The Cowboys' season-opening game against the New York Giants was sloppy all around, but Dallas will take it. A win is a win.
The game did raise a few questions about America's Team, especially offensively. Romo looked rusty, but there are bigger factors working against Dallas going into Philadelphia to face their biggest competitor in the division.
1. DeMarco Murray
Murray signing with the Eagles is more of a negative for the Cowboys than a positive for Philadelphia. It was just one game, but it sure looked like the Cowboys whiffed by not moving in a draft deep in running backs to pick up a feature runner.
Joseph Randle lacks Murray's vision, decisiveness and quickness. Darren McFadden is physically similar, but he doesn't understand the nuance of the position like Murray.
An unproductive rushing attack could be more detrimental to the Cowboys' 2015 season than many fans realize.
2. Eagles' New Defenders
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Chip Kelly knows he can manufacture offense, so he's put his resources into bringing in talented defenders. Adding Kiko Alonso to Mychal Kendricks and Demeco Ryans gives the Eagles a trio of talented, active linebackers that will fly around behind an aggressive front.
While Falcons receiver Julio Jones gave them trouble, the Eagles' secondary is improved as well. They're bigger and more physical at cornerback after adding former Seahawk corners Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond. With Dez Bryant out, the Cowboys offense might be even more overmatched, as the Eagles can drop at least one safety into the box to stop the run.
3. Sam Bradford
Jeff Fisher didn't know how to maximize Bradford's talent, but Chip Kelly does. As an Eagle, Bradford will rarely have to make a post-snap read and he can simply react to the defense.
With Greg Hardy suspended and Randy Gregory out with injury, the Cowboys could have to have a tough time generating pressure against a quarterback who thrives in a clean pocket. And with two versatile tight ends and a dynamic receiving corps, the Eagles will be able to dictate Dallas' defensive personnel.
Conclusion
The lack of a consistent runner could end up exposing the defense and affect make the passing offense less efficient. Basically, it could be the difference between three straight 8-8 seasons and coming within a few plays of making the NFC Championship Game.
The Cowboys have their own issues to fix, but the Eagles — coming off a loss to the Falcons — made movies specifically to beat the Cowboys and really want to win this home matchup.
