The potential Cowboys – 49ers playoff combo looks potentially lethal
by John Kincade
The 2017 Eagles won a Super Bowl partly because of the fact that the seas parted and the opponents that stood in their way were easier than what could have been. A championship is usually crafted by equal parts talent, health and luck. The path in front of a championship team can be rugged or get unexpectedly opportunistic. The Eagles in 2017 could have faced the Rams and the Saints to get to Minneapolis for Super Bowl 52. Instead the Rams got upset by the Falcons at home which led to them coming into Philadelphia. Then the Vikings upset the Saints on the last play of the game in the Minneapolis miracle to have them as a surprise NFC Title Game opponent. In each of those games the change of opponent changed the probability of victory for the Eagles. It worked out to their obvious favor. Looking ahead I’m hoping we get similar good fortune in 2023.
I’m going to work on the assumption that the Eagles can get their starting quarterback back on Sunday and defeat the NY Giants in a game where they have nothing to play for. The Giants are locked into the 6 seed and will face the Minnesota Vikings in the wildcard round IF the 49ers win on Sunday. I’m figuring that the Giants will choose not to risk their stars and the Eagles grab the one seed and a 2 week rest.
If the Cowboys do in fact end up as the 5 seed they will head to Tampa Bay on wildcard weekend. ESPN is guaranteed to have a 4-5 matchup for the Monday Night Football wildcard game. The AFC 4-5 game will feature either the Jacksonville Jaguars or the Tennessee Titans hosting a game. I’m figuring ESPN pushes hard to get Brady vs the Boys so that would guarantee the Eagles playing on Sunday 1/22.
The worst possible combination of playoff opposition in the NFC would be the Cowboys followed by the 49ers. First of all the familiarity with Dallas makes it a less comfortable matchup. Dak Prescott has a history of winning when he faces the Eagles. It’s not going to be popular with the boisterous Eagles fan that says “bring on Dallas” but I’d love to see Tampa rolling into South Philly on a short week. Two teams would have a chance to keep the 49ers from visiting the Linc if you advance past the divisional round. It could be Green Bay, Detroit or Seattle facing the 49ers in round one. The Packers obviously would love to get revenge on the 49ers for upsetting them at home last year and I would like their chances. I don’t see Minnesota beating them but the Giants could upset them.
The physicality of facing the Cowboys and 49ers in successive weeks could be a lethal combination. Both of those teams love to hit the opposing quarterbacks too. Coming off a shoulder injury I’m not sure that Hurts taking hits is the recipe to win a championship in February.
I am still very bullish on their chances. I just prefer the easier path. Take care of business vs the Giants and then let’s see if someone else can help make the road to Arizona smoother.
