The Eagles schedule is about to get choppy, so let’s enjoy the smooth water while it’s here. Five positive takeaways from the win over a putrid Dallas team.

While it’s important to celebrate the good things the Eagles did, I’m not going overboard because of how bad the Cowboys were in every facet of the game.

First, Jalen Hurts stunk and then didn’t stink. I can’t remember the last time (if ever) Hurts started off poor and recovered. Too often it is a game-long struggle for the Eagles quarterback. Hurts wasn’t seeing the field at all (apparently due to the sun), he was slow with his reads and too willing to take unnecessary sacks. Then Hurts got to work, used his legs to buy time, made some nice throws down the field, and displayed a burst we haven’t seen much of over the last two seasons. Do I wish he would see Saquon Barkley in the flat more often? Yes, yes I do.

Second, if you can get a 28 point win against a division rival and your top back only had to touch the football 15 times I would say that’s a double win, especially with the short week on hand. As much as I would love Barkley running up the stats in the 4th quarter, it was a much need quarter off for the star. Like I said before, Barkley in the flat needs more consideration from Hurts and the offense. In fact, he should be a primary option in the pass game. A two yard pass to Barkley will often end up at 6-8 yards. He turned a pass for no gain with two defenders on him into a 12 yard reception. Every touch can go boom with Barkley. I still don’t think the Eagles understand this.

Third, the Eagles defense might be really, really good. Look at what the Bengals have done since the Eagles shut them down in the 2nd half. I know the Cowboys were without their franchise quarterback, but they could not do anything. The schedule gets tougher now so we will know for sure, but the Vic Fangio has put all the pieces in the right place and it’s paying off. I can’t say enough about the young corners or how well they tackle in the open field. The Eagles have playmaking linebackers again. The pass rush is slowly coming along. Even Bryce Huff got involved. I no longer dread the defense coming onto the field. I think that’s a first since ~2018.

Fourth, Jahan Dotson got another big reception. If Hurts can get Dotson more involved in the offense, the Eagles ceiling may just disappear. Dotson is under contract through next season so it’s in the team’s interest to make this work. A breakout game from the former Penn State star would be huge for the offense.

Fifth, the Eagles will end the season with the Cowboys and Giants in weeks 17 and 18, respectively. Dallas is 3-6. Their franchise quarterback is done for the year and their coach is a lame duck, just waiting to be fired after the season. They’ll be playing for a top pick and will have no interest in winning a meaningless game. The Giants are dead last in the NFC at 2-8. As much as Brian Daboll will try, there’s no point in fighting your way out of a top pick, especially in the final week of the season. The Eagles could very well have a two week bye (three if they somehow manage to catch Detroit) heading into the playoffs. While that may not be ideal from a rhythm standpoint, it will be great for health.

There you go. I just stayed positive for over 600 words. I feel gross.