Philadelphia, September 15, 2025
News Summary
The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off their Super Bowl title defense with a tense 24-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The game featured dramatic on-field events, including player ejections and multiple fines for aggressive conduct. Jalen Hurts led the Eagles offensively while Dallas struggled with missed opportunities from Dak Prescott. The Eagles’ victory was overshadowed by disciplinary actions, paving the way for future implications for both teams as they head into the season.
Philadelphia — The Philadelphia Eagles opened their Super Bowl title defense with a narrow 24-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on September 4, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field, a win marked by on-field drama, multiple player fines and one immediate ejection.
Key game outcome and disciplinary actions
The Eagles secured a 24-20 win but faced significant disciplinary fallout after a series of late-game and in-game incidents. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected during the game for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and was later assessed the largest fine of the day at $57,222. Additional fines included Jakorian Bennett ($23,186) for a hip-drop tackle, Cooper DeJean ($11,593) for unnecessary roughness and facemask violations during a scuffle with Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau, and Liufau himself ($7,186). Linebacker Nolan Smith was fined $11,593 for taunting, and Cowboys rookie tackle Tyler Guyton was fined $12,172 for striking, kicking, or kneeing during a first-quarter altercation.
How the game unfolded
The Eagles built a commanding lead in the first half using a balanced offensive approach but managed only three points in the second half as the Cowboys mounted a late push. Jalen Hurts, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, completed the day with 152 passing yards and added 62 rushing yards, contributing two touchdowns. Running back Saquon Barkley added 60 rushing yards to the Eagles’ effort.
On the Cowboys’ side, running back Javonte Williams scored two 1-yard rushing touchdowns that kept Dallas within striking distance. Dallas’ offensive performance was hindered by missed opportunities from Prescott, including several incomplete passes in key moments, which contributed to the close finish.
Notable interruptions and game environment
The contest included a weather delay lasting more than an hour due to lightning in the area, briefly halting play and affecting the game’s rhythm. The delay preceded several heated exchanges that led to multiple penalties and the ejection noted above.
Immediate implications
The win gives the Eagles an early-season victory while exposing disciplinary vulnerabilities that could affect availability and roster decisions in the coming weeks. The Cowboys, despite the loss, will turn their attention to an upcoming home game against the New York Giants on September 14, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Upcoming schedule and stakes
The Eagles face a significant early test next as they prepare for a rematch of the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. That matchup will be watched closely for both competitive and conduct-related developments following the fines and ejection from this opener.
Context and significance
This game provided an early look at how both teams might perform across offensive and defensive units during the regular season. Philadelphia’s first-half balance suggested continuity from its championship campaign, while second-half scoring struggles highlighted areas for adjustment. Dallas demonstrated resilience with goal-line scoring from Williams but also suffered from execution lapses and disciplinary incidents that could have longer-term consequences.
League discipline after the game focused on specific acts that violated conduct and safety rules, with financial penalties varying based on the nature and severity of each incident. The highest penalty was tied to the on-field spitting incident and immediate ejection, illustrating the league’s swift response to that behavior.
What to watch next
Key storylines to monitor include any appeals or additional discipline following the fines and ejection, the Eagles’ ability to sustain offensive production beyond a strong first half, and the Cowboys’ adjustments at quarterback to reduce missed opportunities. Both teams will also be evaluated on how they respond to physical and environmental disruptions, such as lightning delays, in future games.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the final score and where was the game played?
- The final score was Philadelphia Eagles 24, Dallas Cowboys 20, played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on September 4, 2025.
- Which player was ejected and why?
- Jalen Carter of the Eagles was ejected for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and received a fine of $57,222.
- Which players were fined and for what actions?
- Major fines included: Jakorian Bennett ($23,186, hip-drop tackle), Tyler Guyton ($12,172, striking/kicking/kneeing), Cooper DeJean ($11,593, unnecessary roughness/facemask), Nolan Smith ($11,593, taunting), and Marist Liufau ($7,186, involvement in scuffle).
- How did key players perform?
- Jalen Hurts threw for 152 yards, rushed for 62 yards and scored two touchdowns. Saquon Barkley rushed for 60 yards. Javonte Williams scored two 1-yard rushing touchdowns for the Cowboys.
- Are there upcoming games for both teams?
- Yes. The Eagles will next play a rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Cowboys will host the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on September 14, 2025.
Summary chart: fines and key performance figures
| Item | Value | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Largest fine (Jalen Carter) | $57,222 |
|
| Jakorian Bennett fine | $23,186 | |
| Tyler Guyton fine | $12,172 | |
| Cooper DeJean / Nolan Smith fines | $11,593 each | |
| Marist Liufau fine | $7,186 | |
| Jalen Hurts passing yards | 152 yards | |
| Jalen Hurts rushing yards | 62 yards | |
| Saquon Barkley rushing yards | 60 yards |
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Additional Resources
- Sporting News: Eagles CB Cooper DeJean Fined
- Wikipedia: National Football League
- SI: Jerry Jones Reaction to Eagles-Cowboys Game
- Google Search: Philadelphia Eagles Dallas Cowboys September 4 2025
- ESPN: Eagles vs Cowboys Boxscore
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- CNN: NFL Week 1 Eagles-Cowboys Recap
- CBS Sports: Eagles vs Cowboys Live Updates
- ESPN: Cowboys vs Eagles Story
- ESPN: Cowboys-Eagles Betting Preview
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
