescott and Pickens connect for big plays.

Prediction

I think the Eagles will take control in the second half, but the Cowboys will make it a competitive game.

Eagles 34, Cowboys 27