Two heavyweights in the NFC exchanged punches in a thrilling Christmas Eve matchup. In a close game, the Cowboys came out victorious 40-34 thanks to a miraculous conversion on third down and 30 by Dak Prescott and T.Y. Hilton. Back-to-back made field goals sealed the deal for Dallas.
This game had it all. The back-and-forth affair saw the Eagles take an early 10-0 lead, the largest of the night. Even with that happening, this game was a close battle until the final whistle.
It had everything one could ask for from a primetime-holiday grudge match. Two rivals: check. High stakes because of playoff-clinching scenarios: check. Big plays in the biggest moments of the game: check (the third down conversion, Josh Sweat’s pick-six, etc.).
One of the NFL’s great rivalries, the Eagles and Cowboys have played in their fair share of big games against one another. These teams are used to playing each other with significant things on the line. That, along with the decades of hatred for one another, is what makes their rivalry so prominent. Philadelphia and Dallas are laughably far from each other, so this rivalry isn’t regional. This is a rivalry because they play in the NFC East together, a division with 13 combined Super Bowls. Additionally, more attention was placed on this game because they constantly play in big games on the biggest stage. Make no mistake, both teams had this one circled on their calendar since August.
While there is still a lot of football left to be played, this thrilling game could end up being the game of the year.
Since both teams are slated to make the playoffs, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if we get a third game between these bitter rivals. It might end up deciding who represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
