NFC East Standings: Cowboys Defeat Eagles 38-21
Dak Prescott threw three touchdowns and Javonte Williams ran for a career-high 155 yards as Dallas extended its division lead over New York.
By Leila Reynolds ·
The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-21 on Monday night to improve to 3-4 and halt a two-game losing streak. The victory allowed Dallas to match the New York Giants, who stand at 4-2-1, for the top position in the NFC East.
Dallas entered the contest after losing its previous two games, during which the offense scored just 29 points. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw four interceptions in that span. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer faced increased scrutiny during the week, describing himself as an "elite playcaller" on a local radio show despite the team's 9-13-1 record over the last three seasons.
Prescott converted his struggles into production, throwing three touchdown passes in the win. He connected with CeeDee Lamb twice and George Pickens once. This marked the sixth time in his career that Prescott has thrown at least three scores against Philadelphia. The Cowboys also achieved a statistical milestone, becoming the first team since 1983 to record over 200 yards rushing and 200 yards passing in a game against the Eagles.
Running back Javonte Williams carried the ball 25 times for a career-high 155 yards. He scored the final touchdown of the game from the 2-yard line with 2:21 remaining to seal the result. The defensive line pressured Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee, forcing two sacks by Quinnen Williams and Donovan Ezeiruaku, while DeMarvion Overshown recorded an interception.
Schottenheimer appeared less celebratory than usual in postgame interviews. When asked about his demeanor, he stated, "Had nothing to do with desperation. Our guys just played good." Prescott noted that he did not discuss the external criticism with his coach, but observed a "definitely hungry, pissed-off version of Schotty" during the game. Prescott said the team supports Schottenheimer as he takes pride in his role.
The Cowboys had not won two consecutive games since a three-game streak in Weeks 11-13 of the previous season. Their last victory before Monday was on Oct. 4 against the Houston Texans. Dallas now has a 57 percent probability of winning the division, according to ESPN Analytics. Schottenheimer said the win puts the team "right back into the hunt" in the NFC East.
The Cowboys will host the 2-5 Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium next. Prescott emphasized that the team must earn its position each week, noting that no one will automatically concede the division lead. The Eagles, who struggled offensively in the loss, will look to recover from allowing touchdowns on their opening possessions in both the first quarter and second half.
