In a Sunday night clash at AT&T Stadium, the Philadelphia Eagles faced a significant setback, losing 33-13 to the Dallas Cowboys. This defeat marked their second consecutive loss in as many weeks, casting a shadow as they enter the crucial final stretch of the regular season.
Key Takeaways from Eagles vs. Cowboys
The NFC East landscape now sees the Eagles and Cowboys tied at 10-3, setting the stage for an intense competition for divisional supremacy.
As the Eagles struggled with a slow offensive start throughout the season, their woes persisted in this game. Jake Elliott’s two field goals were the only source of points in the first half, highlighting the team’s struggle to find the end zone.
Final from Dallas@UnibetUS | #PHIvsDAL pic.twitter.com/swmlu1NhTq
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 11, 2023
The Eagles’ offensive troubles were compounded by three crucial fumbles, each proving costly. The lone touchdown for the Eagles came from a defensive play, with Fletcher Cox strip-sacking Dak Prescott, allowing rookie Jalen Carter to scoop up the ball and score.
Despite Jalen Hurts‘ efforts, completing 18 of 27 passes for 197 yards, the Eagles fell short against Dak Prescott, who delivered a standout performance with two touchdowns and 271 yards.
The Eagles aim to bounce back in the upcoming Monday Night Football matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
Key Moments in the Eagles vs. Cowboys Clash
- Aubrey Extends Cowboys Lead: Brandon Aubrey’s 45-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter widened the Cowboys‘ lead to 30-13, emphasizing the Eagles’ offensive struggles.
- Carter’s Defensive Touchdown: Jalen Carter’s touchdown after Fletcher Cox’s strip-sack injected some life into the Eagles’ performance, bringing the score to 24-13 early in the third quarter.
- Turnovers Haunt Eagles: The Eagles grappled with turnovers, with fumbles from A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith proving costly. Despite the challenges, the Eagles managed to avoid immediate consequences in some instances.
- Blankenship’s Concussion Evaluation: Safety Reed Blankenship’s concussion evaluation adds to the Eagles’ defensive concerns, leaving them thin in a crucial position.
- Halftime Score: At halftime, the Cowboys led 24-6, showcasing Dak Prescott‘s success through the air and the Eagles’ offensive struggles.
Elliott’s Field Goals and Dowdle’s Touchdown
- Elliott’s Accuracy: Jake Elliott’s consistent field goals (44 and 52 yards) were the Eagles’ only scoring plays, emphasizing the team’s difficulties in reaching the end zone.
- Dowdle’s Touchdown Ruling: Rico Dowdle’s 1-yard run initially ruled as down at the 1-yard line was eventually declared a touchdown after a challenge, extending the Cowboys‘ lead to 17-3.
- Fake Punt and Elliott’s 52-yard Field Goal: The Eagles attempted a fake punt, with Braeden Mann’s pass to Olamide Zaccheaus setting up Jake Elliott’s successful 52-yard field goal, putting the Eagles on the board at 10-3.
Early Game Highlights and Hurdles
- Cowboys’ Opening Drive: The Cowboys swiftly took the lead with a 75-yard, 10-play drive culminating in CeeDee Lamb’s 13-yard touchdown reception from Dak Prescott.
- Hurts’ Fumble: Jalen Hurts‘ early fumble in Dallas territory set the tone for the Eagles’ offensive challenges, contributing to a 7-0 Cowboys