I joked with Eagles left defensive end Juqua Parker that there was a conspiracy to stop him from getting any sacks.
I kidded him that Pro Bowl right defensive end Trent Cole gets a sack most of the time when he beats his man because he’s coming from the quarterback’s blindside.
Parker laughed a little bit but Cole seemed to enjoy it much more.
Juqua has had two back to back outstanding game and has put consistent pressure on the passer the last two games but seen the quarterback throw the ball away time after time.
He rushes from the defensive left side and the offensive right side which allows the quarterback to see him if he beats his man. Cole comes from the backside which allows him to strip the ball and bring the quarterback down more often.
The Eagles need Parker and Cole to have a big days on Sunday.
Parker will be matched up against Cowboys backup right tackle Doug Free, who took over for starter Marc Columbo about a month and a half ago. He little experience and should be vulnerable to a good pass rush.
If Juqua continues to play like he has the last couple of games, he could force Dallas quarterback Tony Romo into making some costly mistakes.
Romo has been prone in the past to making mistakes by trying too hard to create big plays. He does a good job using his instincts to run away from the pressure.
It didn’t work that way last year in their final game of the season against the Birds when turned the ball over and saw it returned for a touchdown.
Cole will be working against the Flozell “Hotel” Adams who is about as big as a hotel. It will be size versus quickness and athleticism. It’ll be important that Cole or any other Birds defensive lineman strip Romo of the ball if they get to from the backside.
I would love to see Parker and Cole cause a train wreck as Romo is running around trying to make a big play.
