Sunday night's huge NFC East battle between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles was more like a back-and-forth heavyweight boxing match than a football game.
Dallas staked itself to a 21-0 lead early before the Eagles streaked ahead in the third quarter on the back of 24 unanswered points.
However, too much Dez Bryant and some late heroics by the Cowboys defense proved the difference as Dallas secures sole possession of the NFC East lead with a 38-27 victory in Philadelphia.
Turning Point:
With momentum seemingly gone for good after watching a 21-0 lead evaporate, Tony Romo beared down and got the job done down 24-21 in the third. Keyed by two 22-yard strikes to Dez Bryant and a two-yard TD rush by DeMarco Murray, Dallas regained the lead to stay on a 28-24 on a massive eight-play, 78-yard scoring drive.
A J.J Wilcox interception would then lead to Dez Bryant's THIRD TD catch of the game, effectively handing Dallas the momentum to stay.
Key Stat:
Dallas absolutely dominated time of possession all night long, holding the ball for 42 minutes compared to Philly's 18 and completely limiting the Eagles in their attempts to come back in this one.
Dallas MVP:
Throw up the X. WR Dez Bryant was able to do his signature touchdown pose three times on Sunday night, outmuscling the Philly secondary for six catches and 114 hard-earned yards in a superstar performance.
Philadelphia MVP:
RB Chris Polk was the finisher, making his two carries count for six yards and two touchdowns. But, it was WR Jeremy Maclin who played a big part in setting the Eagles up in the red zone, with four catches for 98 yards (including a breathtaking 72-yard catch-and-run) on the night.
What’s Next?
The Dallas Cowboys head back home for a huge interconference showdown with the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday.
Philadelphia, on the other hand, will stay inside the NFC East as look to keep their playoff hopes alive in D.C. against the Washington Redskins.