Dallas needed a win, and its veteran quarterback delivered one on the road against a struggling rival.
Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes as the Dallas Cowboys beat the Philadelphia Eagles 38 to 21 on Monday night, Oct. 26, 2026, ending a losing streak of two games.
Why was the win so important for Dak Prescott?
The Cowboys improved to three wins and four losses and kept pace with the New York Giants, who lead the NFC East at four wins, two losses and a tie. The NFC East has been a mess this season, with no team running away with it.
Prescott said the division title is within reach only as long as Dallas keeps winning. Another loss, he said, would have left the team watching the Giants and other rivals more than it should. He called it a huge road win, especially given how banged up the Eagles are on offense.
With the win, Dallas has a 57% chance to win the division, according to ESPN Analytics.
How did Dak Prescott and the offense play?
Dak Prescott threw two touchdown passes to CeeDee Lamb and one to George Pickens. It was his sixth career game with at least three touchdown passes against Philadelphia.
Running back Javonte Williams ran for 155 yards on 25 carries, a career best, and scored the clinching touchdown from 2 yards out with just over two minutes left.
Dallas topped 200 yards both rushing and passing against the Eagles for the first time since 1983. Dallas ran the ball with authority all night, keeping the Eagles’ offense off the field.
The offense had scored only 29 points combined in its previous two games, when Dak Prescott threw four interceptions. Questions about the offense had grown louder as the losses piled up.
What about the Cowboys’ head coach?
Brian Schottenheimer faced criticism during the week after saying in a radio interview that he knows how great of a coach he is and that he is an elite playcaller, despite a record of nine wins, 13 losses and a tie.
He was unusually reserved after the win, saying it had nothing to do with desperation and that the players simply played well. Asked whether he was OK, he said he was great and excited for his team. He still celebrated with players in the locker room as usual, highlighting key plays.
Dak Prescott said he did not talk with Schottenheimer about the criticism but noticed his coach seemed hungry and fired up. He said the players have his back and that the coach takes great pride in his job.
How did the Cowboys’ defense hold up?
The Eagles scored touchdowns on their opening drive of each half, but Dallas made enough plays. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown intercepted Tanner McKee, and Quinnen Williams and Donovan Ezeiruaku each had a sack.
McKee is starting for Philadelphia while Jalen Hurts recovers from blood clots, and running back Saquon Barkley played through an injury. Philadelphia has struggled since losing its starting quarterback.
What is next for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys?
Dallas hosts the Arizona Cardinals, who have two wins and five losses, at AT&T Stadium on Sunday. The Cowboys have not won two straight games since a winning streak of three games late last season. Their last win before Monday came Oct. 4 at the Houston Texans.
Prescott said no one will hand Dallas anything and that the team must earn it every week. He said that challenge is what makes the NFL great.
For Dak Prescott and the Cowboys, the win put them right back in the race in the NFC East.
