Jalen Carter

Eagles Hold Off Cowboys in Season Opener, 24-20, after Lightning ‌Delay

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles began their Super Bowl‍ defense with⁤ a hard-fought 24-20⁣ victory⁢ over ⁤the Dallas Cowboys Sunday night,⁤ weathering a persistent comeback attempt from a Dallas team playing without Micah Parsons. The game, delayed for over an hour in the third quarter‌ due​ to lightning, saw the Eagles’ offense showcase its versatility while their defense ⁣was tested ​more thoroughly than it often was during their championship ​run.

Dallas’ offense proved potent, moving the ball with ⁤ease​ against a unit that led the NFL in yards allowed last season and stifled Patrick ⁢Mahomes ‍and the Chiefs ‍in Super Bowl LVIII. The Cowboys scored on their first four possessions, with Javonte ‍williams scoring two 1-yard touchdowns and‍ Brandon Aubrey adding two field goals.

The Eagles responded, with saquon Barkley scoring a touchdown with 51 seconds ⁣remaining in the first half.However, Philadelphia’s‍ offense proved the more consistent force.⁤ Jalen Hurts ran for two touchdowns – both‍ on​ non-tush push​ plays – a 4-yard score and an 8-yard ⁤score. He‌ also connected‍ with jahan Dotson on a 51-yard pass ⁣that set up barkley’s 10-yard touchdown⁢ run late in the half. At halftime, the Cowboys trailed 21-20.The ‍game was paused with 4:44 left in the third quarter due⁣ to ‍lightning, with the⁢ Eagles leading 24-20. The‌ delay lasted just over an hour, resuming play at 11:30 p.m. ET. A Miles Sanders fumble⁣ at the Philadelphia 11-yard line instantly before the⁢ delay appeared‍ to galvanize the Eagles’ defense.

Despite the ⁤Cowboys’ offensive⁣ success, and even after ⁢Sanders⁢ broke free for a⁢ 49-yard‌ gain only to be tackled by linebacker Zack Baun, the Eagles ⁤ultimately held‌ on. A late drive by Dallas was thwarted ​by⁣ dropped ⁤passes from CeeDee Lamb, including ⁢a deep ball that would have placed the Cowboys inside the 20-yard line.

The Eagles, pushed‍ to ‍their limit by a resilient Cowboys squad, ran out the clock to ⁤secure the win. It was a stark⁤ contrast to much of last season, where they rarely faced such sustained pressure.