In an unforgettable showdown, the Eagles finally broke their Dallas Cowboys curse at AT&T Stadium, pulling off a monumental 34-6 win—their first in Dallas since 2017! With this win, the Eagles now hold a solid 7-2 record and proudly stand atop the NFC East. Both the offense and defense delivered a show for the ages, leaving fans energized and hopeful for a strong postseason run.
Key Takeaways from the Eagles' Fifth Consecutive Victory:
A High-Flying Offense
For the fourth game in a row, the Eagles offense racked up at least 28 points, tying the fourth-longest scoring streak in team history. Quarterback Jalen Hurts led the charge despite facing relentless pressure from the Cowboys’ defense. Hurts found a way to thrive even when the heat was on, demonstrating his poise and confidence in high-stakes situations. In fact, Hurts was under pressure on a whopping 53.6% of his dropbacks—a season-high for him. And he didn’t just survive; he thrived, going 7 of 9 for 115 yards and tossing two touchdowns while under pressure.
One standout stat that underscores Hurts' cool under fire? His impressive completion percentage. According to Next Gen Stats, he boasted a completion percentage above expectation at +27.2%, which was his best performance of the season under pressure. Since Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints, Hurts has been a rock, throwing four touchdowns and zero interceptions under pressure. This consistency has been pivotal in propelling the Eagles’ offense to new heights.
Young Talent Stepping Up on Defense
This season has proven to be a breakout for the Eagles' young cornerbacks, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. These rookies played a significant role in bottling up Cowboys star receiver CeeDee Lamb, who managed just 21 yards on six receptions—a remarkably low output for him. Mitchell, the No. 22 pick from Toledo, forced Cowboys backup quarterback Cooper Rush to attempt passes into tight windows on three of his four targets, showcasing his tight coverage and defensive instincts. Meanwhile, DeJean, the Eagles' second-round pick out of Iowa, allowed a minimal catch rate, conceding just 5 yards across his five targets.
The impact of Mitchell and DeJean has been especially noticeable since their ability to lock down key receivers has freed up the rest of the defense. According to Pro Football Focus, Mitchell gave up only one reception for 5 yards when matched up against Lamb, while DeJean held Lamb to just 1 yard on two receptions. Their gritty performance reflects the Eagles' broader defensive philosophy: they play as a unified front, creating constant pressure and cutting down offensive opportunities for the opposition.
Zack Baun: The Game-Changing Linebacker
Inside linebacker Zack Baun continued his standout season with yet another electrifying performance. Since joining as a free-agent signing, Baun has consistently delivered when it matters most, racking up six defensive stops—tackles that effectively halt the offensive play. He ranks third in the league with 52 defensive stops this season, making him one of the Eagles' most dependable playmakers.
Baun didn’t just stop plays; he also took matters into his own hands to win the turnover battle. In the fourth quarter, he forced two fumbles, recovering one after defensive end Bryce Huff strip-sacked Cooper Rush. Baun has been a turnover machine recently, contributing to takeaways in three straight games, including a forced fumble in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals and an interception in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head Coach Nick Sirianni had nothing but praise for Baun, emphasizing his athleticism, tenacity, and knack for making crucial tackles in both open spaces and tight quarters. Sirianni highlighted Baun’s “streak” of takeaways and his keen awareness of the football.
Dominant Defense
The Eagles' defense turned in their best game of the season when it came to Expected Points Added (EPA), a metric that measures the value of each play. The team recorded a -0.74 EPA per play allowed—a stellar achievement that reflects just how suffocating they were on Sunday. It’s worth noting, however, that the Cowboys' starting quarterback Dak Prescott was sidelined, with Cooper Rush stepping in. Even so, the Eagles' defensive dominance was undeniable, as they held Dallas to just 146 total yards—the second-lowest output they've allowed all season.
Opposing offenses have had a nightmare trying to find the end zone against the Eagles since their bye week. In their last five games, Eagles opponents have scored just five touchdowns, a league-low over that span. Impressively, only three of those touchdowns came against the Eagles' defense. The team is also on a historic streak, keeping opponents under 300 yards of total offense for five straight games—the first time they’ve managed such a feat since 2008, a season when they did it for eight consecutive games.
Despite their recent successes, the Eagles face a challenging road ahead. They’re slated to take on several high-scoring teams in their upcoming games, including the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Each of these teams ranks in the top half of the league for scoring over the past three games, making it a true test for the Eagles' defense.
Exciting Stats & Milestones:
- 53.6% Pressure Rate: Jalen Hurts' season-high pressure rate on dropbacks, yet he completed 7 of 9 passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns under pressure, showing his elite poise.
- Rookie Cornerbacks Shine: Mitchell and DeJean allowed only two combined receptions for a mere 6 yards against CeeDee Lamb.
- Turnover Machine, Zack Baun: With two forced fumbles and one recovery, Baun has become an invaluable asset to the Eagles' defense.
- -0.74 EPA: The Eagles defense recorded their best single-game EPA performance of the season, suffocating the Cowboys offense.
With both young and veteran players firing on all cylinders, this season is shaping up to be an unforgettable ride for Eagles fans. The team’s performance against Dallas was nothing short of spectacular, combining offensive firepower with defensive tenacity. But the journey isn’t over yet. As they gear up to face formidable offenses in the coming weeks, the Eagles have a chance to prove that they are serious contenders, not just in the NFC East but in the entire league. So, buckle up and stay tuned—this Eagles squad is just getting started!
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