24.1%: Eagles' low blitz rate faces struggling Cowboys

The Philadelphia Eagles have blitzed on just 24.1% of opponent dropbacks this season, a rate that ranks fourth lowest in the NFL. That defensive tendency offers a potential opening for the Dallas Cowboys, who are visiting Lincoln Financial Field on Monday, Oct. 26, for the Week 7 edition of Monday Night Football.

The Eagles enter the game on a four-game losing streak after an opening two-win start. Jalen Hurts is out after blood clots were found in his calf and lungs. DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks are also sidelined, while Saquon Barkley, Landon Dickerson, Jonathan Greenard, and Jalyx Hunt are listed as questionable. The team’s offensive line and receiving corps are significantly thinner than usual.

Dallas has lost two straight games after scoring 30 or more points in each of the previous three contests. The Cowboys’ offense has sputtered, combining for only 29 points against the Buccaneers and Packers. Dak Prescott was 20 of 38 for 194 scoreless yards when facing extra rushers in those games. The team also managed just 98 rushing yards in that span, despite the return of guard Tyler Smith.

The Eagles’ defense has struggled to generate pressure, recording a sack, hit, or hurry on only 32.9% of opponent dropbacks. This allows quarterbacks time to operate in the pocket, a condition that benefits Dak Prescott and his targets CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. However, the Eagles rank 20th in opponents' EPA per dropback, allowing only 60.4% completion rate and 7.0 yards per attempt.

Philadelphia’s run game faces a tough matchup against a Dallas defense that has allowed 4.7 yards per carry. The Cowboys have given up at least 165 rushing yards to every opponent this season. If Saquon Barkley plays, the Eagles may lean on the ground game to control the clock. Barkley averaged 5.5 yards per carry in the two games he completed before his hamstring injury. He practiced on Friday for the first time since the injury.

The Eagles’ backup quarterback Tanner McKee is 16 of 45 for 179 scoreless yards in his career when under pressure. The Cowboys have the potential to disrupt him if they can overcome their own offensive struggles. DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Cowboys as 4.5-point favorites with a total of 43.5 points. The game is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN and ABC.