The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys Open Up 2025 In Crazy Fashion!

Before the first snap of the game, Eagle Jalen Carter spat on Dak Prescott and got ejected from the game. Philly’s best pass rusher and arguably its best defender was taken out of the equation right from the get-go. His absence changed everything for both teams game plan and it enabled Dallas to feel like they could have some success running the ball.

In the early part of the game, that sentiment proved to be right. Newly acquired Javonte Williams scored on the first two drives of the game. He had a little bit over 50 yards and two scores 2 scores in the first half, and a nice little resurgence that was cool to see.

The Eagles, however, did not waver. The Eagles also scored on their first two possessions with runs of their own from Jalen Hurts. In the first half, there were zero punts. There was a score in every possession to open up the season.

The scoring continued midway through the second half, with Philly going up 24-20 and Dallas with a chance to answer. The Cowboys got deep in Eagles territory late in the third, but former Eagle Miles Sanders fumbled in the red zone. That was the first possession of the night that did not end in points.

Immediately after that turnover, there was a lightning delay. Play ceased at 10:25 PM ET and resumed at 11:30 PM ET. After that moment, the defenses woke up. Six possessions took place, excluding the final one where the Eagles knelt on the ball. On those six possessions, five of them resulted in punts, and one ended on a turnover on downs.

It was a tale of two completely different games. At first, it looked like neither defense could stop a nose bleed, and then moments later, Prescott and Hurts couldn’t do anything with the ball in their hands.

The game did not lack any drama or craziness, and that’s what the fans wanted to see, especially between two heated divisional rivals. It was a fantastic way to start the season.

Wide Receivers?

The receiver production in this game was baffling. The Eagles could not find AJ Brown or DeVonta Smith at all against a weak Dallas secondary. The dynamic tandem combined for four catches and 24 yards. It was bizarre to see and there was no reason they should have struggled.

For the Cowboys, the same could be said for George Pickens. Early on, he was targeted a bit, which led to some pass interferences being drawn, but outside of that was not very much featured. For an offense that must rely on the passing game, they didn’t spread the ball around as much as one would think.

Despite all that, the most unusual performance actually came from the receiver that did produce. Ceedee Lamb was on fire, especially early in the game. In the first quarter alone, he had over 70 yards.

Lamb finished with seven catches for 100 yards, but he should have had a lot more. In the second half, he had three crucial drops. One was on third down, and one came on their final drive, which was a deep throw that would have put Dallas in the red zone. The one that will stick with him will be the one that he dropped on fourth and three down the left sideline with a chance to keep the drive alive.

By no means was it an easy catch, but the elites come down with that. It was an uncharacteristic last couple of drives for him.

Never Predict A Blowout In The NFL

This game should be exhibit A for why fans and analysts should never predict a blowout at the pro level. In a game where one team lost its best player, and the other just won a Super Bowl, it was a game that ended 24-20.

The circumstances were so different for each team, and it was still close. That is why one should never expect a blowout, especially in a division game. This type of stuff is seen all the time in sports.

There was just no way the Cowboys were going to lie down and let the Eagles steamroll them. Especially on banner night and in Philly’s house. There is always something to prove against a division rival, especially after losing a player of Micah Parsons’ caliber.

End Of Cowboys Eagles Rant

The kickers deserve a shoutout, too. Jake Elliot and Brandon Aubrey both nailed kicks north of 50 yards in crucial points in the game. Not only that, the new kick off rules put kickers at a disadvantage.

With the touchback allowing teams to start at the 35-yard line, kickers have to be more creative so their kicks are returned. Both of them did a fine job of that in this game.

Overall, it was a fun game and a nice way to kick off the 2025 NFL season. Hopefully, the game on Friday Night can match or even exceed that energy.

Another divisional matchup on the way!