Eagles' Cox: 'It's time to see the real leadership'
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox called out his team following its 33-13 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.
"I think the biggest thing for this team now is really find out who the dudes are," Cox said, according to Dave Zangaro of NBC Philadelphia. "And that's always the case. And I've been part of teams where the dudes in the locker room do something about it. And I've been a part of the team where, you know, it kind of crumbles.
"But now it's time to see the real leadership. The real players. The guys that are elite on this team, myself included, step up and do something about it. Get this team another win."
The Eagles have now lost back-to-back games to the San Francisco 49ers and Cowboys by a combined score of 75-32. Their Week 14 loss drops them out of first place in the NFC and NFC East.
Philadelphia's defense surrendered 24 points in Sunday's first half, a continuation of problems from the contest versus the 49ers. The Eagles allowed 66 points on their last 11 drives heading into the second half against the Cowboys. The unit bounced back with a defensive touchdown in the third quarter, but the damage had already been done.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts and the offense failed to score a touchdown in the game, with the team's points coming from two Jake Elliott field goals and a defensive score. A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jalen Hurts all fumbled inside Cowboys territory, which halted offensive production. The Eagles only have 26 first-half points in their last four contests combined.
Opponents have also outgained Philadelphia in six straight games. The Eagles now have a worse point differential than the 6-7 New Orleans Saints.
"It's something we're going through, not something we're stuck in," Hurts said postgame, per Zangaro. "I think that this team will continue to get things done. It's going to continue to be challenged. It's all in how we respond to that. I think it's a beautiful opportunity for us."
He added: "We all have to be better. That starts with me. ... That starts with me as a leader. The tone that I set. I embrace that challenge."
The 10-3 Eagles face a much easier schedule down the stretch. Philadelphia's final four opponents have a combined record of 17-33, and the club can win the NFC East if it finishes the regular season unbeaten.