On Sept. 5, 2025 in Philadelphia, Jalen Hurts led the Philadelphia Eagles to a 24-20 season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys in a game marked by an early ejection, a knee injury on the opening kickoff, and an hour-long thunderstorm delay.
Key Takeaways
- The Eagles beat the Cowboys 24-20 in the Sept. 5, 2025 season opener.
- Jalen Carter was ejected during an injury timeout for spitting on Dak Prescott; Ben VanSumeren left with a knee injury on the opening kickoff.
- A weather delay began just before 10:30 p.m. ET; the contest concluded at 12:18 a.m. ET.
- Miles Sanders fumbled at the Philadelphia 11 after a 49-yard run; the forced fumble and recovery prevented a Cowboys touchdown.
- No points were scored after the thunderstorm; the Cowboys turned the ball over on downs on their final drive.
- Hurts finished 19-for-23 passing for 152 yards and ran 14 times for 62 yards with two rushing TDs.
- Dallas gained 307 yards; Dak Prescott was 21-of-34 for 188 yards and CeeDee Lamb had seven catches for 110 yards.
- The Eagles were flagged nine times for 110 yards.
Verified Facts
The game opened poorly for Philadelphia when fullback Ben VanSumeren suffered a knee injury on the opening kickoff and did not return. During the ensuing injury timeout, Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott; the Cowboys then executed a 53-yard drive in six plays to take a 7-0 lead.
Points came on eight straight possessions across both teams before a critical sequence late in the first half. Miles Sanders broke a 49-yard run but fumbled at the Philadelphia 11; Jihaad Campbell forced the fumble and Quinyon Mitchell recovered. Prescott stopped Mitchell’s return with a tackle that prevented what would have been a long touchdown.
That play was the last before a thunderstorm halted play just before 10:30 p.m. ET. After an roughly hour-long delay, play resumed, but neither team scored again. The final drive for Dallas ended with a failed fourth-and-3 from their own 45 when CeeDee Lamb could not secure a long pass from Prescott.
Final statistical details: the Eagles totaled 302 yards (158 rushing). Hurts gained 62 yards on 14 carries and scored on scrambles of 4 and 8 yards; he was 19-of-23 passing for 152 yards. Saquon Barkley ran 18 times for 60 yards and a touchdown, Jahan Dotson had three catches for 59 yards including a 51-yarder, and A.J. Brown recorded one target for an 8-yard catch. Philadelphia was penalized nine times for 110 yards.
The Cowboys finished with 307 yards. Prescott completed 21 of 34 passes for 188 yards. Javonte Williams rushed for 54 yards and two 1-yard touchdowns. Miles Sanders totaled 53 yards on four carries but lost the pivotal fumble. CeeDee Lamb finished with seven receptions for 110 yards.
Context & Impact
The victory came after the Eagles raised their Super Bowl LIX banner, adding extra intensity to the NFC East opener. The rivalry’s physical and emotional tone—highlighted by the ejection and the late-game tension—sets an early narrative for both teams’ 2025 campaigns.
Hurts and Prescott have now met four times in their careers; the series is tied 2-2. For Philadelphia, the rushing production (158 yards) and Hurts’ efficiency under pressure bode well for the offense. For Dallas, the passing yardage and Lamb’s performance signal upside, but the turnover and inability to convert on fourth down will be focal points for improvement.
- Short-term: Eagles avoid an opening-week loss despite penalty issues and will monitor VanSumeren’s knee status.
- Long-term: turnovers and discipline could influence NFC East standings in a tight division.
The NFL confirmed the ejection of Jalen Carter for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
NFL
Unconfirmed
- None at this time.
Bottom Line
The Eagles survived a chaotic, rain-interrupted opener to beat the Cowboys 24-20, avoiding late-game miscues and relying on Hurts’ dual-threat play. The loss leaves Dallas with clear areas to shore up—ball security and late-game execution—while Philadelphia must address penalties and an early injury to its fullback.
Both clubs will use the quick turnaround and film review to prepare for Week 2, with attention on medical updates and any league discipline related to the ejection.