·The 2025 NFL season kicked off in spectacular, chaotic fashion as the Philadelphia Eagles opened their title defense with a hard-fought 24-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field.
In front of a packed house of green-clad fans who celebrated the unveiling of the Eagles’ 2024 Super Bowl championship banner, Philadelphia reminded the league of its resilience, even if the performance was far from flawless. What was supposed to be a night of celebration quickly turned controversial when defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected before the very first play for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Despite the bizarre and undisciplined start, the Eagles leaned on Jalen Hurts’ poise, their opportunistic defense, and a little bit of luck to escape with a Week 1 win against their fiercest divisional rivals.
A Chaotic Start: Carter’s Stunning Exit
The opening moments of the game set a tone no one expected. As the Cowboys lined up for their first offensive snap, cameras and officials caught Carter spitting in the direction of Prescott. After a brief conference, the referees tossed Carter from the game, leaving Philadelphia without one of its defensive anchors.
The incident stunned the crowd and raised immediate concerns about composure. Carter, a rising star on the defensive line, has been critical in creating interior pressure, and his absence forced the Eagles to rotate backups earlier than planned.
Head coach Nick Sirianni did not mince words postgame. “Inexcusable,” he said bluntly. “We talk about poise and discipline all the time. That can’t happen. But I give our guys credit—they rallied.”
Dallas sensed opportunity, but Philadelphia’s defense held firm, avoiding an early avalanche. Still, the ejection will hang over Carter and the team heading into Week 2, and it underscored the challenge of defending a championship: every mistake is magnified.
Hurts’ Steady Leadership
With Carter gone, the spotlight shifted quickly to Jalen Hurts. The reigning Super Bowl MVP responded with the kind of leadership and versatility that has become his trademark.
Hurts rushed for two touchdowns in the first half, using his power and vision to take advantage of wide running lanes. His performance marked the 16th time in his career he recorded multiple rushing scores in a game, further cementing his place as the most dangerous dual-threat quarterback in the league.
But it wasn’t just his legs. Hurts displayed improved decision-making through the air, showing patience against Dallas’ pass rush and keeping drives alive with precise throws on third down. While his passing yardage wasn’t eye-popping, his ability to control tempo and avoid costly mistakes gave Philadelphia a vital edge.
“Jalen was calm,” Sirianni said. “We’ve seen him do it before, but when things started going sideways, he never blinked. That’s why he’s our guy.”
Dallas Shows Promise—But Falters Late
For the Cowboys, the loss was a frustrating reminder of how close they are to competing with the NFL’s elite—and how small mistakes can undo their progress.
Dak Prescott, entering his 10th season, looked rejuvenated. His mobility, long considered diminished after multiple leg injuries, was back on display. Prescott scrambled for first downs, extended plays outside the pocket, and bought time for his receivers. His willingness to run made the offense less predictable and gave fans hope that a bounce-back season is possible.
Running back Javonte Williams also impressed in his Dallas debut. The former Bronco rushed for two first-half touchdowns, becoming the first Cowboys back since Herschel Walker in 1986 to score twice in his team debut. Williams’ power-running style provided balance and helped Dallas keep pace.
But the Cowboys’ miscues were devastating. Miles Sanders fumbled deep in Eagles territory late in the third quarter, snuffing out a potential go-ahead scoring drive. Then, in the fourth quarter, star receiver CeeDee Lamb dropped three critical passes—including a deep strike that could have flipped the game and a diving attempt on fourth down during Dallas’ final drive.
“I take full accountability,” Lamb said afterward. “Those are plays I need to make for my team.”
Quinyon Mitchell’s Game-Changing Moment
Perhaps the most pivotal play of the night came midway through the third quarter. After Sanders’ costly fumble at the Philadelphia 10-yard line, Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell scooped up the ball, shifting momentum back to the home team.
Mitchell, the Eagles’ top draft pick, celebrated with teammates by mimicking the team’s famous “tush push” play, much to the delight of the fans. Beyond the theatrics, the takeaway kept Dallas from seizing control and gave Philadelphia new energy on both sides of the ball.
“That was the spark,” linebacker Haason Reddick said. “We needed a jolt, and Quinyon gave it to us.”
Discipline Still an Issue for Philly
Despite the victory, the Eagles looked far from sharp. They committed 93 penalty yards in the first half alone—their highest total in years and the most by any NFL team in a half since Dallas in 2023.
Last season, Philadelphia never exceeded 91 penalty yards in an entire game. That level of sloppiness could have been disastrous against a more polished opponent.
“We can’t shoot ourselves in the foot like that,” Sirianni admitted. “It’s not sustainable.”
The miscues raised questions about whether the Eagles can maintain their edge over the long grind of the season. The defending champs know that repeating requires sharper execution week after week.
What the Result Means
For Philadelphia, the win was less about dominance and more about resilience. They overcame Carter’s ejection, sloppy penalties, and a tough divisional opponent. Hurts’ leadership, Mitchell’s timely play, and just enough defensive toughness showed why the Eagles remain legitimate contenders.
For Dallas, the night revealed both promise and concern. The offense looked dynamic at times, with Prescott moving freely and Williams providing spark. But turnovers, drops, and execution in critical moments remain hurdles. Against top-tier teams like Philadelphia, those mistakes are costly.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles (1-0) now face a huge Week 2 clash against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs—a battle of recent Super Bowl winners that will test Philadelphia’s defense even more severely.
The Cowboys (0-1) return home for matchups with the Giants, Bears, and Packers. While none are easy wins, Dallas has a chance to right the ship quickly if they clean up the errors.
Final Word
The NFL could not have scripted a more dramatic start to its new season. From Carter’s shocking ejection to Hurts’ steady brilliance, from Lamb’s costly drops to Mitchell’s heroic takeaway, the Eagles–Cowboys rivalry once again delivered fireworks.
For Philadelphia, it was proof that championship resolve can overcome chaos. For Dallas, it was a harsh reminder that the margin for error in the NFL is razor-thin.
Either way, football is back—and if opening night was any indication, fans are in for another unforgettable season.
