Jalen Hurts Powers Philadelphia Eagles Past Dallas Cowboys in NFL Season Opener
The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off the NFL season with a thrilling 24-20 victory over their rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night. Quarterback Jalen Hurts showcased his dual-threat capabilities, recording two rushing touchdowns that propelled his team to success. The game was temporarily halted due to inclement weather, but it couldn’t dampen the Eagles’ spirits as they celebrated their triumph.
Key Performances
Hurts delivered a solid performance, completing 19 of 23 passes for 152 yards while adding 65 yards on 11 carries. His ability to make crucial plays was on full display, particularly during a significant third-down conversion late in the game that helped secure the win for the Eagles.
Despite his success, Hurts faced challenges connecting with star receiver A.J. Brown early in the game. Brown went without a target until the final quarter, ultimately finishing the game without a catch. In contrast, Jahan Dotson led the receiving corps with three receptions for 59 yards, while Dallas Goedert recorded seven catches for 44 yards. Also contributing to the scoreboard was running back Saquon Barkley, who scored a touchdown on a 10-yard rush late in the second quarter, finishing the game with 60 yards on 18 carries along with four catches for 24 yards.
Notable Incidents
The Eagles’ game did not commence without drama; defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected before the first offensive play for allegedly spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Video footage revealed a brief exchange between the two players before the ejection. Prescott completed 21 of 34 passing attempts for 188 yards, primarily targeting CeeDee Lamb, who made seven catches for 110 yards, though he had a few costly drops in crucial moments.
The Cowboys attempted a late-game comeback, aided by a 49-yard run from former Eagle Miles Sanders. However, rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell made a critical play by forcing a fumble that was recovered by cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, halting the Cowboys’ momentum. The game showcased firepower on both sides, particularly with running back Javonte Williams scoring two touchdowns for Dallas.
Injury Updates and Game Highlights
Injuries plagued both teams, with Eagles Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson leaving the game in the second half due to a back issue. Fullback Ben VanSumeren was ruled out early due to a knee injury sustained during the opening kickoff. On a positive note, kicker Jake Elliott made a 58-yard field goal to extend the Eagles’ lead in the third quarter.
| Player | Position | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Hurts | Quarterback | 19/23, 152 Yards, 2 TDs, 11 Carries, 65 Yards |
| A.J. Brown | Wide Receiver | 0 Receptions |
| Saquon Barkley | Running Back | 10 Carries, 60 Yards, 1 TD |
| CeeDee Lamb | Wide Receiver | 7 Receptions, 110 Yards |
Upcoming Matches
Looking ahead, the Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs in a highly anticipated rematch in Week 2, reigniting memories of last season’s Super Bowl showdown. The Eagles aim to build on their momentum in this thrilling season opener.
