The Eagles defense must start attacking the Cowboys offense right after they get off the plane today in Dallas. They must use their quickness to stop the run then get pressure on Tony Romo.
Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott needs to blitz and have his defense looking for ways to force turnovers.
Pull the ball out, go for the interceptionHe must keep his defensive line fresh by constantly substituting and rotating the big fellas.
McDermott should play Jeremiah Trotter on first and second downs. He should give Trotter some help in his pass coverage, which means one of the corners will be in man-to-man situations with one of the Cowboys receivers.
They should make sure that isolated receiver is Roy Willliams or Patrick Crayton.
The Eagles defensive line has to be disciplined but aggressive. They must do a better job of getting off of blocks. The big Cowboys offensive line will try to lean on them but they must attack the block, then use their hands to get off of it.
They were awful at getting off of blocks in the first half of last week’s game, but they improved tremendously in the second half. If they play the entire game like they played most of the second half, they will be fine.
In additions to getting off of run blocks, they’ve got to put some pressure on Romo. I want to see them attack the gap which they’re responsible for which will give them an advantage on play action passes.
I want that defensive line getting upfield on passes and runs. It will allow them to play the run and the pass much better this week. They have a quickness advantage on the Cowboys offensive line, let’s take advantage of it.
As for the linebackers. They must read their keys then attack the line of scrimmage on run plays. No guessing. React to what your keys tell you.
The strongside linebacker who lines up on Jason Witten must jam him before he comes off the line. They should try to get their hands on him and at times put a forearm up under his chin.
If he’s not getting mad and complaining to the officials then they’re not doing a good enough job of delaying his relsease.
I want the second and third guys in on tackles, tackling the football. They should try to pull the ball out on any chance they get.
Turnovers are huge in every game but even more important in playoff games.
The secondary must solid in their coverages and tackling. We can’t afford to miss tackles, so I don’t want to see any of those shoulder tackles. I want to see the guys wrapping up the ball carriers.
The secondary can’t afford to give the Birds any cheap touchdowns like the easy throw to Witten and the toss to Patrick Crayton. Sheldon Brown must play much better than he did last week.
I want Asante to continue being aggressive, but be smart as well. If you can’t get to a ball to intercept it, then knock it down.
I want Samuel to continue to go for the picks but don’t hurt the football team with foolish gambles.
Quintin Mikell need to tackle way he’s capable of doing and be smart about showing the blitzes.
Expect Romo to give a hard count with plenty of time left on the play clock. Don’t react to it because it’s just an act to find out who is blitzing. Don’t get ready to blitz until late in the play clock.
The defense must hustle to every tackle. They can’t afford to take any plays off. If a ball comes loose I want more defenders in the area than offensive players.
I think turnovers will decide the game, so the Eagles defensive players must be thinking turnover on every play.
