The Dallas Cowboys came into Philadelphia as 8.5-point underdogs after a drama-heavy offseason and without defensive star Micah Parsons. Many expected the Eagles to roll, but Dallas kept the game close before falling 24-20 in Sunday’s season opener.
The Cowboys couldn’t get the last scoring drive they needed, and a costly Miles Sanders turnover ended their shot at a late comeback. Still, there were real positives Dallas can take into next week’s matchup with the New York Giants.
Here are three encouraging takeaways from the narrow loss.
1. The offensive line stepped up
The Eagles’ defence made things easier for Dallas after Galen Carter was ejected on the opening kickoff for spitting on Dak Prescott. Without him, the Cowboys’ line held up well.
First-round pick Tyler Booker was solid in pass protection, while Cooper Beebe opened running lanes and helped create balance on offence. Dallas ran for 119 yards at an efficient 5.4 yards per carry.
Tyler Guyton, who needed a bounce-back year, delivered a clean game against Philadelphia’s rush. The line kept Prescott from being sacked once, though some credit goes to Prescott himself for escaping pressure and extending plays.
2. Dak Prescott looked sharp in his return
Prescott looked in rhythm from the start. He read coverage well, adjusted plays at the line, and kept the offence moving.
His mobility was key too. On one play, he slipped away from 340-pound Jordan Davis to scramble for a short gain. On another, he dodged pressure and bought time to find receivers.
Prescott led a smooth two-minute drill before halftime, pulling the Cowboys within one point. Not every throw was perfect, but he was decisive and accurate for most of the night. He even made a touchdown-saving tackle on Quinton Mitchell after Sanders’ fumble, showing his willingness to put his body on the line in his tenth season.
3. The defence tightened up when needed
The Cowboys struggled to contain Jalen Hurts, who escaped the pocket for two rushing scores, but they limited the rest of the Eagles’ play makers.
Quonset Barkley finished with just 60 yards on 14 carries, and Philadelphia’s rushing attack cooled off after nearly hitting 100 yards by the middle of the second quarter.
Defensive coordinator Matt Superfluous dialled up timely blitzes to speed up Hurts’ reads, forcing quick throws and giving Dallas chances to get the ball back late. The secondary also shut down the Eagles’ top receivers, holding A.J. Brown and Devon ta Smith to four catches for only 24 yards combined.
It wasn’t a perfect night, but against a tough Eagles team on the road, Dallas showed grit and progress that should carry into Week 2.
