Eagles hold off Cowboys 24-20 in rain-delayed season opener

The Philadelphia Eagles held off the Dallas Cowboys 24-20 in a rain-delayed season opener at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night, rallying late and returning the kickoff to open the second half. Jalen Hurts and a resilient Philly ground game produced the decisive plays, while a spate of penalties, a midgame weather delay and an early ejection marred the rivalry matchup.

Philadelphia closed the first half with a 10-yard Saquon Barkley touchdown run and took the lead on a late march set up by a 51-yard strike from Hurts to Jahan Dotson. Hurts finished with efficient passing and several critical scrambles, accounting for two short rushing touchdowns that helped sustain drives. The Eagles scored on three possessions and totaled 24 points on drives of 70, 65 and 81 yards. Dallas opened fast, scoring on each of its first four possessions, but its final two scores before halftime were field goals by Brandon Aubrey, from 41 and 53 yards. The Cowboys led early after long drives of 53, 88, 46 and 53 yards but were unable to convert late chances.

The game featured multiple off-field and on-field incidents. Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected after spitting in the face of...