Eags host Cowboys Monday without Hurts, Smith, and Wicks

The Philadelphia Eagles begin a four-game losing streak by hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. The contest takes place at 8:15 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles started the season 2-0 but have lost their last four games. They enter the matchup with a decimated roster. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is out after blood clots were found in his calf and lungs. Wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks are also sidelined. Guard Landon Dickerson and running back Saquon Barkley are listed as questionable.

The Cowboys arrive with their own offensive struggles. Dallas lost back-to-back games against the Buccaneers and Packers. The team combined for 29 points in those contests after scoring at least 30 in each of the previous three weeks. DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Cowboys as 4.5-point favorites with an over/under of 43.5.

Statistical trends favor the Eagles on defense. The Eagles blitz on only 24.1% of dropbacks, the fourth-lowest rate in the NFL. The Buccaneers and Packers blitzed on 38.8% of dropbacks in Weeks 5 and 6. That extra pressure limited quarterback Dak Prescott to 20 of 38 for 194 scoreless yards in those games. The Eagles have the potential to let Prescott work without the same level of immediate threat.

However, the Eagles defense has struggled to generate pressure. The unit recorded a sack, hit, or hurry on only 32.9% of opponent dropbacks. This low pressure allows opposing quarterbacks to stay in the pocket longer. The Eagles have allowed eight touchdown passes while forcing just three interceptions. They have also been aided by 14 opponent drops, the second-most in the league.

The Eagles offense will likely rely on the passing game. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee dropped back to throw 48 times in the previous week. He has thrown at a high rate in his career starts. The team cannot use the quarterback run game effectively without Hurts. If Barkley returns, he has averaged 5.5 yards per carry in his two healthy games this season. He fully practiced on Friday for the first time since his hamstring injury.

The Cowboys defense has been vulnerable to the run. Opponents have averaged 4.7 yards per carry against Dallas. Five of the six teams that faced the Cowboys have gained at least 165 rushing yards. The Eagles can exploit this weakness if they establish the ground game early. The Cowboys may also adjust their defensive alignment with the return of Cobie Durant, potentially moving Daron Bland to the bench.

McKee has thrown for 179 scoreless yards in 45 career attempts under duress. He has a 15.1% sack rate in those situations. The Cowboys do not rush the passer frequently, but the Eagles offensive line is currently unstable. The game will hinge on whether Dallas can pressure McKee and whether Philadelphia can survive its injury crisis.