Defending Champion Eagles Edge Cowboys 24-20 in Lightning-Delayed NFL Season Opener

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off their Super Bowl title defense with drama, controversy, and a weather delay before pulling out a 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys in a wild NFL season opener on Thursday night.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts rushed for two touchdowns, wearing down a Cowboys defense missing star pass rusher Micah Parsons. Hurts scored on runs of 4 and 8 yards and celebrated one with a Michael Jordan-style shrug in front of a roaring home crowd.

Running back Saquon Barkley added a 10-yard touchdown run, though his 60 total rushing yards were a modest start compared to his explosive 2024 campaign. Kicker Jake Elliott capped the Eagles’ scoring with a booming 58-yard field goal.

Carter’s Ejection Sparks Controversy

The night wasn’t without fireworks. Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected early after spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott following a heated exchange. Prescott immediately alerted officials, who threw a flag as fans booed Carter’s slow exit.

The incident sparked debate online, with some fans claiming Prescott may have spit first. Either way, Carter could face a hefty fine or suspension under the NFL’s new sportsmanship policies.

Lightning Strikes, But Eagles Hold On

The game took another bizarre turn when lightning near Lincoln Financial Field forced a 65-minute delay with 4:44 left in the third quarter. Play didn’t resume until after midnight, with the Eagles clinging to their four-point lead.

Prescott led a late rally but came up short. His fourth-and-3 pass with 1:54 remaining fell incomplete, sealing the Cowboys’ fate. Prescott finished with 188 passing yards and made a crucial touchdown-saving tackle after teammate Miles Sanders fumbled in the red zone.

Dallas stayed competitive thanks to Javonte Williams’ two 1-yard touchdown runs and field goals from Brandon Aubrey (41, 53 yards). Still, missed opportunities and costly turnovers doomed their upset bid.

The Eagles opened their season in style by raising their 2024 championship banner in a private locker room ceremony before kickoff. Now at 1-0, they’ll look to maintain momentum in Week 2.

• Injuries: Eagles lineman Landon Dickerson exited with a back injury.
• Next Games: Cowboys host the Giants in their home opener; Eagles face a divisional rival in Week 2.