The Eagles-Cowboys rivalry is one of the best in professional sports, and even when former coaches become analysts, the hatred is hard to hide.
Jimmy Johnson served as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 1989 through 1993 before a fallout with owner Jerry Jones led to his resignation.
After leaving the Dolphins in 1996, Johnson became a TV studio analyst again for Fox Sports and is currently an on-air staff member on Fox NFL Sunday. On Thursday, while chatting with 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Johnson was asked about the Cowboys’ Super Bowl potential and explained why he’s not 100% sold on the Eagles as a favorite in the NFC.
Jimmy Johnson on @1053thefan on the Cowboys as a Super Bowl contender: “I think this is the best Cowboys team that I’ve seen. … I’m still not 100% sold on Philadelphia. The NFC is down. I think the Cowboys have a better shot than most.”
Why isn’t he totally sold on the Eagles? pic.twitter.com/M2LYY6ufj2
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 10, 2022
Johnson’s points about teams adjusting in the second half have some validity, but Philadelphia’s offense isn’t just about RPOs and quarterback Jalen Hurts simply being a running quarterback.
Philadelphia’s ability to score points in spurts like a college basketball team puts enormous pressure on the opposing offense to stay within striking distance in the first half of games.
The Eagles’ offensive line is the best in the NFL, and that allows an advantage for Philadelphia where simply running the ball and controlling the line of scrimmage can be an efficient style of play for head coach Shane Steichen.
Through eight games, the Eagles have the third-ranked offense in the league (391 total yards per game), ninth in passing (242.3 yards per game), and sixth in rushing (148.8 yards per game). Without the offensive line’s dominance, the Eagles wouldn’t be undefeated through eight games — the NFL’s last remaining unbeaten team.
Add in the talented trio of A.J. Brown (WR), DeVonta Smith (WR), and Dallas Goedert (TE) as game-changing pass catchers, and you have a recipe for sustained explosive offensive plays.
