Rough, rough weekend for those Cowboys

"TO stinks. Boo. Get outta here."

This is where the rubber meets the world for the Dallas Cowboys.

The bye week is over and so are those silly non-conference and non-division games. Three straight division games, two on the road. This week, those hated Philadelphia Eagles.

These next three games define the 2007-08 Cowboys. Frankly, taking all three is the only real option for those who think this team is Super Bowl-bound. You beat teams like Washington and Philly. And you take down teams like the Giants, even on the road. These teams are by no means invincible.

But this week matters the most. The Eagles just play the Cowboys tough and it's time for Dallas to step up to the big-boy's table. Super Bowl teams win these games. Otherwise, same ol' song and dance.

Then there's the drama. Andy Reid's kids. Donovan McNabb mouthing off. Roy Williams mouthing off back. Juicy times.

Five things to watch:

Terrell Owens
The Patriots game might have deserved popcorn, but this game probably deserves the Cherry Coke, Hot Tamales and jumbo tub of extra butter. Games against former teams are huge. Games against former teams for Terrell Owens is gigantic. He'd love to stick it to his former team and their fans.

Those Crazy Linebackers
The Eagles have one weapon: Brian Westbrook. I call him a "weapon" because generally he's considered as such. I think he's frightfully overrated. But that's me. Anyway, the danger of Westbrook is him coming out of the backfield and catching passes. That means a lot of coverage by the likes of DeMarcus Ware, Greg Ellis, Anthony Spencer, Bradie James and others. The Cowboys could be screwed.

Anthony Henry
Hentry's high ankle sprain has been the longest rehabbing non-big deal in Cowboys history. He's going to have to play this week as a third corner or dime guy or something.

Tony Romo
If there's a poor week to have a bad game, this is it. Less than seven days after getting $31 million guaranteed, he might work really hard to play well. Otherwise, he'll have to etake a bite of a giant shit media sandwich.

"The Upset"
Philadelphia is the best 3-4, fourth place team in the NFL. Top 10 rankings all around. I wouldn't think the Cowboys are overlooking the Eagles at any point the last 20 years, but they better not start now.

Prediction:
Philadelphia Eagles 24, Dallas Cowboys 21
Loss No. 2. And the NFC East becomes as clear as mud.