Cowboys' Stars Crumble in Crunch Time, Eagles Win

PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Dallas Cowboys saw victory snatched away by the jaws of defeat against their bitter rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, on NFL's Opening Night. With less than two minutes to play, the Cowboys had an opportunity to take the lead, but failed miserably due to several dropped passes by Dallas' stars in crunch time. Dallas fell, 24-20.

The heated rivalry took an unusual turn early. Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott before the first snap of the game.

Despite the early fireworks, Philadelphia settled in to celebrate its 2024 championship banner unveiling with a win in front of a raucous home crowd at Lincoln Financial Field. Quarterback Jalen Hurts led the defending champions with two rushing touchdowns and 48 yards on the ground. 

The Cowboys, playing their first game under head coach Brian Schottenheimer and adjusting to life without recently traded linebacker Micah Parsons, kept the contest close but stumbled in key moments.

Receiver CeeDee Lamb dropped three passes in the fourth quarter, including a crucial fourth-down attempt that ended the Cowboys' final drive. Running back Miles Sanders also fumbled deep in Eagles territory after a 49-yard run that had Dallas threatening to take the lead late in the third quarter.

The turnover was recovered by Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, who celebrated with teammates in a simulated "tush push" formation.

Despite Carter’s ejection and the defensive disruptions, Philadelphia's defense held firm late, forcing key stops to secure the win.

Prescott, returning from a 2024 hamstring tear, looked agile in the pocket, evading defenders on multiple plays and picking up critical yards with his legs. While his final numbers were modest, his movement marked a promising sign after back-to-back seasons with leg injuries.

Hurts, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, remained sharp throughout, leading scoring drives with precision and extending plays with his legs. His connection with new receiver Jahan Dotson, who hauled in a 51-yard pass, helped spark the Eagles' offense.

Despite the loss, Dallas looked explosive early and may need a few weeks to adjust to life without former Cowboy, Micah Parsons, on defense. However, Dallas looked excellent in spurts on offense. Dak Prescott looked to have completely recovered from the hamstring issue and was accurate all night.

The Eagles (1-0) travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs on September 14, while the Cowboys (0-1) return to AT&T Stadium to host the New York Giants that same afternoon.