FRISCO – The season opener is a little more than a week away and several Cowboys players have already started looking at game tape of their opponent, the Eagles.
“I’ve been watching every single preseason game just to get a feel for them,” right tackle Terence Steele said. “And I just love watching film and watching other teams, how they approach, how they attack just different defenses. I’ve been watching them.”
Steele said he started looking at the Eagles last week, and that jives with quarterback Dak Prescott’s approach as well.
“Probably (since the) second preseason game as guys were watching (Baltimore),” Prescott said. “Starting watching just some Philly tape, whether it be their playoff run from last year, a couple of games against us. (Just) started that a while back.”
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The Cowboys lost both meetings to the Eagles by a combined score of 75-13 last season. Of course, the Cowboys are hoping for a different outcome. The Thursday night season opener should be a rocking affair, given the Eagles will get celebrated by their fans as the defending Super Bowl champions on opening night.
Tight end Jake Ferguson said he started watching tape of the Eagles with tight ends coach Lunda Wells two weeks ago. Ferguson also said they got “a peek at some Giants tape, the last week and half.” The Cowboys play the Giants in Week 2.
“It’s important to look at everything, us having to play them twice a year, going back into last year,” Ferguson said. “Both games even, and then also just flagging the preseason reps if their starters are in.”
Briefly
The Cowboys announced tackle La’el Collins was released and cornerback Christian Matthew was waived/injured. Also, guard Nick Broeker, defensive tackle Denzel Daxon, wide receiver Josh Kelly, corner Troy Pride and tight ends Tyler Neville and John Stephens were waived. Rookie running back Phil Mafah most likely will start the season on injured reserve/returnable with a shoulder injury. Mafah suffered the injury in the final preseason game. … Rookie defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote changed numbers. He’s now wearing No. 92.
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