Eagles Face Cowboys with Hurts Sidelined and Dean Doubtful: Next Man Up Mentality Takes Center Stage

This Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles will play the Dallas Cowboys in a pivotal NFC East game, but they will be missing their great quarterback, Jalen Hurts, and maybe a key defensive player, linebacker Nakobe Dean.

Hurts is declared out of the game after suffering a concussion in Week 16. Hurts will miss his second straight game, therefore the Eagles’ offense will be led by backup quarterback Gardner Minshew.

“Jalen is still in the concussion protocol,” Head Coach Nick Sirianni affirmed. “We’re taking it one day at a time with him, but he won’t be ready to go this week.”

Although Hurts’ absence was anticipated, the news that Dean is labeled as doubtful due to an abdominal injury was more shocking. This season, Dean, a rookie linebacker, has been a force in the center of the Eagles’ defense, so his absence would be devastating.

“Nakobe is a tough kid,” described Sirianni. “He’s doing everything he can to get back out there, but we’ll have to see how he progresses throughout the week.”

The Eagles will probably use veteran linebacker Myles Jack to cover for Dean if he is unable to play. Jack, who joined the Eagles during the offseason, has contributed significantly this season and is prepared to step up when needed.

The Next Man Up mentality

This week is no exception to the Eagles’ “next man up” approach that they have had throughout the season. Others will have the chance to step up and contribute while important players are sidelined.

Sirianni underlined, “That’s the nature of the NFL,” “You must be prepared to adapt when injuries occur. Our roster’s depth gives us confidence, and we know that the men who are called upon will be prepared to perform.”

Different players have stepped up at different moments throughout the season, demonstrating this next-man-up mentality. The Eagles’ success has been largely attributed to their ability to bounce back and adjust.

The Cowboys-Eagles rivalry

One of the NFL’s most fierce and legendary rivalries is that between the Eagles and Cowboys. The games between these two NFC East rivals are always very competitive and have a lengthy history of fighting for divisional dominance. Although the Eagles have won the last two meetings, the Cowboys now lead the series 73-55.

The game at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday is sure to be another exciting installment in this fierce rivalry. There will be a lot of pressure on both teams as they compete for a spot in the playoffs.

Keys to an Eagles Victory

Despite the absence of Jalen Hurts and the potential absence of Nakobe Dean, the Eagles have a strong roster and are capable of defeating the Cowboys. Here are some key factors that could contribute to an Eagles victory:

Strong Running Game: With Hurts sidelined, the Eagles will likely lean heavily on their running game. Miles Sanders and Boston Scott will need to step up and deliver a strong performance against the Cowboys’ defense.
Offensive Line Protection: The Eagles’ offensive line will need to provide ample time for Minshew to throw and open up running lanes for the backs. Protecting Minshew from the Cowboys’ fierce pass rush will be crucial.
Defensive Dominance: Even if Dean is unable to play, the Eagles’ defense needs to maintain its strong play. Containing the Cowboys’ dynamic offense, led by quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott, will be key to securing a victory.
Minimizing Mistakes: The Eagles cannot afford to commit costly turnovers or penalties, especially with a backup quarterback at the helm. Playing disciplined football will be essential.

Playing the Cowboys without their starting quarterback and possibly a key defensive member presents a difficult job for the Eagles. But throughout the season, this team has shown resiliency and a “next man up” mindset. The Eagles have a realistic opportunity to defeat their opponents and maintain their lead in the NFC East if their backups play well and they stick to their winning recipe.