The 2025 NFL season kicked off with high drama as the Philadelphia Eagles defended their Super Bowl LIX title against their division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, in a spectacle that lived up to every atom of the hype of the eagles vs cowboys
Banner release and cheer
Before the eagles vs cowboys game started at the high energy Lincoln Financial Field, Eagles revealed their championship banner in full ceremonial fashion. The crowd too stepped in and continuously cheered and applauded.
,Chaos before the snap
The game took a chaotic dramatic turn before the first snap. Fullback Ben VanSumeren was carted off with a knee injury during the opening kickoff, leaving the Eagles immediately shorthanded Philadelphia Eagles. Just a few moments later, a pre-snap confrontation saw defensive tackle Jalen Carter spit on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, leading to a rare and shocking ejection just six seconds into the game.
First Quarter Frenzy
Despite the setback, Dallas took the first strike. Taking forward the momentum and helped by a penalty, the Cowboys moved ahead 53 yards to take an early 7-0 lead, highlighted by a Javonte Williams rushing touchdown.
Philadelphia then steadily responded. Jalen Hurts took the lead and the Eagles executed a 70-yard drive culminating in a touchdown run by Hurts himself so that the score could be tied. The temperatures and temper both soared high once again, and in an almost big clash the Cowboys’ 22-yard line resulting in a flag for unnecessary roughness. Even so, Dallas again found success before the quarter ended.
An alternating Battle
The relentless pace continued even in the second quarter. The Cowboys maintained a 14-7 lead with an 88-yard drive capped by another score by Williams. The Eagles then tied it again when Hurts give it all for another TD run. Dallas reclaimed the edge with a long field goal before halftime, but the Eagles power forward with Saquon Barkley into the end zone on a 10-yard touchdown made it 21-17 heading into the half. A late Cowboys field goal brought the scorecard to 21-20 Philadelphia EaglesReuters.
The Turning Point: Third Quarter & Delay
In between the third, the kicker from eagles, Jake Elliott nailed a 58-yard field goal, taking Philadelphia’s lead to 24-20Reuters. Just then, a 65-minute lightning delay halted the action, stalling both offenses and also shifted the whole momentum.
Final Moments & Eagles’ Resilience
When the play resumed, the defenses dominated. A major mistake/ fumble by Miles Sanders was recovered by Quinyon Mitchell for Philadelphia, setting the stage for a critical defensive stand.
Dallas pushed late, but CeeDee Lamb dropped back‑to‑back passes in the closing minutes, sealing the Cowboys’ fate NFL.com. Hurts then orchestrated a game‑clinching drive—targeting A.J. Brown late—and scrambled for a first down to run out the clock and secure a gritty 24–20 victory NFL.com.
Key Takeaways
- Hurts’ excellence: Jalen Hurts was unstoppable, totaling 214 yards (152 passing, 62 rushing) and two rushing touchdowns ESPN.com.
- Barkley’s impact: Saquon Barkley chipped in with 60 rushing yards and a crucial touchdown
- Penalties bite Philly: Nine penalties for 110 yards threatened to derail the Eagles more than once
- Dallas’ missed opportunities: Javonte Williams scored twice, Prescott looked sharp, but Lamb’s drops were costly ESPN.com.
- Coach shakeups: With Micah Parsons gone, Dallas began to rebuild defensively—and their young secondary faced early tests against elite weapons
Fans thoughts
What should have been a celebratory banner night for the reigning champs turned into a chaotic, hard-fought shootout. The Eagles showed grit and composure across adversity—penalties, ejections, injuries, and weather interruptions—while the Cowboys too showcased flashes but lacked the finishing punch. This electric opener set the tone for what promises to be a season defined by intensity, rivalry, and championship aspirations.