1. Used with permission from pikrepo.com 2. Simanek, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons 3. Posterization of Emmit Smith by Peter Griffin. Accessed via needpix.com on 11/1/20. Used with permission under Creative Commons Zero License for Public Domain
The Eagles-Cowboys rivalry is one that has been the staple of football for decades. Dating back 60 years and comprising over 120 meetings, the rivalry between the two historic franchises has been the source of long lasting bragging rights, and, in many cases, determined sole possession over the NFC East.
Former Eagles’ defensive lineman Bennie Jogan sums up the rivalry perfectly: “We hate them. They hate us. Our fans hate each other. Pure hatred.”
In anticipation of this Sunday’s matchup, here are three classical moments between these two franchises:
Eagles Beat Cowboys in NFC Championship Game:
Seeking to advance to their first-ever Super Bowl, the 1980-1981 Eagles looked to earn a win in front of their home crowd. The game started strong for the Birds as running back Wilbert Montogomery, who ended up finishing the game with 194 rushing yards, ran for a 42-yard touchdown. However, the Cowboys were quick to strike back, and the game was tied 7-7 at halftime. In the second half, the Eagles’ defense came up huge as they shutout the Cowboys. This stellar defensive performance was paired with 13 unanswered points by the offense. The game ended 20-7 in favor of the Eagles and sent the Birds to the Super Bowl.
On this day in 1981, the #Eagles defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/f5iCyB0Csn
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 11, 2018
Cowboys Defeat Eagles in 1992 Divisional Round, Sparking their 1990 Dynasty:
The 1990s Cowboys are considered to be one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history. Head coach Jimmy Johnson joined the team in 1990 after former head coach Tom Landry was fired. Two years later, Johnson created the NFL’s top defense and paired it with an explosive offense led by hall of fame quarterback Troy Aikman. In the 1992 playoffs, the Cowboys faced the Birds in a classic matchup. The Cowboys’ elite defense showed up that day as they held the Eagles to only 178 yards and routed them 34-10. This was the Cowboys’ first playoff victory against the Eagles. Dallas would then proceed to win their first of many Super Bowls that decade.
Philly Takes Hold of NFC East After a Week 16 Victory Over Dallas:
Not all iconic moments between these two teams have occurred in the playoffs. In 2019, both the Eagles and Cowboys entered Week 16 with a 7-7 record. With the regular season coming to an end, their Week 16 matchup was the deciding factor for who would win the NFC East, and, ultimately, make the playoffs. Despite a disappointing 2019 season, the Cowboys were the favorites to win, as they came into the game fully healthy. Conversely, the Eagles were extremely banged up: all three starting wide receivers were out. And, to make matters worse, standout tight end Zach Ertz left mid-game with a rib injury. Despite these setbacks, the Eagles’ offense still managed to put 17 points on the board. In the end, it was the Eagles defense that won them the game. The defense held Dallas to only 9 points and stopped a crucial fourth-down pass which secured them the game, and, ultimately, the NFC East title.
While the Eagles are heavily favored to win this Sunday as the Cowboys are being led by third-string quarterback Ben DiNucci, it will nonetheless be an intense game. Currently, the Birds sit atop the NFC East with a 2-4-1 record. However, an upset Sunday night would give the division back to Dallas. Remember, if there is one thing certain about this rivalry, it is that nothing is ever given.
