A month ago, the Eagles-Cowboys matchup slated for Sunday night on NBC looked to be shaping up as a classic dud highlighted by the thuds of Dallas continuing its freefall to the basement of the NFC East.

What a difference a coaching change makes.

While the Cowboys will be spending another January watching the NFL playoffs on Jerry Jones’ megatron HDTV, the fact is the team can play spoiler. And, the Eagles are on the schedule. Twice. Starting with next Sunday in Dallas.

Jason Garrett has given the Cowgirls newfound confidence. Dallas, winners of three of its last four games, will battle the Eagles on Sunday night. The Eagles must win to stay atop the NFC East.

Since canning Wade Phillips three years too late, the Cowboys have somehow rejuvenated themselves under Jason Garrett and won three of their last four. They battled for a fairly impressive overtime win in Indianapolis yesterday.

Garrett’s Cowboys will not roll over for anyone, especially the Eagles, a team trying to win the NFC East. Granted, the Cowboys are still without Tony Romo. However, John Kitna, fresh off the Lions scrap heap, has played within the system and not made many mistakes. He’s let Felix Jones and Tasharted “His Pants” Choice run the ball effectively.

Sure, the Cowboys defense is ranked in the mid-to-late 20s in the NFL. Still, they have talent and are starting to be a bit stingier. Just ask Payton manning who tossed a four gifts the Cowboys way.

What once looked like a laugher now has meaning. On one hand, you want the easy win. on the other, thanks to Jerry Jones for canning Phillips. Now, this week does have meaning and a reason for us to treat this like a classic Dallas-Hating Week.