Eagles edge Cowboys 24-20 in a lightning-delayed NFL season opener. Jalen Hurts scores twice, Eagles show championship form, and controversy hits with Carter’s early ejection.
Eagles Edge Cowboys 24-20 in Wild, Lightning-Delayed NFL Opener
Eagles edge Cowboys 24-20 in a dramatic start to the NFL season that featured a rare lightning delay, a heated ejection, and standout performances from Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. The game, which ended at 12:18 a.m., set the tone for what could be another dominant year for the defending Super Bowl champions.
Jalen Hurts Dominates With Two Touchdowns
Quarterback Jalen Hurts reminded fans why the Eagles are Super Bowl favorites. He rushed for two touchdowns—4 and 8 yards—while leading the Eagles offense with precision and poise. Hurts even celebrated a score with a shrug, paying homage to NBA legend Michael Jordan, who was in attendance.
Running back Saquon Barkley also contributed with a 10-yard touchdown, proving that Philadelphia’s backfield remains a force to be reckoned with.
Lightning Delay Halts the Game
The NFL opener took an unexpected turn when lightning forced a 65-minute delay with 4:44 left in the third quarter. The Eagles were leading 24-20 at the time, and that score would hold as Dallas struggled to regain momentum after the interruption. Fans who stayed through the storm erupted as time expired, cementing an early-season rivalry win for Philadelphia.
Jalen Carter’s Ejection Sparks Controversy
Star defender Jalen Carter was ejected early in the game after spitting on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott. The incident, which occurred moments after the Eagles unveiled their 2024 championship banner, could lead to further disciplinary action.
“I’m proud of everybody for weathering adversity today,” Hurts said after the game. Carter later apologized, promising, “It won’t happen again.”
Cowboys Struggle in Coach Schottenheimer’s Debut
Newly promoted head coach Brian Schottenheimer suffered a tough loss in his Dallas debut. Despite two short touchdown runs by Javonte Williams and long field goals by Brandon Aubrey, the Cowboys couldn’t overcome costly penalties and missed opportunities.
Schottenheimer remains optimistic:
“I still think we can win a Super Bowl. We’ve got the right type of guys and good players.”
Key Stats and Highlights
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Final Score: Eagles 24, Cowboys 20
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Hurts: 2 rushing TDs
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Barkley: 10-yard rushing TD, 60 total yards
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Eagles First to Score TDs on First 3 Drives as Defending Champs since 2011
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Delay: 65 minutes due to lightning
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Carter: Ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct
What This Win Means for the Eagles
This gritty victory proves that the Eagles are ready to defend their Super Bowl title. They overcame weather delays, early controversy, and a determined Cowboys squad. With Hurts and Barkley leading the charge, Philadelphia looks poised for another deep playoff run.