While the spotlight usually falls on the offensive stars in the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles matchup, everything matters in deciding the outcome of games like this. 

The defenses will play just as big of a role in the Week 1 victors.

Whether it’s a pash rusher who can wreck the game plan or a defensive back in the secondary who can snag a couple pass breakups, both teams need their defense to show up, show out, and hopefully snag a turnover or two.

Cowboys Defenders to Watch

It feels wrong to say games are won in the trenches without mentioning a defensive lineman, and it feels just as wrong to talk about the Cowboys right now without bringing up the Micah Parsons trade.

That deal sent two first-round picks and Kenny Clark to Dallas, making him a centerpiece in the conversation.

Clark’s ability to collapse the pocket and command the middle could disrupt the Eagles' run game and force quarterback Jalen Hurts into uncomfortable spots.

If he controls the trenches, the Cowboys gain a major edge in slowing down Philadelphia's high-powered offense.

On Aug. 31, DaRon Bland became the sixth highest paid cornerback in the league.  He signed a four-year, $92 million extension with $50 million guaranteed.

He’s about to show us all that he’s worth that.

If Bland can lock down his assignment on each play and create turnovers, he has the potential to swing momentum and give Dallas a big edge in a matchup where every possession matters.

While the Cowboys hope to dominate in the trenches, the Eagles’ defense will be just as crucial, posing their own set of challenges that Dallas will need to navigate carefully.

Eagles Defenders to Watch

The obvious X-factor for the Philly defense is obvious standout, cornerback Cooper DeJean. He has really been the talk of the offseason for the Eagles defense.

However, there's no discussion to be had of the Eagles defense without mentioning Zack Baun. 

Baun posted 151 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2024. If he is able to make tackles near the line of scrimmage, he helps Philadelphia in a big time way in pursuit of a win over the Cowboys.

Baun’s versatility as a linebacker allows him to both pressure the quarterback and shut down the run.  

This matchup could come down to which defense asserts itself first.

Kenny Clark and DaRon Bland will be pivotal for Dallas in controlling the trenches and the secondary, while Zack Baun could be the difference maker for the Eagles by disrupting the Cowboys’ rhythm.

Expect a battle of wills on both sides of the ball, where every tackle, sack, and turnover could swing momentum in a game that promises to be as physical as it is high-stakes.