These 5 Eagles must get off to hot starts against Cowboys to avoid massive upset

In less than 24 hours, Philadelphia Eagles fans hope to celebrate not only their second Super Bowl championship one last time but also a season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys.

The expectations are high for the Eagles as they are looking to repeat as champions. They have to go through their division rivals first, but if last season was any indication (combined score of 75-13), this should be a cake walk.

That doesn't mean there isn't pressure on the team to perform. There are individuals on the Eagles who must get off to fast starts to prove themselves and set a tone for a strong 2025 campaign.

Dallas Goedert, TE

Everyone focuses on the fact that Goedert has not been as reliable in staying on the field after missing 15 games in the last three years. When he is on the field, Goedert is averaging 11.7 yards per reception in his career and has consistently been Jalen Hurts' number three target.

After taking a pay cut to stay one more year, Goedert not only has something to prove to the Eagles' organization, but the rest of the NFL that he can play at a high level. A strong opening night performance against the name of the city he has would go a long way.

Tyler Steen, RG

While this won't be Steen's first start with the Eagles, it will be the first time he will be a full-time starter for the team. This would mark the fourth career start for Steen, who is taking over for Mekhi Becton at right guard.

Steen is going to have some tough matchups against the Cowboys, with Dallas most likely going to have three-time Pro Bowler Kenny Clark lining up against the "inexperienced" Steen. After his preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Steen proved that he earned the job. Now he has to earn the right to hold on to it for a long time.

Jalyx Hunt, EDGE

Hunt came on strong late in the season when Brandon Graham and Bryce Huff were dealing with injuries. After his 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits in the postseason, the Eagles were comfortable enough letting Josh Sweat walk in free agency and trading Huff away.

This will mark the second career start for the second-year edge rusher, but he looks the part to be the second top pass rusher behind Nolan Smith Jr. Eagles fans didn't get to see his improvement in the preseason, but if he can knock Dak Prescott to the ground once or twice, that would show the league he's ready to break out.

JIhaad Campbell, LB

The rookie out of Alabama is in line to start after a tremendous first training camp with the Eagles. Campbell had been battling with Jeremiah Trotter Jr. throughout camp, and while they might split reps on the field against Dallas, Campbell might see the field more.

What makes Campbell so dangerous is his versatility to rush off the edge in pass-rushing situations while stopping the run in the middle. The Eagles are without Nakobe Dean for at least four games, and Campbell will be leaned on to live up to his first-round grade.

Sydney Brown, S

There might not be a player with more concern from the fan base than Brown, who beat out rookie second-round pick Andrew Mukuba for the job. Brown did not get as much playing time last year in Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's scheme, as he missed the first part of the year recovering from his ACL injury.

Dallas is going to test Brown early and often in pass coverage with slot receivers and tight ends lining up against him. Brown has big shoes to fill with C.J. Gardner-Johnson in Houston, so a bad game against the Cowboys could send Brown to the bench in favor of Mukuba quickly.