Here’s an instant analysis of the Cowboys’ 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium:
WHAT IT MEANS: The competition for the NFC East is over, and the Eagles will be your division champions this season. As for the playoffs, the Cowboys have used up most of their margin for error with their fifth loss. The Cowboys should still feel good about making the playoffs, if they can finish 10-6. If they wind up 9-7, then they’ll have to hope they own some tie-breakers.
Photos: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 2017
TURNING POINT: Trailing 16-9, Alfred Morris had consecutive runs of 14 and 12 and 20 yards that gave Dallas a first down at the Philadelphia 39. The next three plays gained minus-1 yard and Dallas punted. On Philadelphia’s second play, Jay Ajayi’s 71-yard run set up another Philadelphia touchdown effectively ending the game.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: The Eagles didn’t have a dominant performance from anyone, but they had quite a few good performances from a lot of players. So Carson Wentz gets credit for directing an offensive attack that dominated the Cowboys in the second half and turned a close game into a blowout. He threw for fewer than 200 yards, but he made nothing but good decisions and protected the ball.
KEY STAT: Philadelphia rushed for 215 yards on 33 carries. With Sean Lee out, you knew the Cowboys’ run defense would be challenged. Well, they fell apart in the second half as the Eagles drove 75, 90 and 85 yards with their first three drives of the second half.
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WHAT'S NEXT: If you’re honest, you figured the Cowboys would have a difficult time beating Atlanta on the road and Philadelphia at home, without suspended running back Ezekiel Elliott, which would make them 5-5. The question is whether the Cowboys can make the quick turnaround and beat the Los Angeles Chargers on Thanksgiving Day without Sean Lee and possibly, Anthony Hitchens, who strained his groin in the second half.
