Eagles' defense increases the pressure to hold off the Cowboys 24-20 in an odd season opener

PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles had to play their entire season opener without Jalen Carter despite him taking the field with the rest of the defense. Despite that, Jalen Hurts led a near flawless offensive performance, mainly on the ground, in a 24-20 win Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field.

Before Dak Prescott could call for a snap, Philadelphia's most disruptive force on the line spit on the Cowboys' quarterback, resulting in his ejection, silencing a sold-out crowd after the opening kickoff.

After the fanfare celebrating the unveiling of the team's second Super Bowl championship banner, the electrified crowd was stunned when head referee Shawn Smith announced that #98 was ejected.

With a huge momentum swing, Prescott led the Cowboys easily down the field for 53-yard scoring drive capped off by a Javonte Williams one-yard touchdown run. Hurts and the offense quickly responded to the quick right hook delivered by their rivals, marching 80 yards down the field with a touchdown of their own, courtesy of Hurts' legs to tie it at 7-7 with 5:55 left in the first quarter.

Philadelphia's defense, which had questions surrounding it all summer long, had an even tougher task without Carter creating havoc in the middle of the defensive line and the Cowboys exploited it. Running back Javonte Williams had some powerful runs up the middle and scored his second touchdown of the night putting Dallas back up 14-7 early in the second quarter capping a nine-play, 88-yard drive.

Hurts had to take matters into his own hands on the Eagles second drive, making defenders miss on multiple scrambles. He scored his second touchdown of the first half on an eight-yard run to tie it at 14-14 with under seven minutes to go until halftime.

After struggling mightily against CeeDee Lamb to start the game, Adoree' Jackson made back-to-back solid plays to help the Eagles get off the field after a Brandon Aubrey field goal to make it 17-14 with 2:34 left in the first half.

Hurts and the offense continued their perfect start to the night, highlighted by a 51-yard deep ball to Jahan Dotson, a connection that could potentially take off after the duo worked out together this summer in Houston.

Two plays later, Saquon Barkley scored his first touchdown of the season from 10 yards out to give the Eagles their first lead of the game, 21-17 with under a minute remaining in the second quarter.

Shortly after Saquon' score, Dallas capitalized on a roughing the passer called against Nolan Smith to set up a 53-yard field goal to make it a 21-20 score at half.

Second half

Philadelphia made it a fourth consecutive scoring drive to open the second half, overcoming the first sack of Hurts thanks to an impressive 58-yard field goal by Jake Elliott extending the Eagles lead early in the third.

With Dallas driving, Jihaad Campbell made his first big play as an Eagle, punching the ball out of former Eagle running back Miles Sanders which was scooped up by Quinyon Mitchell to end the threatening drive inside the Eagles' 15-yard line.

Delay and continuation

Shortly after, the game was delayed due to a severe thunderstorm with 4:44 left in the third quarter. The delay lasted over an hour. The Eagles tried to capitalize on the fumble, but the delay seemingly killed the momentum and buzz of the crowd when play picked back up with some fans leaving the game, thinning out the seating bowl.

Neither team could muster much on offense with the Eagles punting on their subsequent two drives while Dallas continued to struggle with finding their rhythm on offense. In what was a very hot and cold game, we saw that the Eagles have some rust to shake off before their Week 2 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Philly can't afford to have A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith with only 4 receptions combined for an only 24 yards again.

Injury Report

Ben VanSumeren was quickly ruled out with a knee injury after the opening kickoff.

Adoree' Jackson was in the medical tent late in the second quarter for some time and was tested for a concussion but was able to return.

Will Shipley suffered rib injury and was questionable to return after getting banged up late in the second quarter.

Landon Dickerson appeared to get rolled up on during the Eagles first drive of the third quarter. He then walked to the locker room with under eight minutes left in the game with a back injury. His return was ruled questionable.

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images