The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 31-24 on Sunday in a crucial NFC East showdown at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys improved to 6-2 and took the lead in the division, while the Eagles dropped to 7-2 and lost some key players to injuries.
Tyron Smith returns, boosts Cowboys offense
The Cowboys had their full offensive line back for the first time since Week 1, as left tackle Tyron Smith played despite a neck issue that limited him in practice. Smith’s presence was felt as he helped protect quarterback Dak Prescott, who threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns. Prescott also ran for a score and did not turn the ball over.
The Cowboys offense was balanced and efficient, as they gained 421 total yards and converted 8 of 13 third downs. Running back Ezekiel Elliott had 105 rushing yards and a touchdown, while wide receivers Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb each had over 80 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Eagles lose Roby, Barnett, and Calcaterra to injuries
The Eagles were already without four players before the game, including backup cornerback Bradley Roby, who missed his third straight game with a shoulder injury. During the game, they lost two more defensive starters: defensive end Derek Barnett and linebacker Grant Calcaterra.
Barnett suffered a concussion in the first quarter and did not return. He is the Eagles’ leader in sacks with six. Calcaterra, who is also the team’s second tight end on offense, left the game in the second quarter with a rib injury and was ruled out. He had two catches for 18 yards before exiting.
The Eagles defense struggled to contain the Cowboys offense, as they allowed 31 points and 421 yards. They also failed to force any turnovers or record any sacks.
Eagles offense rallies late, but falls short
The Eagles offense had a slow start, as they trailed 17-3 at halftime. Quarterback Jalen Hurts had a rough first half, as he completed only 8 of 18 passes for 87 yards and an interception. He also lost a fumble that was recovered by the Cowboys.
However, Hurts bounced back in the second half, as he led three touchdown drives to keep the Eagles in the game. He finished with 264 passing yards and two touchdowns, and added 67 rushing yards and a touchdown. He connected with wide receiver Devonta Smith for both of his passing scores, as the rookie had seven catches for 122 yards.
The Eagles had a chance to tie the game in the final minutes, but Hurts was sacked on fourth down by Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory, who had a career-high three sacks. The Cowboys then ran out the clock to seal the win.
Cowboys take control of NFC East, Eagles look to regroup
The Cowboys now have a one-game lead over the Eagles in the NFC East, and also hold the tiebreaker by virtue of their head-to-head win. The Cowboys have won four of their last five games, and have a favorable schedule ahead, with four of their next five games at home.
The Eagles, meanwhile, have lost two of their last three games, and face a tough challenge next week, as they host the 8-1 Los Angeles Rams. The Eagles will have to hope that their injured players can recover soon, and that their defense can improve against the high-powered Rams offense.
