The 2025 NFL season kicked off Thursday night with the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the Dallas Cowboys 24-20. It was a weird game marked by Jalen Carter’s ejection for not keeping his spit to himself and a significant weather delay. Philly came out on top in the first stepping stone to its repeat bid, but did not look impressive in doing so. Could the L.A. Rams capitalize if the Eagles suffer through a Super Bowl hangover?
Keep in mind that this was only the first week, yet there were many things that Philadelphia needs to tighten up as the season progresses.
For one, the defense doesn’t appear anywhere as formidable as it was in last year’s dominant playoff run. The Cowboys scored 20 points in the first half and moved the ball at ease, scoring on four of their first five drives, save for a Miles Sanders fumble.
Philly tightened up in the second half, allowing zero points. Of course, they have CeeDee Lamb to thank for two killer drops on the Cowboys’ final drive to come away with the season-opening win.
As for the Eagles’ offense, they were the best of the bunch on the field, and yet even they had problems. Poor field conditions and the weather delay likely did them no favors whatsoever. However, give Dallas credit for allowing only 86 yards and three points after halftime.
Playing like that against a team that traded a generational All-Pro defender a week before the season is inexcusable. Again, there are likely valid reasons for the slump in offensive production for Philadelphia, but this is a team that should’ve been put away early in the second half before the delay.
Besides foolishly trading away Micah Parsons, Dallas has a first-time head coach. Repeat after me: these are the teams you must obliterate and cannot let hang around.
Very little about last night’s game should have come as a surprise, considering the Eagles have had a long offseason. That’s always the case as the defending champs. Plus, the team did lose some key contributors from its top-notch defense from a year ago. There is a long season ahead, perfect for making adjustments where needed.
Philly also started slow in 2024, going 2-2 before winning 16 of its final 17 games en route to winning a second Lombardi Trophy. I fully expect the Eagles to be fine while they make the necessary tweaks. This is one of the league’s best rosters after all. Still, better for Los Angeles to play them early in the year than late, given they’ll possibly be playing close to full strength by then.
Although if the Eagles do wind up suffering through the dreaded hangover, the Rams must be prepared.
