On Deck will be here all season to provide you with everything you need to know (and a few things you don't) about every Cowboys game during the 2013 season.
The Opponent: Last time the Cowboys played the Philadelphia Eagles, it was a dominant performance in Philly and the last time the Cowboys defense showed life. Since then, the Cowboys' defense has gone down the toilet and Eagles quarterback Nick Foles has been a world-beater. This time around, the teams will meet in primetime on Sunday for the NFC East title, while the loser will be sitting home for the postseason.
Key Matchup: WR Desean Jackson vs. DAL CB Brandon Carr: This is becoming a regular matchup here — Brandon Carr vs. whoever the opponents' most threatening receiver is. And time and time again, Carr is losing the battle. Carr was a shutdown corner last year, and even early this season, but lately, he's been downright awful. Pierre Garcon tore him to shreds last weekend in the Cowboys' win in Washington D.C., and now Jackson will look to do the same.
What's Hot: Hey, guess what? DeMarco Murray is still the putting up a solid argument for the being the league's best running back over the past seven weeks or so after another stellar game against the Redskins. Rushing yardage should be ripe for the taking against a porous Eagles defense, the only question is if the Cowboys' playcallers (whoever they may be) will take advantage of it.
Nick Foles has been one of the league's best quarterbacks since replacing Michael Vick. The Austin native now seems to have a firm grip on the starter's job in Philly from here on out. In last weekend's rout of the Bears, Foles passed for 230 yards, two touchdowns and no picks on 21-of-25 passing.
What's Not: For the Cowboys, look no further than the current state of the quarterback position. Tony Romo was fantastic in yet another fourth quarter and showed why he's the highest-rated fourth-quarter passer in recent memory, despite his shortcomings. But now, Romo is not too likely to play in a winner-take-all game on Sunday night. That leaves Kyle Orton and newly signed/formerly retired Jon Kitna. Yikes.
There's one defense in the league that might be worse than Dallas', and it's the Chicago Bears. Last week, the Eagles' offense had its way with the Bears, but for as much success as the Eagles had, their top receiver didn't do much of anything as Jackson had just four catches for 29 yards.
