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Eagles Get Set To Face Cowboys Without Dez Bryant

By Ed Benkin

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Dez Bryant is one of the top receivers in the NFL, but a bad break will keep him sidelined on Sunday.

Bryant broke his foot during the Cowboys' victory over the Giants Sunday The Dallas wide receiver will be out 4-8 weeks, so the Eagles much-maligned secondary won't have to deal with Bryant this Sunday at the Linc. Eagles Safety Malcolm Jenkins wouldn't downplay the impact of Bryant's absence, but understands he and his teammates will still face a formidable Dallas attack on Sunday.

Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins. (credit: Ed Benkin/KYW)

"It's a little different," said Jenkins. "But not by much. Obviously, the emphasis goes a little more on (tight end) Jason Witten and the backs. There are other receivers that they have. They're more than capable of moving on without Dez."

Bryant's absence could still have a major impact on the game one week after Atlanta's Julio Jones carved up the Eagles secondary. It appears to be a big break for the defense, but Linebacker DeMeco Ryans had high praise for Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo. Ryans believes Romo has already proven he can win without his star wide receiver.

"He's a smart player," Ryans said. "He's another player who gets it done in the clutch. He's a big-time player."

One critical matchup for the Eagles will be how their defensive front handles the powerful Dallas offensive line. It is considered by many to be one of the best offensive lines in football, and Eagles Coach Chip Kelly is impressed with the way the Dallas front line has jelled in the early part of the season.

"I think they play well together," said Kelly. "They seem like they are always on the same page. There's not a lot of busts that go on with that group. There's a real consistency in terms of how they play."

Even with Bryant out of the lineup, the Cowboys may test Eagles Cornerback Byron Maxwell. The highly-touted off-season acquisition had a rough debut against Atlanta. However, Eagles Defensive Coordinator Bill Davis expressed complete confidence in Maxwell after the cornerback endured a week of heavy criticism.

"I've got nothing but confidence in Max," Davis said. "He's been a great football player in this league. He'll continue to be one for us. He did not have a good game. He's got to play better. He will play better. He can play better. He knows that. We know that."

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