Eagles 23, Dallas 7 (9-6)

How is that even possible from this team after all it has been through?

How could it again fall on its face in its own building?

We must protect this house? Please.

After the Giants and Saints did it, the Eagles ransacked the house of the Dallas Cowboys with absolute ease. It was really disheartening to anyone who has asked the question about the Cowboys in the NFC, “why not us?” Now we know.

Here are my notes from Eagles 23, Cowboys 7.

• This defense has all sorts of issues and problems. We saw them earlier in the year, but I guess were not convinced they would be the death of the Cowboys. Well, guess what? This team’s utter lack of a pass rush and inability to play a decent deep defense against the pass is killing them. The only thing worse than watching the Cowboys attempt to put pressure on the QB through normal means is watching them try to blitz. There cannot be a worse blitzing squad in football. That LJ Smith catch and run is a perfect example of the complete lack of timing and scheme of the Cowboys safeties. They blitz and get swallowed up by the linemen. Somehow, other teams blitz and get a free run on the QB, but not the Dallas Cowboys.

• Terrell Owens is not worth the trouble. His drops are now an epidemic he cannot shake. His drop in the 3rd Quarter was nearly the Cowboys last prayer, and the second his play has eroded below “top 5” WR in the league was the second that his behavior became enough to send him away in the off-season. I supported his signing, but that was before the Sunday tradition of drive-ending drops that he has introduced this season.

• The Eagles have fabulous character. I can’t stand their city. I can’t stand their fans. But, if you want to find a veteran group of players who show enormous pride and professionalism that won’t let them quit, look no further than Philadelphia. Dawkins, Trotter, Westbrook, and others demonstrate what we all desire in our teams – guts.

• In December, Tony Romo has thrown 7 interceptions in 4 games. In the 4 games played during November, he threw 1 pick. These are the ups and downs of a young QB. I don’t question his talent, but I do question if he was as good as we saw right out of the gate. Is this what we should expect?

• 3 downs from the 1 yard line and you cannot move the pile. This is a small example of how the Cowboys got whipped at the line of scrimmage all day long.

• I don’t care what Owens has to say about play calling. We all know that he isn’t happy that 100% of the passes aren’t going his way. But, when Terry Glenn says anything, I listen. Why aren’t the Cowboys finding their weapons? Good question. I want Glenn to have more than 1 catch for 17 yards in any big game. He doesn’t drop many passes, and he also doesn’t speak up often. Evidently, the unity and happiness that the Cowboys had when Bledsoe went out and Romo went in has come to a close.

• How would the game have been different if Anthony Henry could have scored on that interception? If it was Newman, nobody is catching him from behind. But Henry was caught, and the ensuing drive ended with no points. I can’t say the outcome would have been different, but in theory, the Cowboys would have had a 14-13 halftime lead as opposed to being down, 13-7.

• Brian Westbrook is wonderful. And before we blame the Cowboys defense for not stopping the pass, let’s not forget that they haven’t been gangbusters against the run recently, either.

• The Division was on the line. The Rivals were in the building. And the Cowboys had very little ability to even compete in the game. They never put pressure on the Eagles lead. It was just disappointing all the way around. At what point do we complain about coaching? I think it has never been more appropriate.

• Yesterday, someone emailed me that Mike Zimmer is the same as Rudy Jaramillo. A guy who everyone says we are lucky to have here, but also a guy who is not allowed to be criticized. I am surely not suggesting it is all his fault, but how many huge money players are on this defense? Ferguson, Henry, Ayodele, James, Williams, Newman. How may other top picks are on this defense? Ware, Spears, Carpenter, Burnett. Basically, everyone but Canty and Watkins are highly paid or highly picked. That only leaves scheme and strategy as possible blames. What can’t be argued is that this team isn’t playing to its paper.

• 4 epic matchups at Texas Stadium this year: The Giants humiliated them, The Saints dominated them, and the Eagles did both. Only that Colts win is on the positive side of the ledger. 1-3 will not get it done at home for an “elite” team.

• Don’t worry about the TE, Roy. No worries.

• Now, after wetting the bed for the NFC East title, the Cowboys appear destined to play in Seattle during wildcard weekend. If any team has as many offensive weapons as the Saints, it would be the underachieving Seahawks. I really don’t like the chances of the Cowboys in that one.