PHILADELPHIA – The Cowboys conclude the regular season with a 51-26 victory against the Eagles and a 6-0 sweep of the NFC East, outscoring Washington, Philadelphia and New York by a combined 240-107 points. The Silver and Blue improve to 12-5 and still have a chance at the No. 2 or No. 3 seed.
Losses by the Arizona Cardinals and L.A. Rams tomorrow would bump Dallas up to the No. 3 seed. Then, losses by Arizona, L.A. and the Tamp Bay Buccaneers would clinch the No. 2 seed. Regardless, the team will host a playoff game next week at AT&T Stadium.
Over the previous several weeks, the Cowboys have struggled to find their identity as an offense. An inability to run the football against bell coverage, botched protections up front, missed throws by Dak Prescott and drops by receivers have contributed to the offensive woes and dominated headlines. Against a depleted Eagles team, Dallas hit their stride.
Prescott completed 21 of 27 attempts for 295 yards and five touchdowns with a 151.8 passer rating – the second highest of his career. His eight-yard touchdown pass to Corey Clement was his fifth of the night, a new single-game career high. The play also marked Prescott’s 37th touchdown of the season, establishing a franchise record previously held by Tony Romo for the most touchdown passes in a single season. Following the game, Mike McCarthy joked, “I just think it’s a hell of a year for a guy who was in a slump.”
“I think he’s special…Hopefully he’ll get some recognition for how he plays the game.”
In addition, with 87 yards on 18 carries, Ezekiel Elliott eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing marker in a gritty effort, the fourth of his career and the first since 2019. Corey Clement registered 58 yards on the ground, including a 38-yarder, the longest run of the night. JaQuan Hardy, a practice squad elevation, scored a touchdown on a 22-yard run in the fourth quarter to become the 22nd different Cowboy to score this season, an NFL record.
Cedrick Wilson sparked the aerial attack, finishing with 119 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He moved into the No. 3 role with Michael Gallup’s season-ending injury and took advantage. He faced less single coverage and exploited the Eagles’ zone coverage. Both Lamb and Cooper notched an explosive play of 20-plus yards and the trio looked cohesive on the gridiron. The ball was evenly distributed in a balanced attack at Lincoln Financial Field. Here is a breakdown of the historic night:
First Quarter
Not a great start for Dallas defensively. The Eagles marched down the field and scored on their opening drive. Gardner Minshew hit Tyree Jackson on a three-yard shovel pass for the score and an early 7-0 lead. The Cowboys answered with a score of their own. Amari Cooper kept the drive alive, converting a first down from fourth-and-three on a shallow crosser. Two plays later, Cedrick Wilson scored on a 15-yard touchdown catch. After two drives, a 7-7 tie.
The Dallas defense then forced a three-and-out but not a promising ensuing drive for the Cowboys’ offense. Connor Williams was called for a holding and the officiating crew missed another two plays later. An incompletion on third down led to a 48-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein. Cowboys took a 10-7 lead to conclude the first quarter.
Second Quarter
The Eagles began the drive methodically moving down the field, but two back-to-back plays forced a field goal. A run stuff by Neville Gallimore (-8 yards) and an open-field tackle by Donovan Wilson on third down, resulted in a 38-yard field goal by Jake Elliott. The next drive for the Cowboys’ offense sparked by CeeDee Lamb. He quickly accelerated north and south after making the catch and evaded several defenders for a 31-yard gain. The play set up a seven-play, 74-yard scoring drive. Prescott connected with Wilson on a 24-yard touchdown pass, his second of the night.
A 22-yard gain for Quez Watkins against Nahshon Wright and an 18-yard rush for Jason Huntley brought on by a combo block, moved the chains for Philadelphia. Kenneth Gainwell’s one-cut ability set up an 18-yard gain and culminated in a seven-yard touchdown rush to tie it up 17-17. The Eagles took advantage of open holes provided by the offensive line to move down the field on a 10-play, 75-yard drive.
On the Cowboys’ following offensive series, a 26-yard run by Elliott and a 26-yard gain by Cooper off a free play, set up Dalton Schultz’s touchdown catch on a rub route. Dallas took a 23-17 lead.
On the next defensive possession, DeMarcus Lawrence shot through the C-gap on third down for a sack on Gardner Minshew for a loss of 13 yards, forcing a punt. A 21-yard punt by Arryn Siposs put the Cowboys in favorable position and a 28-yard gain over the middle of the field set up a Schultz touchdown. The Cowboys scored on five straight possessions to make it a 30-17 ballgame heading into the half.
Third Quarter
The Eagles defense forced a quick three-and-out coming out of the half and C.J. Goodwin drew an illegal block in the back penalty while hitting Philadelphia’s punt returner for minimal gain, including a 10-yard penalty. Bryan Anger’s punt totaled 56 yards and despite an undisciplined drive by Dallas, several miscues by Philadelphia led to a 40-yard field goal by Jake Elliott.
On the next offensive series, following a 37-yard gain by Cedrick Wilson, four straight run plays ensued to Elliott and Corey Clement. Clement converted from fourth-and-two for the first down, setting up an eight-yard touchdown pass from Prescott. The 14-play, 84-yard drive took 6:25 off the clock and gave Dallas a 37-20 lead. On the play, Prescott passed Tony Romo to set the single-season mark for touchdown passes with 37.
Fourth Quarter
Cooper Rush came in at quarterback and the Cowboys continued to impose their will. Corey Clement’s explosive 38-yard run set up the touchdown. He made the cut and quickly accelerated. Dallas cashed in with an Ito Smith four-yard touchdown rush, becoming the 21st different Cowboy to score on the year. The Cowboys enlarged their lead to 44-20.
On the first defensive play of the following drive, Leighton Vander Esch registered an interception. Three plays later, Dallas was in the end zone. Running back JaQuan Hardy scored from 22 yards out, becoming the 22nd Cowboy to score a touchdown this season. The Cowboys added to their tally, 51-20, the first time in franchise history the team hit 50 points on the road.
After 21-unaswered points, the Eagles made their way into the end zone late in the fourth. Quez Watkins went 36-yards on the pass/catch and Minshew was sacked on the two-point conversion attempt, making it a 51-26 ballgame. The Cowboys swept the NFC East, finishing 6-0 against the division.
The goal behind playing starters in the regular season finale was to gain momentum heading into the wild-card round. Mission accomplished. Now, the real work begins.
