Cowboys Country

2 winners, 4 losers from Cowboys inexcusable loss to Eagles in Week 17

The Dallas Cowboys fell to 7-9 with a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles with these winners and losers standing out.

Randy Gurzi

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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Week 17 quickly got away from the Dallas Cowboys who lost 41-7 to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles.

Dallas came into the game riding a high with four wins in the past five weeks. That positive momentum was gone in a hurry, however, as they fell to 7-9 with one game to play.

MORE: 4 takeaways from Cowboys' embarrassing loss vs. Eagles

As tough as it is, let’s look back at this one and identify some of the team’s winners and losers.

Loser: Jake Ferguson, TE

Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

With CeeDee Lamb injured, the Cowboys needed a big day from Jake Ferguson. That’s not what they got as he recorded 18 yards on three receptions while also losing a fumble.

Ferguson is still without a touchdown this season and has fallen far short of expectations.

Loser: Andrew Booth, CB

Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a first down catch past Dallas Cowboys cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (25) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Injuries depleted the secondary to the point Dallas was leaning on Andrew Booth, who had a day to forget. He wasn’t able to keep up with anyone he covered, and was burnt for an early touchdown.

Cornerback has suddenly become a position of need in Dallas, and Booth isn’t someone who should be in the plans.

Winner: Jalen Tolbert, WR

Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) makes a touchdown catch against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

One of the lone bright spots in the loss was Jalen Tolbert, who caught his seventh touchdown of the season.

He’s now scored in three straight games, shedding the bust label that was lingering over his head at one point.

Loser: Cooper Rush, QB

Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Cooper Rush was gaining a lot of traction as a potential hot commodity in free agency this offseason. He’s performed well enough at times to look like a starter and other times, he reminds us all why he’s a backup.

That was the case Sunday as he threw two interceptions, including a pick-six on the opening drive.

Rush had just 147 yards and fell to 0-3 against the Eagles.

Winner: Rico Dowdle, RB

Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

There was a lot of ugly in this game but Rico Dowdle still found a way to make history. With 104 yards on the ground, he topped the 1,000-yard mark — making him the team’s first ever undrafted free agent to accomplish that feat.

Loser: Mike McCarthy, Head Coach

Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Mike McCarthy was proving worthy of a return in 2025 but Sunday might have ruined his chances.

MORE:Philadelphia Eagles fan trolls Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before game

This loss was a reminder of how quickly things can get away from McCarthy, which might be enough to convince Jerry Jones to make a change.

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Randy Gurzi
RANDY GURZI

Arizona State grad

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