If starting the season against the defending Super Bowl champions wasn’t hard enough, it’ll be even tougher without your best defensive player.
The shockwaves from the Micah Parsons trade to the Green Bay Packers will still be felt by the Dallas Cowboys when they kick off the 2025 campaign on Thursday night in Philadelphia.
The Eagles’ success doesn’t appear to be a one-time fluke, as betting lines still rank them among the favorites to win the Vince Lombardi trophy again.
Here are five things to know about the Cowboys’ upcoming opponent — the Philadelphia Eagles:
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New offensive brain
Kellen Moore finally got the head coaching opportunity he’d long sought, with the New Orleans Saints. In response, the Eagles promoted Kevin Patullo to offensive coordinator.
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Patullo previously served as an assistant coach for the Colts, Jets, Titans, Bills, and Chiefs. In 2021, he joined the Eagles as their passing game coordinator under head coach Nick Sirianni.
He inherits an offense that last season averaged 28.4 points per game (6th in the league) and 367.1 yards per game (7th).
Under Moore’s regime, Philadelphia had the second-best rushing offense in the league (186.6 yards per game), but ranked last in pass attempts per game (25.9).
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During training camp, Patullo was asked if the Eagles offense remains run-focused at its core.
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“Yes, I think we’re still the Eagles offense,” Patullo told The Athletic. “I don’t think that’ll change. I think it starts with the run game up front, and then we just build from there.”
Too many weapons
The Eagles continue to boast one of the most dangerous offensive units in the league.
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Saquon Barkley returns as the star running back after a monster season with 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 345 carries.
Versatile back Will Shipley and power runner A.J. Dillon join Barkley in the backfield.
In the air, A.J. Brown leads the receiving corps with 67 catches for 1,079 yards (27th in the league).
DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson round out the trio of targets for quarterback Jalen Hurts.
AdvertisementRoster depth
The Eagles had a busy offseason to ensure they retained depth across the roster.
They most recently acquired quarterback Sam Howell from the Minnesota Vikings. Howell is now on his fourth team in three years and third since starting for Washington just two seasons ago.
Their first-round draft pick was Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, known for his speed and versatility. In his senior year, he recorded 45 tackles and seven sacks.
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Despite their strong roster, Sirianni reminded his players not to get complacent.
“The celebration is over. Preparation is here. Treat praise like perfume. Sniff it, don’t drink it — it’s poison,” was Siariani’s message to his players at the beginning of training camp.
Solid foundation
Sirianni received a multi-year extension after leading the Eagles to their second Super Bowl title.
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Sirianni’s record is 48-20 in the regular season and 54-23 including playoffs
He has the second-most wins in NFL history for a coach in his first four seasons (behind George Seifert)
He’s also the first coach in NFL history to reach four playoff appearances, two conference titles and one Super Bowl win — all within his first four seasons
His .706 regular-season winning percentage ranks third in the Super Bowl era, behind Hall of Famers John Madden and George Allen.
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“As an organization, we have always strived to create a championship culture of sustained success,” Philadelphia Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said during the news conference announcing Sirianni’s contract extension.
“Nothing is more important to fostering such an environment than having tremendous leadership. Nick has embodied everything we were looking for in a head coach since we hired him four years ago.”
Odds in their favor
The Eagles have a chance to become the ninth team in NFL history to win back-to-back Super Bowls. The last to do it were the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 and 2023. Other teams on the list include the Packers, Dolphins, Steelers (twice), 49ers, Cowboys, Broncos, and Patriots.
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Philadelphia is favored to win Super Bowl LX, which will be held Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
They’re currently co-favorites to win the Super Bowl, tied with the Baltimore Ravens, with odds around +750 (12.5% implied probability).
Betting odds will fluctuate throughout the season due to injuries, performance, and public sentiment. But this early confidence reflects the Eagles’ strong roster and coaching.
If you’re wondering how the Cowboys compare: Dallas has Super Bowl odds of +6000 — an implied probability of just 1.6%.
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Twitter: @abrahamrussek
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