Week 16: Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles game recap and analysis
In a matchup between two of the top teams in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys were able to come out on top against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, December 24, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Dallas, who entered the game with a record of 10-4, defeated their divisional rival, who came into the game with a record of 13, by a score of 40-34.
The Cowboys' offense carried them to victory
The Eagles got off to a strong start and led 10-7 after the first quarter. After both teams scored 10 points apiece in the second quarter, the score was 20-17 in favor of Philadelphia going into halftime.
The Eagles lost their narrow lead by the end of the third quarter, with the score tied at 27-27 heading into the final 15 minutes of play.
In the fourth quarter, the Cowboys scored three times in a row with under six minutes left in the game. First, quarterback Dak Prescott connected with CeeDee Lamb for a seven-yard touchdown pass. Dallas kicker Brett Maher scored two field goals from 48 and 26 yards to put his team ahead 40-34.
The Eagles had over a minute to respond with a touchdown of their own, but they turned it over on downs inside their opponent's red zone.
The Cowboys were led by Prescott, who had a standout performance. He completed 27 of 35 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Prescott rushed for 41 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was Prescott's top target, catching 10 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Ezekiel Elliott also had a strong game, rushing for 55 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
For the Eagles, quarterback Gardner Minshew completed 24 of 40 passes for 355 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith had a standout performance for the Eagles, catching eight passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Miles Sanders also contributed, rushing for 65 yards on 21 carries.
Both teams were able to move the ball effectively on offense, as the Cowboys racked up 419 total yards and the Eagles amassed 442 total yards. They were particularly effective through the air, as Prescott and his receivers were able to exploit the Eagles' defense. The Eagles were able to keep pace with their opponents on the ground, but ultimately were unable to come out on top.
Looking ahead, both teams are getting ready to wind down in the regular season, having already cliched the playoffs. The Cowboys will travel to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans, while the Eagles will face the New Orleans Saints in the first of two home games.