3 Reasons Eagles Will Take NFC East After Cowboys' Surprising Slip

The Dallas Cowboys squandered a golden opportunity to attain a one-game lead over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East with a loss to the Minnesota Vikings at home on Sunday night.

Jason Garrett's side was fully healthy and favored to emerge victorious, but, thanks to some abysmal red zone play-calling, Dallas and Philly both now sit at 5-4.

If last night's slip told us anything, it's that the Eagles are destined to hoist the divisional crown come season's end, thanks to these three reasons.

3. Run Defense

How many times have the Cowboys let opposing tailbacks run all over them and completely alter the outlook of a game? Let's put it this way: Dalvin Cook and Aaron Jones alone have combined for 204 yards and five touchdowns against America's Team. As long as Dallas' run defense is allowing gaping holes to opposing RBs, they will continue to play from behind. Allow us to contrast this disaster with the Eagles' ELITE run D, which ranks fourth in the NFL in terms of yards allowed per game, with a stellar 87.3 mark. Say what you will about their poor secondary (that's getting healthier, by the way), but Philadelphia's run defense is far superior to that of the Cowboys, and more than good enough to lead them to an NFC East title.

2. Head Coaching

Doug Pederson doesn't give us a world of confidence, but to mention him in the same breath as Garrett would be downright laughable. One distinct advantage, among others, that Pederson holds over Dallas' HC is his brashness and willingness to "go for it." We've honestly lost count as to how many times Garrett has cost his team by coaching conservatively, and he did so again against Minnesota on Sunday night. This division might come down to the Eagles-Cowboys matchup in Week 16, and while we prefer Dallas' roster, Garrett's ineptitude in crunch time gives Philly the edge.

1. Their Schedules

The Cowboys have failed to take advantage of a cupcake schedule through 10 weeks of 2019, whereas the Eagles still have a pulse after their first half gauntlet. Dallas has the Bills, Bears, Patriots, and Rams, on top of the Eagles, left on their calendar. Given their consistent let downs against above-.500 squads, we can't confidently state that they'll emerge out of that stretch with a winning record. Philadelphia, on the other hand, still has to play the woeful Giants (twice), Dolphins, and Redskins. That alone, if things go as anticipated, is four more wins, and they could absolutely go on to defeat the Patriots, Seahawks, or Cowboys as well. The team's schedules the rest of the way are immensely contrasting, and serve as a primary reason why the Eagles will win the NFC East.