Eagles stumble against Cowboys, dropping fifth straight game
Philadelphia fell to 2-5 on the season following a 38-21 defeat at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday night.
The Philadelphia Eagles dropped their fifth consecutive game on Monday night, suffering a 38-21 defeat against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The loss brings Philadelphia's record to 2-5, significantly dampening their playoff prospects after a promising start to the offensive campaign.
Despite early creativity from the offense, which scored on its initial two drives, the Eagles' defense struggled from the opening snap. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott capitalized on ample time in the pocket to throw three touchdown passes, while running back Javonte Williams rushed for a career-high 155 yards and a score, averaging 6.2 yards per carry.
Philadelphia's defensive line generated zero sacks and zero quarterback hits, managing only four pressures across 30 dropbacks. Head coach Nick Sirianni and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio faced mounting questions regarding the unit's persistent inability to generate pressure or stop the run, surrendering a total of 204 rushing yards to the Cowboys.
Second-year linebacker Jihaad Campbell shouldered the blame for the unit's struggles after the game. "Not up to the standard," Campbell said. "It was bad run defense. They put up 200-plus on us. We just got to be better in our run fits. Get off the block, strike blocks, get off of them, make the tackle, simple as that."
Defensive lineman Jordan Davis echoed similar concerns regarding the collective performance up front. "It starts with me and starts with everybody in the room," Davis stated, noting that the offense and defense must better complement one another.
Compounding the team's difficulties, the Eagles dealt with several injuries during the contest. Running back Saquon Barkley was held out of the entire fourth quarter due to hamstring and back issues, while Dameon Pierce exited with 8:38 remaining after carrying 14 times for 47 yards and a touchdown.
The mounting losses and injury concerns arrive as the organization navigates other significant hurdles, including news that quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss the remainder of the season following the discovery of blood clots in his lungs. General manager Howie Roseman could potentially make veteran players available ahead of the upcoming NFL trade deadline.
The Eagles will attempt to regroup ahead of a short turnaround, visiting the Washington Commanders this coming Sunday night.