Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles (9/4/2025)

The 2025 NFL season kicks off with a classic NFC East rivalry as Dallas travels to Philly to face the reigning Super Bowl champs on Thursday night. With both franchises undergoing notable offseason changes and practice fields buzzing with updates, this opener has all the makings of an early statement game.

Offseason Shifts: New Faces, New Directions

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys enter 2025 after a turbulent offseason. Jerry Jones made waves by trading away star linebacker Micah Parsons to the Packers, netting two first-rounders and defensive tackle Kenny Clark.

The offense has been reshaped around a new coaching regime. Brian Schottenheimer now leads as head coach, with Matt Eberflus coordinating the defense. The front office brought in offensive reinforcements—George Pickens, Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and veteran WR Parris Campbell—while drafting promising lineman Tyler Booker. A clear emphasis has been placed on physicality and balance, though how quickly this new mix gels remains to be seen.

Philadelphia Eagles

Fresh off their Super Bowl win, the Eagles opted for refinement rather than overhaul. The defense was bolstered with the signings of Azeez Ojulari, Adoree’ Jackson, and rookie LB Jihaad Campbell, complementing a front seven that was already one of the league’s best. On offense, the big storyline is continuity—Philly retains its stars, with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley forming a deadly trio around quarterback Jalen Hurts.

The biggest change comes on the headset: Kevin Patullo has been promoted to offensive coordinator and will take over play-calling duties. This marks Hurts’ sixth different play-caller in six years, though Patullo’s long tenure as passing-game coordinator should ensure smoother continuity than past transitions.

Key Story Lines To Watch

1. Play-Calling in Philly: All eyes will be on Kevin Patullo as he debuts as play-caller. Expect more 11-personnel looks, a revitalized screen game, and heavier gap-scheme runs.

2. Dallas’ Secondary: If Diggs suits up, he and Bland form a strong tandem against A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Without him, the Cowboys’ coverage could unravel quickly.

3. The Trenches: Tyler Guyton’s readiness is critical. Philly’s front—led by Jalen Carter and Josh Sweat—can dictate games if Dallas’ line falters.

4. Health Management: Both teams enter Week 1 managing key players’ workloads. Early rotations could impact rhythm, particularly for Philly’s linebacking corps and Dallas’ defensive tackles.

Prediction

I think that the continuity of Brian Schottenheimer will bode well for the Cowboys offense. In 2023 when Dak was healthy, Cowboys posted one of the best Offense in the NFL under Schottenheimer. I think with Dak back in the saddle at QB and upgrade at WR2 with Pickens, the offense will play well tomorrow night versus Philly. Philly having a brand new first time OC tomorrow will present some early struggles at the beginning of the season.

Give me Cowboys +8.5!