Domo's Eagles-Cowboys scouting report

Recent history: The teams split last season. The Eagles won at Dallas on Thanksgiving, 33-10; the Cowboys won at the Linc on Dec. 14, 38-27. Dallas leads the series, 63-49.

WHEN THE EAGLES RUN THE BALL

The Eagles' 16 rushing attempts against the Falcons were the second fewest in a game in the Chip Kelly era. But don't look for that to become a habit. They signed DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews primarily to run the football, not catch passes out of the backfield. Murray's 392 carries with the Cowboys last season were the seventh most in league history. In tackles Lane Johnson and Jason Peters and center Jason Kelce, the Eagles have three of the league's most athletic offensive linemen. But they still are adjusting to a pair of new guards (Andrew Gardner and Allen Barbre). The Eagles rushed for a season-high 256 yards in last year's 33-10 Thanksgiving Day win against the Cowboys. But the Cowboys didn't have their best defensive player — WILL linebacker Sean Lee. They'll have him Sunday. That said, the Giants averaged 4.1 yards per carry against the Cowboys in Week 1.

EDGE: Eagles

WHEN THE EAGLES THROW THE BALL

Every reference to Sam Bradford's ability is accompanied by the phrase "if he can stay healthy." But he showed in the second half vs. the Falcons what he is capable of when he is healthy, completing 21 of his final 24 passes for 219 yards as the Eagles' erased a 17-point halftime deficit. Despite what his 58.6 career completion percentage might indicate, Bradford is extremely accurate, processes information quickly and gets the ball out fast. He's got a versatile receiving corps that features wideouts who can line up inside or outside and a tight end (Zach Ertz) and running back (Darren Sproles) who are matchup nightmares for linebackers and safeties. The Cowboys will have trouble getting pressure on Bradford. They'll be without their two best pass-rushers — Greg Hardy (league suspension) and rookie Randy Gregory (high ankle sprain).

EDGE: Eagles

WHEN THE COWBOYS RUN THE BALL

The Cowboys had one of the league's most feared rushing attacks last season, averaging 147.1 yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry. But that was before their workhorse back, DeMarco Murray, walked out the door and signed with the Eagles. Their offensive line is one of the best in the league and features three Pro Bowlers — tackle Tyron Smith, guard Zach Martin and center Travis Frederick. But it's difficult to replace a player the caliber of Murray. The Cowboys didn't even try. They are going with a running back by committee featuring Murray's former backup, Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar. The Cowboys rushed for just 81 yards against the Giants in Week 1. The Eagles have one of the league's top run defenses. They finished fifth in yards allowed per carry last season and held the Falcons to three rushing first downs.

EDGE: Eagles

WHEN THE COWBOYS THROW THE BALL

The Eagles got a huge break when the Cowboys' explosive wideout, Dez Bryant, suffered a foot injury against the Giants that will sideline him for at least a month. The Cowboys hardly are toothless without Bryant, but you're still talking about taking away a guy who caught 16 touchdown passes last season, including three in a Week 15 win over the Eagles. But they still have Tony Romo, who led the league in passing last season, and threw for 356 yards and three TDs against the Giants in Week 1. Romo completed 10 of 11 passes for 137 passes after Bryant got hurt early in the fourth quarter. The Eagles need to get better pressure on Romo than they did on the Falcons' Matt Ryan, and they can't let him get outside the pocket and extend plays. Inside linebacker Kiko Alonso gives the Eagles someone who can hold his own in coverage vs. tight end Jason Witten.

EDGE: Cowboys

SPECIAL TEAMS

Chip Kelly insists he remains solidly behind kicker Cody Parkey. But his costly, not-even-close 44-yard FG miss late in the Falcons game along with a missed 34-yard field goal attempt and PAT in the preseason are cause for concern, even if he did convert 32 of 36 FG attempts as a rookie. The Eagles' coverage teams are outstanding, though they could be without their top punt-coverage gunner, Seyi Ajirotutu, who suffered a concussion in Week 1. The Cowboys' Dan Bailey is the second most accurate FG kicker in league history (89.9 percent). They are breaking in new return men. PR Cole Beasley and KR Lance Dunbar have replaced Dwayne Harris.

INTANGIBLES

The Cowboys are missing several key players, most notably WR Dez Bryant (injury), CB Orlando Scandrick (injury), DE Randy Gregory (injury) and DE Greg Hardy (suspension). The Eagles have won 10 of their last 12 regular-season games at the Linc.

EDGE: Eagles

Domo's prediction: Eagles 31, Cowboys 23

KEY MATCHUPS

1. Eagles ILB Kiko Alonso vs. Cowboys TE Jason Witten: Witten is 33, but still a very dangerous receiver. He had eight catches and two TDs in Week 1. Alonso had an end zone interception against the Falcons.

ADVANTAGE: Cowboys

2. Eagles NT Bennie Logan vs. Cowboys C Travis Frederick: Frederick made the Pro Bowl in just his second season. But the 6-2, 309-pound Logan has been a key to the Eagles' success against the run.

ADVANTAGE: Even

3. Eagles WR Jordan Matthews vs. Cowboys CB Tyler Patmon: The 6-3, 212-pound Matthews has a significant size advantage over the 5-10, 188-pound Patmon, who is replacing injured Orlando Scandrick as nickel corner.

ADVANTAGE: Eagles

HOT AND NOT

Hot

Eagles: RB Darren Sproles. Racked up 126 yards from scrimmage vs. Falcons, 76 receiving and 50 rushing.

Cowboys: QB Tony Romo. Threw for 356 yards and three TDs and completed 80 percent of his attempts vs. Giants.

Not

Eagles: CB Byron Maxwell. Targeted 10 times and gave up nine completions for 154 yards and a TD vs. Falcons.

Cowboys: RT Doug Free. Allowed three hurries and a hit on Tony Romo in comeback win over Giants.