Can the Eagles win without T.O.?

The Philadelphia Eagles continue life without T.O. on Monday night as they welcome the Dallas Cowboys in a game that means as much to them as any in recent seasons, except for last year's Superbowl. T.O., of course, is Terrell Owens, who has been suspended for four games for his outspoken criticism of the team and may never be allowed back.

Lack of team spirit can hamper teams but the thing about Owens is that for all his faults off the pitch, once the game begins he is the ultimate professional and one of the sport's very best. He will be missed by Philadelphia and it will be interesting to see how the Eagles do against the Cowboys, who stand at 5 and 3 on the season and in contention for a play-off spot, and who, more importantly, hammered the Eagles in Dallas last month.

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McNabb and the Eagles offence remain a potent threat, even though the quarter-back has struggled through injury again this season. The Eagles are 4 and 4, and need to get on some sort of roll if they are to reach the play-offs and if they are to have any chance of going one better than last year, when they were beaten by the Patriots in the Superbowl. The Eagles have been managing almost 300 yards of passing alone in each match and while their rushing game has been pretty average.

It will be very interesting to see how this game pans out, because when the two teams met last month, Dallas, who are usually an excellent rushing side, came out firing in the air and scored on six of their first seven possessions. The Eagles were stunned and with McNabb hobbling around and with the running game almost invisible, they were too predictable and picked off by the Cowboys.

Everything points to a closer game this time round, but the Eagles need to find a balance between passing and running if they're to unsettle the Cowboys' defence. And remember, McNabb has no Owens to throw to when he needs a big play.

For me, this one is too close to call, but if I had to pick, I would just about go in favour of Philadelphia, who have a point to prove and revenge to take.

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.