This season, the Philadelphia Eagles have defeated the Dallas Cowboys twice: once on the playing field and once off.
On the field, the Eagles defeated the Cowboys in week nine at Lincoln Financial Field, prevailing 28–23 after a close game. After being released by the Indianapolis Colts, linebacker Shaquille Leonard was sought by both of the fierce rivals outside the football field. The competition to sign Leonard for a one-year contract was won by Philadelphia, and Jerry Jones, the owner of Dallas, has since talked about how the two-time All-Pro escaped the Cowboys’ grasp.Leonard’s familiarity with head coach Nick Sirianni, a former assistant in Indianapolis, was utilized by the Eagles to secure the four-time Pro Bowl selection’s short-term pledge. Leonard was persuaded to join the Eagles on a contract just above $1 million in part by Philadelphia’s stronger win-loss record and NFC #1 seeding.
The Cowboys will have the opportunity to get a signature and begin their campaign for the division title and, conceivably, the conference’s top seed. Dallas, who has won 14 straight home games, is starting as a small favorite against the Eagles, who may still be hurting from their crushing defeat to the 49ers this past Sunday.
