Cowboys: Lots to be thankful for

The Dallas Cowboys have plenty to be thankful for this year; a healthy quarterback, the type of rushing attack that used to win turducken trophies, and a defense which has kept the team in every game. The Cowboys can also be thankful for the opportunity to take sole possession of first place in the NFC East with a win on Thanksgiving.

The offensive line was solid against the New York Giants with four of five starters grading above 1.5. DeMarco Murray (+0.7) was afforded another 100 yard game and Tony Romo (+2.5) threw four touchdown passes for the first time this season. The Cowboys offense has been consistent all year and there’s no reason to expect a let-down against the Philadelphia Eagles. The point of concern is on defense.

The Cowboys had a season-high 15 missed tackles against the Giants.  Not a good sign heading into a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, who forced the Tennessee Titans to miss 19 tackles last week. The Cowboys’ sub-par defensive effort had two exceptions; Rolando McClain ( +5.6), who was dominant against the run and earned a spot on our Week 12 All-Star Team, and Barry Church (+2.7), who took advantage of Eli Manning’s only mistake on play action for a critical red-zone interception.