Eagles Triumph Over Cowboys 24-20 in Thrilling Season Opener

The Philadelphia Eagles secured a thrilling 24-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in their season opener on September 14, 2025. The game, marked by intense rivalry and unexpected drama, began with Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter being ejected for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott before the first play. The Eagles celebrated the unveiling of their 2024 championship banner with a hard-fought win, despite the early turbulence.

Both teams faced challenges as they adjusted to key absences. The Eagles, without Carter in the middle of their defense, and the Cowboys, who were without edge rusher Micah Parsons, struggled to find their rhythm early on. The game unfolded with a series of pivotal moments that ultimately favored the defending champions.

Key Moments That Shaped the Game

The Eagles’ quarterback, Jalen Hurts, continued his impressive form from last season, scoring two rushing touchdowns and extending his NFL record for quarterbacks to 16 games with multiple rushing touchdowns. His ability to exploit large gaps in the Cowboys’ defense was crucial in maintaining the Eagles’ lead throughout the contest.

One of the defining moments came late in the third quarter. The Cowboys were on the verge of taking the lead when Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell intercepted a fumble by running back Miles Sanders deep in Philadelphia territory. This turnover allowed the Eagles to maintain a four-point advantage and shifted the momentum back in their favor. Mitchell’s celebration included a simulated “tush push” into the end zone, highlighting the camaraderie within the Eagles’ defense.

Despite the victory, the Eagles faced disciplinary issues, racking up an alarming 93 penalty yards in the first half, the highest for any team since the Cowboys’ 107 penalty yards in Week 13 of 2023. The Eagles had previously recorded 91 penalty yards in a single game last season, indicating a need for improvement in this area.

Cowboys’ Challenges and Bright Spots

For the Cowboys, the absence of Parsons loomed large as they aimed for a strong start under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. The team displayed promising signs, staying competitive throughout the match, but ultimately fell victim to critical mistakes. A significant 51-yard pass from Hurts to receiver Jahan Dotson set up a go-ahead score, which the Cowboys could not recover from.

Dallas experienced a costly fumble by Sanders at the Eagles’ 10-yard line during a crucial drive, marking their only turnover of the game. In the fourth quarter, receiver CeeDee Lamb had a challenging outing, dropping key passes that could have shifted the game’s outcome. These missteps contributed to the Cowboys’ fourth loss in their past five meetings against the Eagles, a stark reminder of the thin margins in the NFL.

Despite the defeat, Prescott’s performance offered some hope for the Cowboys. He displayed agility, making several critical plays with his legs, a facet of his game that had been limited due to injuries in previous seasons. His ability to evade defenders and make key passes demonstrated his potential to lead the team effectively moving forward.

As both teams prepare for their next challenges, the Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs on September 14, while the Cowboys look to rebound against the New York Giants on the same day. The opening game of the 2025 NFL season showcased the intensity of the rivalry and set the stage for an exciting season ahead.