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.