Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys pulled out to a comfortable first-half lead on the back of a stout defensive performance and balanced offensive attack. In the second half, the Cowboys continued to pull away from their division rivals. The Eagles normally strong run defense was exposed for solid gains and multiple scores on the ground and the Cowboys added multiple impressive gains through the air during the divisional rout. This game has all the makings of one that could have massive significance later in the year.
Philadelphia Eagles
Quarterback
- Carson Wentz: 16/26, 191 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT | 4 Carries, 12 Yards
Carson Wentz had a rough start to the game after suffering a fumble at the hands of the Cowboys Damarcus Lawrence. Things never got much better from there. Wentz was often rushed and hit during his passing attempts and was visibly limping at the two-minute warning in the second quarter after a big hit. After a first-quarter largely dominated by the Cowboys, Wentz put the Eagles on the board with a beautiful touchdown pass to Dallas Goedert. The Cowboys committed two 15 yard penalties to keep the drive alive, but the Eagles took advantage. Wentz hit his tight end with a perfect pass on a crossing route into the endzone on a nicely designed play. Wentz was under consistent pressure and had several turnovers on the night. Outside of the Cowboys penalty aided drive in the second quarter, the Eagles weren’t able to get much of anything going on the night.
Running Backs
- Jordan Howard: 11 Carries, 50 Yard | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 6 Yards
- Boston Scott: 7 Carries, 32 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 5 Yards
- Miles Sanders: 6 Carries, 21 Yards | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 11 Yards
Jordan Howard had several strong runs during the game. He diagnosed the defense correctly and read his blocks perfectly to rack up several big gains early on. As the game got more out of hand for the Eagles, Howard’s rushing attempts quickly dried up. He will continue to demand a bulk of the Eagles carries if he continues to put together similar performances.
Miles Sanders was patient early on and was more involved in the Eagles passing game than any of the other running backs but continued to play second fiddle to Howard. Sanders makes a nice complementary back for the Eagles but will continue to stay locked in a rotation in Philadelphia’s backfield.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
- Dallas Goedert: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 69 Yards, 1 TD
- Zach Ertz: 5 Targets, 2 Receptions, 38 Yards
- Alshon Jeffery: 5 Targets, 2 Receptions, 38 Yards
- Nelson Agholor: 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 24 Yards
- Mack Hollins: 1 Target, 0 Receptions
The Eagles’ most successful pass catcher of the evening was their tight end Dallas Goedert. He ran a beautiful crossing route for a touchdown into a vacated part of the endzone to snatch the Eagles only touchdown grab of the game. He had several other nice catches and looked quick creating separation from the Cowboy’s speedy linebackers.
The Eagles passing game was otherwise largely quiet. The Cowboys defensive line consistently put Wentz under pressure and forced him to get rid of the ball early. Alshon Jeffery’s two catches were impressive and kept drives going but he was generally held in check for the night. Zach Ertz was also used primarily to aid in blocking and was never able to break a big play in the game.
Dallas Cowboys
Quarterback
- Dak Prescott: 21/27 239 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT | 5 Carries, 30 Yards, 1 TD
Dak Prescott looked strong and accurate against the Eagles. In the first quarter, he took advantage of great blocking to step up into the pocket and deliver several impressive throws. The Eagles’ pressure started to hit home in the second quarter and forced a few of the Cowboys drives to stall, but Prescott responded. He led the Cowboys down the field and connected with Blake Jarwin for his first touchdown on the night. At the end of the second quarter, Prescott connected on two throws to the sidelines that led to a Cowboys 63 yard field goal. Prescott was impressive with his decision making and throws throughout the game but was intercepted late in the game while throwing into the Eagles’ endzone. Nevertheless, Prescott was once again impressive in the win.
Running Backs
- Ezekiel Elliott: 22 Carries, 111 Yards, 1 TD | 7 Targets, 6 Receptions, 36 Yards
- Tony Pollard: 8 Carries, 28 Yards
Ezekiel Elliott had a highly impressive night. In the first quarter, he momentarily put the Cowboys up 14 – 0 when he delivered a massive hit on Malcolm Jenkins and barreled into the endzone for the would-be score. On review, Elliott was ruled down on the one-yard line and the touchdown was reversed. Zeke took the ball in for the score on the next play as he cut to the left and plowed into the endzone. He had several strong runs on the night and was also a weapon in the passing game. Elliott benefitted from some very nicely designed blocking schemes by the Eagles but also generated yards on his own through contact. He looks to be fully back into football shape and ready to run hard.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
- Amari Cooper: 5 Targets, 5 Receptions, 106 Yards
- Michael Gallup: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 34 Yards
- Jason Witten: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 33 Yards
- Randall Cobb: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 29 Yards
- Blake Jarwin: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 1 Yard, 1 TD
- Tavon Austin: 1 Target, 0 Receptions | 1 Carrie, 20 Yards, 1 TD
The Cowboys forced an Eagles turnover to start the game and Tavon Austin took a pitch after a play fake to score the games’ first touchdown. There wasn’t an Eagles defender near him as he turned the corner and walked into the endzone. The Cowboys put Austin on the field with Tony Pollard and kept Zeke on the sidelines on a nicely designed play.
Amari Cooper had a strong first half topped off by a 49 yard gain off a double move down the left sidelines. In the second half, Cooper continued to draw double teams and make big plays. He showed off his burst on a large gain down the right side in the fourth quarter to put the Cowboys in scoring position yet again. Cooper has been incredibly successful in forcing defenses to account for him, making big plays, and opening up things for the ground game.
The Cowboys’ tight end duo continued to make an impact. Jason Witten was able to make several nice catches and get out of bounds to give Dallas a chance at a field goal at the end of the second half. Jarwin capped off a strong Cowboys drive when he grabbed a wide-open touchdown grab after a play fake for his only stat of the night. The Cowboys’ two tight ends were also highly effective in blocking.
- Ben Davidowitz