Week 15 wrap-up: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

In a Sunday Night Football thriller with the NFC East on the line, the Philadelphia Eagles came up short as they lost to the Dallas Cowboys by the final score of 38-27.

Unlike the Thanksgiving day game, tonight started as a disaster for the Eagles. On the opening kickoff, a miscommunication between Josh Huff and Brad Smith left a live ball that was recovered by Dallas deep in Eagles territory. The cowboys took advantage of the mishap with a one-yard touchdown run by running back DeMarco Murray.

The Eagles struggled early on offense with numerous three-and-outs. With the Eagles playing short offensive possessions, the defense was left to play a high number of minutes. Quarterback Tony Romo and wide receiver Dez Bryant took advantage by picking on the secondary for two first half touchdown connections.

The Eagles finally got on the board midway through the second quarter with a five-yard touchdown run by running back Chris Polk. A late first-half Cody Parkey field goal from 47 yards cut the Cowboys’ lead to 11 just before the end of the half.

The Eagles got off to a hot start in the second half on the offensive side of the ball. A huge 72-yard reception from Mark Sanchez to Jeremy Maclin set up another short touchdown for Polk.

The defense then stepped up with some meaningful play of their own with a pivotal sack and strip by Vinny Curry. The turnover set up a one-yard touchdown from running back Darren Sproles, giving the Eagles their first lead of the game.

The Cowboys responded with a pair of scores including a two yard Murray touchdown and 25-yard Bryant touchdown catch. The second of the two resulted from a Sanchez interception to J.J. Wilcox off the hands of tight end Zach Ertz.

After Parkey cut the lead to eight with a 43-yard field goal, the Cowboys answered with a 49-yarder to put their lead back at 11. The Eagles could not make their way back into the game and suffered their fifth loss of the year.

Next week, the Eagles will continue their divisional stint as they take on the Washington Redskins in a Saturday afternoon showdown from Fed Ex Field.