Eagles Edge Cowboys 24-20 in Lightning-Delayed Thriller to Open 2025 NFL Season
Philadelphia, PA – The 2025 NFL season kicked off in dramatic fashion on Thursday night, as the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles narrowly defeated the Dallas Cowboys 24-20 in a thrilling game interrupted by a lightning delay that suspended play for over an hour.
The Eagles, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, showcased a balanced offensive attack and resilience despite early adversity. Hurts scored two rushing touchdowns on runs of 4 and 8 yards, demonstrating his dual-threat capability. Running back Saquon Barkley also contributed with a 10-yard rushing touchdown, pushing the Eagles to an early lead during their first three drives of the game — a feat last achieved by a defending champion in 2011, when Green Bay accomplished it.
However, the game was marred early by a moment of tension when Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, a move that rattled the Eagles’ defense. Despite losing Carter and offensive lineman Landon Dickerson to a back injury, Philadelphia held their composure throughout the chaotic night.
The game was briefly halted midway through the third quarter, with the Eagles leading 24-20, due to lightning in the area. After a 65-minute delay, play resumed, but the score remained unchanged as both teams battled in a nail-biter atmosphere. The delay and weather challenges did little to dampen the excitement for fans at Lincoln Financial Field and viewers across the nation.
On the Cowboys’ side, rookie head coach Brian Schottenheimer made his debut, stepping up from offensive coordinator to become the franchise’s 10th head coach. Schottenheimer remains optimistic despite the loss, telling reporters, “I still think we can win a Super Bowl. It’s not going to change. I mean, we’ve got the right type of guys. We’ve got good players.”
Receiver CeeDee Lamb was targeted heavily, catching 7 passes for 110 yards, although he failed to make a critical catch in the second half. Star receivers for the Eagles, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, who have had prolific careers, were less involved this game, with Brown only targeted once and Smith catching just three passes for 16 yards. Head coach Nick Sirianni praised their selflessness and team-first attitude, emphasizing the collective effort over individual stats.
The game’s decisive moments came late with Prescott’s final drive ending on a fourth-and-3 incomplete pass with 1:54 remaining. The Eagles’ defense withstood the pressure to preserve their narrow lead, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Veteran kicker Jake Elliott clinched the victory with a remarkable 58-yard field goal—the longest of the night.
The victory marks an auspicious start for the Eagles’ quest to defend their title, showing toughness through weather delays, personnel losses, and fierce opposition. Meanwhile, the Cowboys will look to regroup ahead of their home opener against the New York Giants.
Looking ahead, the Eagles are set to visit the Kansas City Chiefs in what fans and analysts are already calling a potential Super Bowl rematch after Philadelphia’s dominant 40-22 victory over Kansas City in last year’s playoffs.
This season opener offered a glimpse of fierce division rivalry, intense play, and the dramatic highs and lows that make NFL football compelling year after year.