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Eagles-Cowboys on Monday Night Football: Who takes first place in the NFC East? | Early Birds

The Eagles head to Dallas for a showdown that will determine who sits atop the NFC East early in the season.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni wears a "BEAT DALLAS" t-shirt while talking with reporters at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia, Pa. on Thursday, September 23, 2021. The Philadelphia Eagles take on the Dallas Cowboys on Monday in Dallas.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni wears a "BEAT DALLAS" t-shirt while talking with reporters at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia, Pa. on Thursday, September 23, 2021. The Philadelphia Eagles take on the Dallas Cowboys on Monday in Dallas.Read moreMONICA HERNDON / Staff Photographer

Good morning, Eagles fans! It’s game day. The Eagles travel to face the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. It’s still early in the season, but this Week 3 matchup will elevate the victor into first place in the NFC East.

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Josh Tolentino (earlybirds@inquirer.com)

Filling the Graham void

When the Eagles step onto the turf at AT&T Stadium, they’ll be led by multiple players including quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receiver DeVonta Smith, defensive lineman Fletcher Cox, cornerback Darius Slay and defensive end Josh Sweat.

It was Sweat, 24, who signed contract extension worth up to $42 million last weekend, cementing his role in the team’s future for multiple seasons. This year, Sweat has already played a carer-high 48% of the team’s defensive snaps. His role is expected to increase with veteran Brandon Graham out for the year with a torn Achilles injury.

Sweat, along with defensive lineman Javon Hargrave, have flashed during the first two games. Both players will look to carry that momentum into Dallas.

“It just shows that they have plans going forward,” Sweat said. “Whatever they have planned, it is what it is. I’m just going to play the role that I’m in right now. That’s what got me here. Just doing what I’ve been doing regardless of what it is.”

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