PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 4, 2025) — The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles opened their 2025 campaign with a gritty 24-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in a game that had a little of everything — weather delays, ejections, and plenty of rivalry-fueled drama.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts led the way with two rushing touchdowns, while Saquon Barkley added another on the ground as the Eagles unveiled their championship banner and then immediately reminded the NFL why they remain the favorites to hoist another Lombardi Trophy.

Hurts Leads the Charge

Hurts was steady despite difficult conditions, rushing for scores of four and eight yards while directing a Philadelphia offense that scored touchdowns on its first three drives. His second rushing score came with a celebratory shrug — a nod to mentor and guest of honor Michael Jordan, who was shown on the stadium big screen.

“Yeah, you have a special guest, a special friend in attendance, there’s only one thing you can do and that’s win,” Hurts said.

The Eagles became the first defending Super Bowl champions since the 2011 Green Bay Packers to score touchdowns on each of their first three drives of a season. Kicker Jake Elliott later drilled a 58-yard field goal to round out Philadelphia’s scoring.

Controversy Strikes Early

The night was marred by controversy almost immediately when star defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott during a post-whistle confrontation. The incident occurred moments after the banner ceremony, drawing heavy boos from the Philadelphia crowd and leaving the Eagles without one of their most dominant defenders.

Carter later apologized, saying, “It won’t happen again.” Hurts confirmed he spoke with his teammate about composure, while Prescott downplayed the incident.

“I wouldn’t spit on somebody,” Prescott said. “I think it was just a misunderstanding, but it is what it is.”

Delay, Drama, and Defense

The game was interrupted by a 65-minute lightning delay midway through the third quarter with Philadelphia leading 24-20. When play resumed, both defenses tightened, but the Eagles ultimately made the plays needed to secure the win.

Dallas had its chances. Down four in the final minutes, Prescott led the Cowboys into Eagles territory but threw incomplete on fourth-and-3 with 1:54 left, sealing Philadelphia’s victory.

Running back Miles Sanders, returning to face his former team, nearly swung the momentum in Dallas’ favor late in the third quarter, but his fumble at the Philadelphia 10-yard line proved costly. Rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell recovered for the Eagles, with Prescott chasing him down to prevent a defensive score.

Cowboys’ Efforts Fall Short

Prescott finished with two touchdown passes to Javonte Williams, both from one yard out, while kicker Brandon Aubrey added field goals of 41 and 53 yards. But Dallas couldn’t overcome turnovers and missed opportunities.

Receiver CeeDee Lamb stood out with seven catches for 110 yards, but his failure to secure a key catch in the second half loomed large.

In his debut as Dallas head coach, Brian Schottenheimer came close to spoiling Philadelphia’s banner night but left with a bitter taste.

“I still think we can win a Super Bowl,” Schottenheimer said. “It’s not going to change. We’ve got the right type of guys. We’ve got good players.”

Eagles’ Concerns and Outlook

Philadelphia did not escape unscathed. Offensive lineman Landon Dickerson exited with a back injury, thinning depth on a line that remains vital to Hurts’ success.

While star receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were quiet — combining for just four receptions — head coach Nick Sirianni praised their willingness to block and contribute without needing targets.

“A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are selfless,” Sirianni said.

Up Next

The Eagles (1-0) will continue their title defense next week on the road, while the Cowboys (0-1) return home searching for their first win under Schottenheimer.

Though the opener came with controversy, weather delays, and tense moments, Philadelphia proved resilient once again — a trait that carried them to a championship last season and could do the same in 2025.

Final Score: Eagles 24, Cowboys 20