NFC East Rivalries

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The rivalry has been filled with bitterly contested games typical of the NFC East. Notable moments include: On November 12, 1979, Tony Franklin kicked a 59-yard field goal to help the Eagles win their first-ever game at Texas Stadium, 31–21. In the 1980 NFC Championship Game (January 11, 1981), the Eagles defeated the Cowboys 20–7 in the 'Blue Jersey Game.' During the 1987 strike season, Dallas beat the replacement-laden Eagles 41–22. The 1989 meetings were nicknamed the 'Bounty Bowls' due to accusations of a bounty; the Eagles won both games. The 'Porkchop Bowl' in October 1990 saw Eagles win 21–20 after fans threw pork chops. In 1991, the Eagles set a record with 11 sacks of Troy Aikman in a 24–0 win. In 1992 and 1995, the Cowboys eliminated the Eagles from the playoffs en route to Super Bowl victories. On October 31, 1993, Emmitt Smith ran for 237 yards in a 23–10 win. In November 1996, James Willis intercepted a pass and lateraled to Troy Vincent for a 104-yard touchdown in a 31–21 Eagles win. On September 15, 1997, a botched snap secured a 21–20 Cowboys victory. On October 10, 1999, Michael Irvin suffered a career-ending spinal cord injury; the crowd cheered. The 'Pickle Juice' game in September 2000 saw the Eagles win 41–14. In September 2002, the Eagles won 44–13 in their final home opener at Veterans Stadium. On October 12, 2003, Randal Williams scored the fastest touchdown in NFL history on an onside kick return in a Cowboys 23–21 win. In December 2003, the Eagles crushed the Cowboys 36–10 at Lincoln Financial Field.

In Their Own Story

On November 12, 1979, Tony Franklin kicked a then-Eagles record 59-yard field goal to secure a 31–21 victory at Texas Stadium, ending Dallas's home winning streak. In October 1990, the "Porkchop Bowl" unfolded as fans hurled pork chops toward the Eagles bench after Buddy Ryan was saved from choking by his offensive coordinator prior to the game; Philadelphia won 21–20. The "Bounty Bowls" of 1989 saw the Eagles win both meetings, including a 27–0 shutout in Irving and a 20–10 victory in Philadelphia where Coach Jimmy Johnson was struck by objects while being escorted off-field. In September 2000, the "Pickle Juice Game" saw the Eagles defeat Dallas 41–14 after players drank pickle juice to combat heat cramps in 109-degree temperatures. Perhaps most famously, on October 10, 1999, Michael Irvin suffered a career-ending spinal cord injury at Veterans Stadium, with the crowd chanting "Deion sucks" as Deion Sanders consoled him before Dallas lost 13–10. In November 2004, Donovan McNabb eluded defenders for 14 seconds on one play before throwing a 60-yard pass to Freddie Mitchell in a 49–21 Eagles win that set the record for the highest scoring game in the rivalry.

Reader's Guide

The matchups have been the most frequently featured on NBC Sunday Night Football with a total of 16. The Cowboys lead the overall series 75–59. The two teams have met four times in the playoffs, with the Cowboys holding a 3–1 record.

Did You Know?

• The Cowboys lead the overall series 75–59.
• The two teams have met four times in the playoffs, with the Cowboys holding a 3–1 record.
• The matchups have been the most frequently featured on NBC Sunday Night Football with a total of 16.
• On November 12, 1979, Tony Franklin kicked a 59-yard field goal, then the longest in Eagles history.
• The 1989 meetings were nicknamed the 'Bounty Bowls' due to accusations of a bounty on Cowboys players.