Dallas Cowboys Struggle Without Dak Prescott: Cooper Rush and Trey Lance Struggle in 34-6 Loss to Eagles

Dallas Cowboys Struggle 34-6 Loss to Eagles

The Dallas Cowboys' offense was utterly ineffective in a 34-6 blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, marking their fourth blowout defeat at home this season. With Dak Prescott sidelined, Cooper Rush took over at quarterback but struggled mightily, completing just 13 passes for 45 yards. Backup Trey Lance, who saw limited action, also failed to make an impact, throwing for only 21 yards and an interception. The Cowboys’ offense totaled just 146 yards and committed five turnovers, including four lost fumbles, leaving the defense with little chance to succeed.

The game began poorly for Dallas, with Rush fumbling on the second possession, setting up a quick Philadelphia touchdown. While the Cowboys responded with a field goal, their offense never found any rhythm, and they were shut out of the end zone for the remainder of the game. Dallas failed to convert on third downs, managing just three successful conversions out of 14 attempts, and struggled in the red zone, going 0-for-2 on their only opportunities to score inside the Eagles’ 20-yard line.

The Cowboys' defense, despite several strong individual efforts, was forced to defend a short field too many times due to the turnovers. Micah Parsons made his presence felt with two sacks, and rookie linebacker Marist Liufau recovered a fumble, but the Eagles capitalized on Dallas' mistakes, scoring 20 points off turnovers. Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts was efficient, completing 70% of his passes for 202 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, while the Eagles totaled 348 yards of offense.

Despite some early defensive stops, including a Trevon Diggs interception and a strip-sack by Parsons, the Cowboys couldn't capitalize on these turnovers. In the second quarter, after a fumble recovery set Dallas up in the red zone, they were unable to punch it in, settling for a short field goal. The Eagles responded with another touchdown, and by halftime, Philadelphia had a commanding 14-6 lead, leaving the Cowboys in a deep hole.

In the second half, the Eagles took full control. Dallas' offense continued to falter, with a three-and-out followed by a poor punt return that set up another quick touchdown for Philadelphia. The Cowboys' defense, which had recorded five sacks and two turnovers in the first half, began to wear down as the game progressed. A fumble by Rush in the third quarter led to another Eagles touchdown, and by the end of the third quarter, Dallas was down 27-6, with little chance of mounting a comeback.

The fourth quarter offered no relief for the Cowboys. Philadelphia extended its lead with a 39-yard field goal and then recovered yet another fumble from Dallas in Cowboys’ territory, effectively sealing the game. The loss dropped Dallas to 3-6 on the season, leaving their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. With both the offense and defense struggling, the Cowboys face an uphill battle to turn their season around.

Dallas Cowboys Struggle Without Dak Prescott: Cooper Rush and Trey Lance Struggle in 34-6 Loss to Eagles