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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field.Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Eagles Edge Cowboys 24-20: Top Takeaways From NFL TNF

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Howe Fresh | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 10:04 AM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles took the first game of the 2025-26 NFL season with a 24-20 victory on Thursday Night Football. This game was filled with bizarre and awkward moments, both game-related and not. It was a competitive and entertaining game at half-time, when the Eagles were up 21-20. What can be learned from the first game of the year, and how strange could the moments be?

Apparently, Eagles Can Spit

It takes a certain type of man to spit at another, and it is even worse to spit on someone. In between plays, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and Philadelphia defensive tackle Jalen Carter started an argument. The broadcast didn’t catch it at first, but showed later that Prescott was the first to spit towards the tackle. The two went face-to-face, and this is when Carter landed a wad on the opposing player.

The true intentions of Prescott are still unknown. Mike Garafalo reported about the post-game press conference on X. “I guess I needed to spit. I wasn’t going to spit on my linemen. I just spit ahead.” There’s no way to determine the quarterback’s intention with certainty from the video.

There’s no doubting what was learned about the third-year tackle. He is the type of man to purposely spit on another man, while at the same time, integral to the defense. Despite not capitalizing on the situation, Prescott generally had time to make his reads. Some regression was expected with the defensive turnover, but this highlights a lack of depth and reliance on a single player. His immaturity and physicality are truly proven in this one.

Eagles Vs. Cowboys

Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts looks to be in mid-season form. The man went 19/23 on pass attempts, but also rushed for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Prescott lived up to the Cowboys’ way of living, failing to capitalize on situational opportunities. It’s reminiscent of the last few years in Dallas. They have a top-heavy offense, with most attempts going to CeeDee Lamb. If they don’t win in a passing shootout, they have no chance of winning games.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) hands off the ball to running back Saquon Barkley (26) during the third quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field.Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

More game-changing moments were had in this game. Neither team seemed to have the same ambition after a weather delay. Another delay occurred on the first play of the game, a more somber moment. Not playing since Week 12 last year, Philadelphia fullback Ben VanSumeren had to be carted off the field after the initial snap of his return game. The Sun reports he may be out for the season with an ACL injury.

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End Of My Philadelphia Eagles Rant

Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley are in top form, but the team around them is showing more warts than last season. Prescott and wide receiver Lamb continue their relationship. It’s as if they are in a relationship and only have eyes for each other. It’ll be interesting to see the Eagles play against an elite or well-rounded team. Do they have too many holes to be the Super Bowl betting favorite?

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This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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