A rival for the ages. The Philadelphia Eagles hosted the Dallas Cowboys during Sunday Night Football as each quarterback battled it out in an effort to continue their winning streak.
In true 2022 season fashion, the Birds played an epic second quarter, sealing the deal in the second-half of the game after Dallas scored 17 unanswered points. With the entire team in unison, Philadelphia finished 26-17, advancing to 6-0 for the first time since 2014.
But, don’t doubt an underdog, because it wasn’t the only “first” the Eagles accomplished.
A SERIES OF ‘FIRSTS’
The Eagles didn’t start off strong right out of the gate, but they took over the game quickly, utilizing the majority of the first quarter over Dallas. In 15 plays, running back Miles Sanders scored Philadelphia’s first touchdown after the play extended into the Eagles’ favorite quarter. The Cowboys not only trailed 0-7, but it was the first time all season Dallas didn’t score first.
Less than five minutes into the second quarter, quarterback Cooper Rush’s pass was intercepted by Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. Dallas’ misfortune led to another Eagles’ touchdown, and was the first turnover by Rush during his starting career.
.@Brad_B21 and @CGJXXIII combine for the INT! #FlyEaglesFly
📺: #DALvsPHI on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/exBLpd1qy0 pic.twitter.com/Pn8dViZWCo— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2022
Returning from an injury, kicker Jake Elliott then had two field goals, one of them 51-yards — his first 50+ yard kick this season. And, sadly for Rush, he committed another interception, this time by Darius Slay. The quarterbacks’ passer rating was the lowest first-half rating all year.
The Eagles led 20-3, setting a new league record with 112 second-quarter points this season. As the No. 1 ranked offensive line, Philadelphia held linebacker Micah Parsons so well that it was the first time he didn’t have a pressure in a half all season.
Dallas recuperated after halftime, gaining enough momentum to score 17 total points in the third quarter. But, another touchdown from the Eagles and a third interception by Rush sealed the deal for the Birds.
For the first time in the 2022 season, Dallas allowed another team to score 20+ points, as Philadelphia won the game 26-17. Jalen Hurts was the first and only quarterback to have a 100+ passer rating against the Cowboys defense this season.
SIX AND THE CITY [OF PHILADELPHIA]
Critics were quick to state that it was still early in the season to put their confidence in the Eagles, but the numbers now say otherwise. As the league’s [continued] lone undefeated team, Philadelphia’s quarterback, offense, and defense all rank within the top-five.
“We know we’ve got to play a complete game,” head coach Nick Sirianni stated. “What’s exciting about being 6-0, and not having played a complete game is we know it’s coming.”
The Eagles will now head into the bye week before they host the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-4) on October 30 at Lincoln Financial Field. At this point, fans could continue to celebrate Philly victories for weeks to come.
