Eagles vs. Cowboys: Takeaways from first half as Dallas holds a 24-6 lead

Jalen Hurts was 7-13 passing, for 92 yards and another costly turnnover as the Eagles offense did little to support their struggling defense.

Dallas was efficient in the first half, and capitalized on several mistakes to take a 24-6 first half lead.

DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown combined for 4 catches, and 77 yards in the first half, while Zach Cunningham led the Eagles with six tackles, and Darius Slay had four tackles and 2 passes defended in the first half.

Reed Blankenship

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The talented safety had three tackles before suffering a concussion in the first half.

CeeDee Lamb

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Dallas moved Lamb into the slot deep in the red zone on their first drive, and the All-Pro wide receiver was able to navigate the Eagles man/zone combo coverage, outrunning Bradley Roby and Nicholas Morrow for the touchdown.

Dak and CeeDee wasting no time with an opening drive TD

📺: #PHIvsDAL on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/YCEDNi5Ozb pic.twitter.com/aOxzGl0RQE

— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2023

Lamb finished the first half with 5 catches for 65 yards and a touchdown.

Dallas Goedert involved early

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Goedert missed three games but logged a ten-yard catch over the middle on the team’s first drive.

Goedert finished the first half. with three catches for 15 yards in the first half.

Jalen Hurts turnover

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 10: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Hurts had two designed runs early on, and the Eagles star fumbled deep in Cowboys territory.

Donovan Wilson forces the fumble and the @DallasCowboys' offense will go back on the field

📺: #PHIvsDAL on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/YCEDNi5Ozb pic.twitter.com/wRPOE2ojdZ

— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2023

The turnover is his 15th on the season, and his fifth lost fumble.

Cowboys third down success

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 10: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Dallas was 6-8 on third downs in the first half, while Dak Prescott was 14-23 passing for 157 yards and two touchdowns.

Fake Punt

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles needed a spark and Braden Mann’s connect with Olamide Zaccheaus didn’t lead to a touchdown, but it extended a drive, and helped put three points on the board.

Eagles defense

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 10: Tony Pollard #20 of the Dallas Cowboys is tackled by Zach Cunningham #52 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Philadelphia allowed the Dallas offense to run 42 plays in the first half, accumulating 247 yards, while holding the football for seven more minutes than the Eagles.

Update through last 11 drives:

TD https://t.co/3R41pc8yGb

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 11, 2023