The Philadelphia Eagles dropped to 2-5 after a 38-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on October 26, 2026, extending their losing streak to five games at Lincoln Financial Field. The defeat came amid heavy injuries, defensive struggles against the run, and a stagnant offense missing starting quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Cowboys Smash Eagles Defense with 204 Rushing Yards on Monday Night Football
The Dallas Cowboys arrived at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday night ranking 31st in the NFL in rushing, averaging just 76 yards per game. By the final whistle, Dallas had gashed the Eagles’ defense for 204 yards and 38 carries, led by Javonte Williams rushing 25 times for a career-high 155 yards and a touchdown.
The lopsided ground game allowed quarterback Dak Prescott to complete 15 of 27 passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Dak Prescott also surpassed Roger Staubach for the second-most wins in franchise history with 86 victories, leaving him eight shy of Troy Aikman’s all-time Dallas record, according to Mississippi State athletics reporting.
yearly reminder that Brandon Aubrey is a traitor pic.twitter.com/XFuo4s8w8E
The performance matched Philadelphia’s longest slide since Doug Pederson’s first season as head coach in 2016. Defensive breakdowns left players searching for answers as the unit allowed 416 total yards.
The Eagles acknowledged the need to address their struggles against the run, emphasizing that allowing a strong rushing performance opened up the offense. They highlighted the importance of stopping the run as a priority moving forward.
🤣 pic.twitter.com/yTJyYgvbSu
Tanner McKee Leads Offense as Injuries Mount Across Roster
Philadelphia played without Jalen Hurts, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season after a superficial blood clot in his calf developed into pulmonary emboli following the Week 5 game against Jacksonville. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee stepped in, completing 23 of 35 passes for 211 yards, one touchdown, and an interception thrown to DeMarvion Overshown in the fourth quarter.
The offense also operated without starting wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks due to hamstring and ankle injuries. Running back Saquon Barkley tested a lingering hamstring injury on the game’s second play with a 29-yard rush, but his back locked up soon after. Barkley finished with seven carries for 62 yards and a touchdown before exiting permanently in the second half.
Nick Sirianni has lost five straight games and maybe likely his job. Marcus Hayes: https://t.co/IotQASQ0FA
Rookie Makai Lemon provided a brief spark by capping a 17-play, 9-minute, 16-second drive—Philadelphia’s longest of the season—with a 4-year touchdown reception that gave the Eagles a 21-20 lead early in the third quarter. Dallas responded by scoring the game’s final 18 points.
Troy Aikman and Analysts Question Dallas Ceiling After Victory
Working as the television analyst for Monday Night Football, Dallas legend Troy Aikman urged observers to temper their enthusiasm regarding the blowout.
Eh, not really, and I don’t mean that as a negative. This is a beat-up Philadelphia team. To come in here and win tonight, I mean, let’s not get carried away.
Aikman noted that the depleted Eagles roster featured multiple backup linemen, missing wideouts, and a hampered backfield. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer emphasized a balanced ground attack during weekly preparations, aiming for at least 25 rushes. Williams praised the play-calling strategy after the game, noting that establishing the run opened up opportunities for wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
George Pickens really tries to hurdle someone any chance he gets 😠@DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/b6M0zM3WdT
Dallas Moves Closer to New York Giants
The win improves Dallas to 3-4, keeping them 1.5 games behind the division-leading New York Giants. Philadelphia sits at 2-5 in third place, trailing the division leaders.
| Team | Record | Division Record | Games Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Giants | 4-2-1 | 1-0-1 | — |
| Dallas Cowboys | 3-4 | 2-1 | 1.5 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 2-5 | 1-1 | 2.5 |
| Washington | 1-4-1 | 0-2-1 | 2.5 |
The Eagles travel to Washington for a matchup before returning home to host the Giants. With the NFL trade deadline looming on Nov. 10, analysts and observers anticipate the front office will evaluate whether to become sellers as they handle their first major losing skid under their current coaching staff.
DeMarvion Overshown said the Cowboys' bowling celly was impromptu 😂 pic.twitter.com/H7GwZUHwn6
More on Javonte Williams
Javonte Williams' first offensive drive vs. Eagles for #Cowboys on MNF:+6 yards+15 yards+2 yardsdo NOT abandon him. https://t.co/n94Yux6ITD
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