Cowboys vs. Eagles 2025 NFL Kickoff Game: What We Learned from Philadelphia’s 24-20 Victory The 2025 NFL Kickoff Game delivered everything fans hoped for: drama, intensity, and a classic NFC East showdown. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Dallas Cowboys 24-20 in front of a national audience, setting the tone for the season.
From Jalen Hurts’ leadership to Dak Prescott’s inconsistency, this matchup provided a roadmap of what we might expect from these two powerhouses in 2025. Let’s break down the key takeaways from Eagles vs. Cowboys in Week 1 and what it means for the rest of the season.
Game Summary: Eagles 24, Cowboys 20
- Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- Final Score: Eagles 24 – Cowboys 20
Key Highlight: A late fourth-quarter drive led by Jalen Hurts sealed the win for Philadelphia.
The game stayed close until the final whistle. The Cowboys struck early with a rushing touchdown, but the Eagles answered back with explosive passing plays and smart field goals. The fourth quarter was the difference—Hurts marched the Eagles 75 yards downfield, finding A.J. Brown for the go-ahead score.
1. Jalen Hurts Continues His Rise as a Big-Game Quarterback
Hurts finished with 245 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 45 rushing yards, proving once again why he’s the heartbeat of this franchise. His composure against a top-5 Cowboys defense showed leadership and maturity.
More importantly, Hurts’ ability to extend plays with his legs frustrated Dallas’s pass rush. This dual-threat capability remains Philadelphia’s biggest weapon.
2. Dak Prescott: Strong Moments, Costly Errors
While Prescott threw for 260 yards and 2 TDs, his mistakes proved costly, especially a late interception that allowed Philadelphia to control the clock. Dallas fans have seen flashes of brilliance from Dak, but consistency under pressure remains a major concern.
Against elite competition, turnovers separate winners from losers—and that storyline haunted the Cowboys again.
3. Eagles’ Wide Receivers Outclass Cowboys’ Secondary
The chemistry between Hurts and his receivers was on full display.
- A.J. Brown: 7 catches, 108 yards, 1 TD
- DeVonta Smith: 6 catches, 82 yardsq
Dallas struggled to contain both simultaneously, and this one-two punch will cause matchup nightmares all season.
4. Cowboys’ Defense Looked Fierce But Not Finishing
Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence put heavy pressure on Hurts early, but Philadelphia’s offensive adjustments ultimately neutralized Dallas’s pass rush. While the Cowboys defense forced 3 early punts, they couldn’t stop Hurts in the final quarter.
5. The X-Factor: Special Teams and Situational Football
The Eagles’ kicker Jake Elliott went 3-for-3 on field goals, including a clutch 47-yarder in the third quarter. Dallas, meanwhile, had special teams breakdowns that cost crucial field position.
These hidden details decided a close game and reinforced why special teams often tilt championship races.
6. The Rivalry Is Alive and Well
This wasn’t just another opening game. It was a statement from Philadelphia that they remain the team to beat in the NFC East. The Cowboys showed resilience, but until they prove they can win high-pressure road games, the balance of power tilts toward the Eagles.Expect fireworks again when these two meet later in the season in Dallas—possibly with the NFC East crown on the line.
Jalen Hurts ices the game with his legs
DALvsPHI on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/GFrVVW7dOt— NFL (@NFL) September 5, 2025
