PHILADELPHIA - The Cowboys came into Lincoln Financial Field and picked up their 10th win of the year, holding off the Eagles 38-27 and taking sole possession of first place in the NFC East. The Eagles (9-5) dropped a game behind the Cowboys with two games to play.
Dez Bryant had a huge night, hauling in six catches for 114 yards and three touchdowns, the first time in his career. Tony Romo was brilliant under center, completing 22 of 31 passes for 265 yards and three scores. DeMarco Murray was once again the work horse out of the backfield carrying the ball 31 times for 81 yards and two touchdowns.
Big Picture:
The Cowboys still have work to do as far as winning the NFC East, however this win will go a very long way to claiming the division for the first time since 2009. This was a statement win that proved they will be reckoned with not only the rest of the season, but in the playoffs. Don't print your NFC East champion T-shirts just yet, however it could be clinched next Sunday if the Eagles lose to Washington and the Cowboys take care of business against the Colts.
Turning Point:
The Cowboys saw a 21-0 lead completely evaporated and the Eagles not only had the 24-21 lead, but all the momentum. But the Cowboys showed their resiliency and marched right back down the field for 78 yards, on eight plays and chewed up 5:03 off the clock. Most importantly that drive ended in a DeMarco Murray touchdown to reclaim the lead for the final time. These aren't the same old Cowboys that fold in December, they're contenders.
Key Stat:
Time of possession was huge for the Cowboys as they dominated for over 41 minutes, but it was Dez Bryant's night that made the difference. He caught three touchdown passes for the first time in his career and the Cowboys needed every single one of them to take out the Eagles. All of Bryant's touchdowns occurred on the right side against Eagles' cornerback Bradley Fletcher.
Unsung Hero:
JJ Wilcox arguably had his best game of the year. An interception, a forced fumble and four tackles for a defense that wobbled in the second and third quarters, but stood tall when it counted. The second-year safety out of Georgia Southern made the interception on the ensuing possession after the Cowboys regained the lead at 28-24. It was the stop the defense needed at a critical time in the game.
Don't Forget About…
The kickoff the Cowboys recovered to open the game. Whether it was intentional or aided by the wind, Dallas caught a break when the ball bounced between Josh Huff and Brad Smith and CJ Spillman recovered on the Eagles 18 yard line. The Cowboys cashed in five plays later when DeMarco Murray found the end zone to go up 7-0 on their division rivals. It was a momentum and confidence builder for the Cowboys en route to a 38-27 victory.
