The contest opened with controversy as Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected before the first play from scrimmage after spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during a stoppage in play. This incident set an intense tone for the rest of the game.
Despite Carter’s absence, the Eagles offense, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, quickly found rhythm. Hurts completed his first six passes and scored two rushing touchdowns—scrambles of 8 and 4 yards—that matched Cowboys touchdowns each time. He also connected with wide receiver Jahan Dotson for a 51-yard pass, setting up a 10-yard touchdown run by new acquisition Saquon Barkley, giving the Eagles their first lead of the season late in the first half.
On the other side, Prescott, healthy after last season’s injury, showed mobility and accuracy. He led the Cowboys with a key 32-yard pass to CeeDee Lamb, setting up two short touchdown runs by Javonte Williams. New Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s offense looked sharp, and kicker Brandon Aubrey added a late field goal to keep Dallas close.
At halftime, the Eagles led 21-20, with both teams trading scores in an evenly matched contest. The Eagles’ previous season was defined by their top-ranked defense, but Carter’s ejection tested their depth early. Still, Hurts and the offense showed resilience, dispelling early worries of a Super Bowl hangover.
The Eagles closed out the preseason with a 19-17 win over the Jets, finishing 2-1, and entered this high-stakes opener with momentum. Their performance against the Cowboys suggests that the team remains a strong contender in the NFC, especially with new additions like Barkley complementing their established core.
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