The Dallas Cowboys took control of the NFC East with a vital 38-27 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, putting them in pole position to reach the playoffs from the division.
The Cowboys enjoyed the perfect start to the game as Josh Huff and Brad Smith failed to gather the kickoff for the Eagles, allowing the visitors to collect the ball inside the 20-yard line. Tony Romo handed off to DeMarco Murray, who gave his side the lead with a one-yard run.
Dallas took control of the game as they scored on their second possession, despite starting deep in their own territory. Romo marched his side 80 yards before he found Bryant in the endzone on a fade route.
In the second quarter, Jason Garrett's men extended their lead when they took advantage of beneficial calls as Romo fired deep down the right sideline for Bryant to haul in a 26-yard touchdown.
Philadelphia responded as they used their quick tempo offense to methodically move downfield, before Mark Sanchez handed the ball off to Chris Polk inside the red zone for a five-yard score.
Another solid drive from the Eagles resulted in more points, but this time they were held to a field goal as the Dallas defense tightened deep in their own territory. Cody Parkey then nailed a 47-yarder to bring the home side back into the game.
In the second half, the Eagles continued their resurgence as Sanchez fired to Jeremy Maclin, who beat the coverage of Brandon Carr before bring brought down on the one-yard line. However, Polk scored the touchdown on the next play with a run through the middle.
Philadelphia took the lead in the game as Dallas stuttered on offense when Romo fumbled after being sacked by Vinny Curry. Darren Sproles took the handoff this time and ran over on the right side of the pitch to find the endzone.
Garrett's men responded with an excellent scoring drive as Romo connected with Bryant to move his side into Philadelphia territory, before Murray plowed in for the score from two yards out to restore the Cowboys' advantage.
An interception from JJ Wilcox handed Dallas control of the game at the end of the third quarter and, within minutes of the restart, Romo fired deep for Bryant to register his third score of the match.
The Eagles could only muster a field goal in response, which was nullified by a kick from Dan Bailey from 49 yards. The Dallas defense took command of the match as they sacked Sanchez with regularity, while Bruce Carter ended the game when he intercepted the Eagles quarterback.
Simon Sinclair
