• The Dallas Cowboys dropped a close 24-20 game to the Philadelphia Eagles in a dramatic Week 1 clash, marked by an early ejection and a weather delay.
• Javonte Williams and Marshawn Kneeland emerged as key contributors, showing promise for the Cowboys’ 2025 season.
• Costly mistakes, like a fumble and dropped passes, prevented Dallas from pulling off an upset.
• Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer’s debut offers hope despite the loss.
• This analysis of Cowboys vs. Eagles Week 1 winners and losers breaks down who thrived and who faltered.

A Thrilling but Costly Opener

The Dallas Cowboys kicked off 2025 with a heartbreaking 24-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The game started with controversy when Eagles’ Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott before the first snap. 

A high-scoring first half ended 21-20, but a long weather delay slowed momentum, and Dallas couldn’t seize late opportunities, falling to 0-1. Let’s dive into the Cowboys vs. Eagles Week 1 winners and losers to see who stood out in this intense matchup.

Read more: Watch the Cowboys vs. Eagles NFL Season Opener in 2025

Standout Performers: Who Shined in Week 1

Javonte Williams, RB: A Powerhouse Debut

Javonte Williams made an instant impact in his Cowboys debut. He punched in a one-yard touchdown to open the scoring and followed with an 11-yard run that set up another one-yard score. Finishing with 54 yards and two touchdowns, Williams proved he’s a force in the backfield, giving fans a reason to cheer.

Marshawn Kneeland, DE: A Rookie to Watch

With Micah Parsons out, rookie Marshawn Kneeland stepped up on the defensive line. The 2024 second-round pick recorded Dallas’ first sack of the season and held strong against the run. His performance is a bright spot among the Cowboys vs. Eagles Week 1 winners and losers, signaling a promising future.

Brian Schottenheimer, Head Coach: A Promising Start

Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer called a sharp game, keeping Dallas competitive against a tough Eagles team. Despite a fumble and dropped passes, his play-calling limited Philadelphia to three points in the second half. Schottenheimer’s debut shows he’s ready to lead, even if the scoreboard didn’t reflect it.

Struggles That Stung: Where Dallas Fell Short

Miles Sanders, RB: A Costly Mistake

Miles Sanders nearly shifted the game with a 49-yard run in the third quarter, setting up a first-and-10 at the Eagles’ 11. But after penalties, he fumbled on a crucial carry, and Philadelphia recovered. The lightning delay that followed killed Dallas’ momentum, making Sanders a key figure among the Cowboys vs. Eagles Week 1 winners and losers.

Kaiir Elam, CB: A Missed Opportunity

Late in the second quarter, with Dallas up 17-14, Kaiir Elam failed to break up a 51-yard pass from Jalen Hurts to Jahan Dotson on third-and-six. The Eagles scored a touchdown on that drive, taking the lead. Elam improved later, but that play was pivotal in the close loss.

CeeDee Lamb, WR: A Tale of Two Halves

CeeDee Lamb started hot, with a 32-yard catch setting up Dallas’ first touchdown and 76 yards in the first quarter alone. But his second half was rough, with three drops, including two on the final drive—one on fourth down that sealed the Eagles’ win. His early brilliance faded, landing him among the Week 1 struggles.

What This Loss Means for Dallas

The 24-20 loss hurts, but there’s plenty to build on. Schottenheimer’s game plan and the emergence of players like Williams and Kneeland show potential. Mistakes from Sanders, Elam, and Lamb were costly, but they’re fixable. As a football fan, I’ve seen teams turn early setbacks into motivation for big seasons, and Dallas’ second-half defensive effort suggests they’re close to flipping the script.

Looking Ahead: A Season of Possibilities

The Cowboys vs. Eagles Week 1 winners and losers highlight a team with both promise and room to grow. Williams and Kneeland are exciting additions, and Schottenheimer’s leadership offers optimism. While Sanders, Elam, and Lamb need to clean up their mistakes, this game showed Dallas can hang with the best. As a fan, I’m already looking forward to Week 2, confident this team can turn close losses into victories.

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.