The Dallas Cowboys narrowly won on Christmas Eve in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles that had major playoff ramifications for both teams. The Cowboys are now just two games behind the Eagles in the NFC East, and the last-second defensive stand that earned Dallas its eleventh win of the season prevented Philly from taking the title. Dallas will need to win both of the final games, and the Eagles will need to lose the remaining two games in order for Dallas to win a second consecutive NFC East division title.
WHAT TO KNOW
The Eagles started Gardner Minshew at quarterback while Jalen Hurts is nursing a shoulder strain suffered in Week 15 against Chicago. While Minshew does not possess the same dual-threat ability that has made Hurts a front-runner in the MVP conversation this season, the journeyman backup largely performed well but was unable to complete a fourth-and-10 from the Dallas 19 with just 0:20 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Dallas closed out the 40-34 win in the victory formation at AT&T Stadium after a back-and-forth game that could foreshadow a potential playoff matchup.
For the second week, quarterback Dak Prescott threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. T.Y. Hilton made his debut for the Cowboys after signing to the team just two weeks ago and had one of the longest receptions of the season while also drawing a crucial pass interference penalty on fourth down that extended a Cowboys drive that ultimately led to a touchdown.
Dallas’ offense yet again battled back from behind, overcoming deficits of 27-20 and 34-27 before opening a six-point lead in the fourth quarter.
BY THE NUMBERS
Prescott atoned for his first-possession pick-six by being highly consistent throughout the rest of the game. The Cowboys’ defense did its part, forcing two interceptions and three fumbles, two of which Dallas recovered. The vaunted pass-rush defense was yet again non-existent through much of the game. Dallas recorded no sacks and no QB hits while tallying just two tackles for loss.
The Eagles’ offense operated a run-heavy scheme that was augmented with quick, short passes by Minshew. Despite calling running plays on more than 50 percent of offensive opportunities, the Eagles were held to just 89 yards total, with Miles Sanders gaining just 65 yards on 21 carries. The Eagles rushing unit averaged just 3.0 yards per carry in the game.
Dallas would have turned up similarly dismal numbers on the ground if it weren’t for the 41 yards Prescott added, including a 16-yard designed run late in the game. Dallas totaled just 115 yards on the ground. Running back Ezekiel Elliott had a 22-yard run to boost his numbers, but totaled just 55 yards on 16 tries. Pollard was used more in the passing game, but had 19 yards on nine carries.
Through the air, the Cowboys were much more explosive with yet another highlight-reel game from receiver CeeDee Lamb. Lamb had 10 catches for 120 yards and two touchdown receptions, with his second tying the game on a difficult off-shoulder reception.
The Cowboys’ defense was clutch at the right moments, despite giving up several big plays in the passing game. Minshew hit 24-of-40 passing for 355 yards, but the two interceptions and the lost fumble by Minshew were deciding factors in the game. DaRon Bland recorded his fifth interception of the season for the Cowboys, wrestling the ball away from Quez Watkins. Jayron Kearse also recorded a first-half interception, also ripping the ball away from Watkins after a reception.
WHO SAID?
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said before the game:
“I think everybody in this locker room is looking forward to this rematch. [The Eagles are] having a hell of a season. They control the destiny in winning the division right now, so you just want to get in and get another shot and make sure you put your best foot forward.”