Dallas Cowboys

Philadelphia Eagles: 5 things to watch against the Cowboys

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Nov 8, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys free safety Byron Jones (31) in the second half at AT&T Stadium. Philadelphia won 33-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

5 things to watch in the Philadelphia Eagles’ game against the Dallas Cowboys.

This isn’t just another week for the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s Dallas week.

The Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, two of the NFL’s most bitter rivals, will take the field Sunday night in a game that will ultimately decide the frontrunner of the NFC East race.

There are a lot of things to keep track of in this divisional showdown, but here are five important storylines to watch.

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox (91) celebrates with Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Browns, 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia’s rushing defense

The Eagles are taking on Ezekiel Elliott, the league’s leading rusher. At only 21 years old, the Cowboys rookie has already compiled over 700 yards on the season and is on pace to rush for close to 2,000 yards in his inaugural season as a pro.

That’s pretty impressive/scary.

If the Eagles plan on walking out of Dallas with a victory, their rushing defense will have to be on its A-game. Run-stopping expert Bennie Logan will not be in the lineup, however, making things a little more complicated for the Eagles defense. However, Beau Allen is more than a capable backup and can fill right in as the Eagles try to shut down the early Rookie of the Year candidate.

Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) catches the ball prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Dez Bryant

Yes, the return of Dez Bryant is upon us.

Despite missing the last three games with a knee injury, Bryant is unquestionably one of the best wide receivers in football. It should be noted that Bryant faced a similar situation last season when the Cowboys took on the Eagles in Week 9. One week after returning from a fractured foot, Bryant still managed to catch five balls for over 100 yards and an incredible Hail Mary touchdown that ended the first half.

I’m not saying that’s bound to happen tonight, but all eyes should be on Bryant in his first week back in the saddle.

Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) runs off the field during warm ups prior to the Eagles

Carson Wentz

This one is a given. Wentz has been a revelation for the Eagles and could finally be the Eagles’ long-term answer at quarterback.

However, his play has regressed over the last couple weeks. For the Eagles to beat Dallas, Wentz will need to perform the way he did before the Eagles’ Week 4 bye. During that time, Wentz threw for 769 yards, 5 touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Wentz hasn’t been bad over the last two weeks, but he certainly hasn’t been all that good, either. He’ll need to be really good against Dallas.

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) makes a touchdown reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The wideouts

The Eagles’ wide receivers have been pretty bad to start out the season and Sunday night’s game could be much more important than they realize, if you can imagine that.

It was reported earlier in the week that the Eagles were interested in making a trade for a proven veteran receiver to add to their roster. First came the rumors involving Torrey Smith of the San Francisco 49ers. Then came rumors of the Eagles trying to acquire Alshon Jeffery from the Chicago Bears.

It’s unclear if the rumors are a sign of things to come, but if they are, some of the Eagles receivers may just be playing their last game for Philadelphia.

Oct 16, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) following the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Cowboys won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Dak Prescott

Prescott vs. Wentz has already turned into a legitimate rivalry. Both were taken in the same draft class and neither were expected (supposedly) to begin the year as starters.

The amount the two have in common is intriguing and it will be fun to see how the pair of young signal-callers play against one another in a primetime matchup.

It may only be the first game between the Eagles and Cowboys with Wentz and Prescott as their starters, but it’s hard to think it won’t be the first of many more in the future.