NFL Betting: Eagles Will Not Release The East

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So, you’re thinking that this whole Terrell Owens thing could actually benefit the Eagles tonight against the Cowboys? That those three points they’re giving won’t matter? That Brian Westbrook will bust out for 200 yards and the defense will stand tough? Well, here’s the list for the Iggles backers brought to you by Covers.

5: Problem isn’t the offense The Eagles bread and butter over the last several seasons has been their defense.

Unfortunately they have not been the same this season, highlighted by the 564 yards and 49 points the Denver Broncos put up on them two weeks ago.

“We`ve made too many mistakes, bottom line,” said cornerback Sheldon Brown. “We`ve got to minimize mistakes. Every man has to do his job on a consistent basis.”

But this is a veteran group that is littered with several All-Pros and with Jim Johnson and Andy Reid on the case, Philadelphia should work out their problems.

Rest of the positive thinking, after the jump.

4: The Cowboys aren’t that good

The Eagles did get thumped by the Cowboys last time out - 129 yards total offense and six first downs is a complete embarrassment.

“We tried everything, and they were one step ahead of what we did,” said linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, after the loss.

But come on, that is by far the best these Dallas Cowboys will play this year.

The 129 yards is less than one-third of what the Eagles have been averaging this season and the 456 yards they gave up is 100 yards more than they’ve been giving up.

Dallas isn`t that good. Look at the games they have played. Aside from their 34-13 win over the hapless Arizona Cardinals they haven’t impressed, losing to Washington, Oakland and Seattle, while barely getting by the 49ers and Giants.

3: Eagles still have firepower

Say what you want, but the Eagles still have some offensive weaponry.

Brian Westbrook, for one, may be the best two-option back this side of LaDainian Tomlinson and L.J. Smith should soon be mentioned with Gates and Gonzalez as one of the top tight ends in the league.

Meanwhile their two young receivers (Reggie Brown and Greg Lewis) definitely have the talent to get the job done and are feeling no pressure coming into the game.

“We just have to try now to pull everything together,” said Brown. “I hope I can make some big plays because that`s what they brought me here for.”

Add the veteran Lewis to the mix and you have five decent offensive threats for the Eagles. That means plenty of options to spread the ball around and if anyone can do that it’s McNabb.

2: No T.O. means no distraction

The Philadelphia Eagles locker room was probably more of a family picnic this week – happy, good-natured and cheerful - than the back stabbing, volatile media circus that accompanied Terrell Owens wherever he went this season.

“It was a distraction so I think it brings everybody closer together,” said tight end L.J. Smith of the Owens saga.

The fewer distractions also meant the Eagles had the opportunity to better prepare for tonight’s showdown with the Cowboys.

“I’d say they were very business-like,” said coach Andy Reid describing practice this week. “They came out and practiced hard and aggressive.”

More unity, better preparation - what else do you need to win a football game?

1: Donovan McNabb

The real Donovan McNabb will return.

Whether it`s the assorted injuries healing or the Owens saga quieting down, the Eagles pivot appears to have found the bounce in his step he has been missing for most of the season.

“I`ve been with Donovan for a full week of practice but it seems like I`ve never left,” said recently re-signed tight end Chad Lewis. “He`s having fun and there`s no difference to me. I can tell you this week, I see the exact same person that I`ve always known.”

McNabb was already showing signs of coming around last week against the Redskins. He scampered around the pocket, put together a couple of rushes and aside from the interception by Ryan Clark, he played well. He still threw for 304 yards and one touchdown against a tough Redskins defense.

Why The Eagles Will Cover [Covers]