NFL Week 3 Game Recap: Dallas Cowboys 41, Philadelphia Eagles 21

The Dallas Cowboys headlined their homeland divisional dominance against the Philadelphia Eagles behind their swarming defense and physical rushing attack on Monday Night Football. Alongside Dak Prescott managing the offense with an efficient performance through the air, Dallas devoured the Eagles 41-21 to take sole possession of first place in the NFC East.

Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 16 carries while backup running back Tony Pollard added 11 carries for 60 yards for a Dallas rushing attack that resembled the earlier years of Dak Prescott's balanced offensive tenure. Prescott added 245 yards passing and three touchdown throws to accompany his 79.3% completion percentage that all but sent the Eagles defense to its knees. 

Next week, the Cowboys welcome the undefeated Carolina Panthers into town for another early season NFC litmus test while the Eagles look to stop their two-game losing skid with a home tilt against a surprising free-falling team in the Kansas City Chiefs .

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Dallas Cowboys

Quarterback

Dak Prescott’s Comeback Player of the Year Campaign continued its upward trajectory following a fabulous passing performance against the Eagles relentless pass-rush. Prescott was sacked 4 times while still being able to maintain proficiency within the pocket.

Running back

Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard combined for 165 yards on the ground on just 27 carries etching their mark of dominance as arguably the best running back duo in football. Where they put the pain on Philly’s run defense was through their yards after contact ability.

Wide receiver/tight end:

Amari Cooper and Ceedee Lamb both didn't crack the end zone off of their 3 respective receptions, but Lamb’s early explosive pass play on the Cowboy’s opening drive set the tone for the Dallas offense. Dalton Schultz had himself a night to remember as the team’s leading pass catcher. 6 catches, 81 yards, and two scores made him the ultimate offensive weapon for Prescott as he finished the night with a PFF pending 91.5 receiving grade on just 7 targets. 

Offensive line

The Cowboy’s o-line did allow six pressures and  three hits alongside a PFF pending one sack. However, their 88.4 run-blocking grade is a main reason why Elliot surpassed the century yard rushing mark for the first time this season. 

Defensive line

The Cowboy’s didn't generate a recorded sack all season until their breakout performance against an Eagles o-line reeling from injury. Dallas’s pass-rush collected 16 hurries and 3 recorded sacks despite not having leading pass- rusher Demarcus Lawrence in the lineup.

Linebackers

Micah Parsons continued to utilize his versatility to terrorize the Eagles front-line all over the field. His sack, 3 hurries and 4 total pressures highlighted the rookie's impact on the field. 

Secondary

Trevon Diggs 82.0 coverage grade consisted of his third interception in three weeks and swarming coverage against fellow Alabama alumni Devonta Smith. In another impressive showing for the Cowboys’ second-year corner, Diggs added more credibility to being one of the game’s best young corners.

Philadelphia Eagles

Quarterback

Jalen Hurts had a rough experience in just his 7th career NFL start. The young signal caller was able to reel off two second-half touchdown passes to somewhat save face, but for most of the night, he was inefficient as a passer. Hurts had 2 interceptions, 0 big-time throws and 1 turnover-worthy play in a game where he was regularly behind the sticks. 

Running back

The Eagles only ran the ball 12 times for 64 yards because of regularly trailing as Miles Sanders only had 27 of those yards from just two carries. 

Wide Receiver/tight end

 Devonta Smith had a night to forget after registering 4 catches for 38 yards on 7 targets. Jalen Raegor and Quez Watkins combined for 9 receptions for over 140 yards, but much of that was done in garbage time. Tight Ends Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz combined for 126 yards on 7 catches with Ertz cracking the end zone for the first time this season.

Offensive line

The Eagles o-line was rather hampered by injuries and a scramble-first Hurts during a variety of passing downs. So their PFF pending 70.7 pass-blocking grade doesn't look too devastating, but 12 pressures allowed and 10 allowed quarterback hurries aren't redeeming numbers. 

Defensive line

 The Eagles pass rush generated 9 total pressures, 2 sacks, and 2 hits that was  jumpstarted from a strip-sack recovered by Fletcher Cox for a score in the first quarter.  However, they were buried against the run with a PFF pending 48.1 run grade that will be unforgettable on tape. 

Linebackers

The Eagles linebacking play met the wrath of Elliot and Pollard at the second level. Patrick Johnson’s 61.5 run grade was a somewhat valiant effort that couldn’t be replicated throughout the team. 

Secondary

While the Eagles defensive backs did an okay job of containing the big play ability of Lamb and Amari Cooper, Dalton Shultz continued to burn them in the pass game. Darius Slay gave up two touchdown passes during a PFF pending 50.6 performance in coverage including the back-breaking fourth down touchdown reception by Cedrick Wilson in the fourth quarter.