The potential for a decent report card against the Eagles certainly existed prior to kickoff. By 4 p.m., it was long gone. How it came back into play was a remarkable tale of the Cowboys’ biggest win in two years, a 24-21 comeback against their division rival.
Offense
The numbers at the end were spectacular as the Cowboys totaled 473 yards against a good Eagles defense with Dak Prescott, Javonte Williams and George Pickens all having special afternoons. But the first seven possessions produced one touchdown, two turnovers, some punts and a missed field goal. Earlier production from this unit would have reduced the need to pursue come-from-behind records.
Grade: B
Defense
Cowboys
With 21 points allowed on drives encompassing 187 yards on Philly’s first three possessions, the defense was an early no-show. After that, sensational. Just seven first downs allowed and zero points on the Eagles’ last eight possessions. Dallas forced three three-and-outs in the second and third quarters to allow the team to even think about a comeback.
Defense: A-minus
Special teams
Not sure anyone had forecast a huge play for Trent Sieg, but the deep snapper’s recovery of a fumbled punt with five minutes to play should have been enormous. It actually was, even with Dallas getting stopped at the 1-yard line, as the Eagles had to punt from their 19, giving the Cowboys excellent field position for the winning field goal. Brandon Aubrey missed a kick from 51 yards, which was very human of him, but he was there — as always — when it mattered.
Grade: A
Coaching
No one exploded when the Cowboys got behind 21-0. The club kept moving along, the defense found a pass rush that frustrated Jalen Hurts and Brian Schottenheimer kept spreading the ball to his reliable weapons. The head coach’s decision to go for it on fourth-and-one near the end made perfect sense. A field goal would have given the Eagles possession around the 30 needing just three points to tie. He believed in his decision and it was right. The Cowboys under Schottenheimer will always attack.
Grade: A
Overall
It can’t be an A-plus because you don’t get down 21-0 without a horrible first 20 minutes. But the Cowboys overcoming this deficit at least gives them the feeling they have a chance against the Chiefs, Lions and everyone left on their schedule. That couldn’t have been true before Sunday.
Grade: A-minus
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