The ,[object Object], kicked off their ,[object Object], title defense on Thursday night, grinding out a 24-20 win over the ,[object Object], in a hotly-contested season opener. The matchup at ,[object Object], proved tense from the start, with Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter getting ejected before kickoff after a confrontation with Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, instantly tilting the momentum. Dallas struck first behind running back Javonte Williams, but Philadelphia responded with determination. Jalen Hurts showcased his dual-threat prowess, rushing for touchdowns of four and eight yards as both teams traded scores in the opening half, reflecting the fierce rivalry and setting the stage for a dramatic night.

The contest remained tight through the second quarter, with neither team able to establish dominance. Saquon Barkley capped a rapid Eagles drive with a tough 10-yard rushing touchdown. Brandon Aubrey, newly minted Cowboys kicker, kept Dallas in contention with two lengthy field goals, one of which came seconds before halftime. The Eagles offense, however, struggled to maintain rhythm, particularly in the second half. Their efforts to extend the lead were stymied by missed connections and Dallas’s defensive adjustments. Notably, star receiver A.J. Brown was rarely involved until the final minutes; the Eagles’ passing game leaned on Hurts and a timely deep shot to Jahan Dotson to keep pressure on Dallas.

A pivotal moment occurred with just under five minutes left in the third quarter when a severe lightning storm forced a nearly hour-long delay, cooling both teams and fans. When play resumed well past midnight, the Cowboys defense forced an immediate three-and-out, setting up Dallas in favorable field position. The Eagles defense, undermanned by Carter’s absence, showed vulnerability but refused to break completely. In the tense closing minutes, Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb dropped two critical passes—one a deep shot, another on fourth down—that could have changed the outcome. Those missed opportunities allowed Philadelphia to regain possession and meticulously run down the clock as Dallas’ comeback attempt fizzled.

Despite moments of brilliance, the Eagles exhibited rust typical of early September—missed tackles, slow adjustments, and an uneven offensive flow. Barkley finished with a productive but modest 60-yard effort on the ground, well under last season’s averages. Philadelphia’s defense bent, but despite Carter’s early ejection and Landon Dickerson leaving with back spasms, managed to hold Prescott to 188 passing yards and stopped the Cowboys’ final rally. As the Eagles hung their champions’ banner and celebrated the victory, it was evident that both squads have areas to refine before contending for postseason glory. The ,NFL, opener may not have delivered premium polish, but its intensity and drama hinted at the fierce battles to come.