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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

Eagles vs. Cowboys: 10 stats that help define the Week 9 showdown

The Eagles and Cowboys are now just hours away from a huge Week 9 matchup at Lincoln Financial Field with lasting postseason implications.

Philadelphia will look to have a dominant performance ahead of the Week 10 bye, while Dallas will head into the lightest stretch of their season with a win on the road against their biggest rivals.

With kickoff fast approaching, here are ten stats that define this monster matchup.

Daron Bland vs. Swole Batman

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles run on third down

Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles have run the ball on 38% of plays (213 carries/555 plays) on 3rd down since the 2021 season — highest in NFL; League Avg: 24%.

Eagles have to be stout in the red zone

Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles are 7-1 (.875) when the opposing team converts less than 55% of its red zone chances into touchdowns this season — best in NFL; League Avg: .498.

Eagles WR will have to earn it

Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys defense has allowed 30 first down receptions to WRs this season — fewest in NFL.

Eagles have to prevent explosive plays

(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The Cowboys are 21-5 (.808) when making 7 or more explosive plays since the 2021 season — tied for best in NFL; League Avg: .589.

Eagles must protect the football

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys lead the NFL with four defensive touchdowns, the most defensive touchdowns through the first seven games of a season in franchise history.

Dak is going to target CeeDee Lamb early and often

(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

When targeting CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott has a 131.6 passer rating, the third-highest passer rating drawn by a receiver in the NFL this season.

DaRon Bland is on another planet

Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

DaRon Bland is second in the NFL with four interceptions in 2023. Bland returned three of his interceptions for touch- downs, becoming the first player in Cowboys history with three pick-sixes in a season.

With one more pick-six, Bland would tie an NFL record for the most pick-sixes in a season, joining Eric Allen (1993), Jim Kearney (1972) and Eric Ken Houston (1971).

With one more interception, Bland would tie his career-high of five interceptions that he set in 2022 as a rookie. Bland is also one-of-five players since the NFL merger to tally three pick-sixes in his first two NFL seasons, and he is the first to accomplish the feat since Janoris Jenkins in 2012.

Jalen Hurts

Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Hurts ranks 3rd in the NFL with 2,420 total yards, behind Patrick Mahomes (2,492) and Tua Tagovailoa (2,442). He has also posted the 2nd-most total TDs (19) in the league, behind Josh Allen (22).

Hurts has logged 300+ total yards and 2+ total TDs in each of his last 6 games, marking the longest active streak in the NFL. It is tied for the longest streak by an NFL QB since Andrew Luck in 2014 (8). The last QB to do so in 6 straight games was Patrick Mahomes in 2022.

Dak Prescott

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Prescott is the only QB in the NFL this season who has thrown for 1st Downs on over 50% of his third down throws (min. 20 attempts).

51% of his third down throws have gone for 1st Downs this season.

Sunday shootout

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The last team with the football will most likely secure the win.

A.J. Brown

Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

A.J. Brown’s 831 receiving yards since Week 3 are the most by any NFL player in a 6-game stretch since Antonio Brown with Pittsburgh from 11/8/15-12/20/15.

It also marks a franchise record.

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