The Dallas Cowboys pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in franchise history on Sunday, November 23, 2025, erasing a 21-point deficit to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The winning moment came when rookie kicker Brandon Aubrey drilled a 42-yard field goal as the clock hit zero — a kick that silenced a stunned home crowd just seconds after they’d feared another heartbreaking loss. It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
A Comeback for the Ages
At halftime, the Eagles led 21-0. A.J. Brown had torched Dallas’s secondary for two touchdowns, and the Cowboys looked lifeless. Their offense had managed just 47 yards in the first half. But something shifted after the break. Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ quarterback, didn’t flinch. He led a methodical 75-yard drive in the third quarter, capped by a 12-yard scramble into the end zone. Then, after a defensive stop, he did it again — this time with a 38-yard strike to CeeDee Lamb. Suddenly, it was 21-14. The momentum had flipped.
By the fourth quarter, the Eagles were frozen. Their offense, which had been surgical early, went silent. Three straight three-and-outs. Two missed field goal attempts by Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott. Meanwhile, Prescott orchestrated a 12-play, 68-yard drive that chewed up 5:12 of clock, setting up Aubrey’s game-winning attempt with just three seconds left.
Records Broken, History Made
Prescott’s 19th consecutive home win against NFC East opponents now ties him with Troy Aikman for the longest such streak in franchise history. He also surpassed Tony Romo’s record for most fourth-quarter comebacks in Cowboys history — though he refused to acknowledge it during the game. "I was too busy trying to win," he said afterward. "We didn’t come here to break records. We came here to beat Philly."
For the Philadelphia Eagles, it was their first loss after leading by 21 or more points since December 19, 1999 — a span of 26 years. They hadn’t blown a lead that big since before smartphones were mainstream. And yet, they’re still in the driver’s seat for the NFC East title. Their 8-3 record remains the best in the division, even after this gut-punch.
For Dallas, the win was their first after trailing by three touchdowns since beating the Los Angeles Rams 34-31 on October 5, 2014. That’s 11 years. That’s a generation of fans who’ve grown up believing the Cowboys couldn’t claw back from these deficits. Sunday changed that.
The Human Element
The game carried extra weight. It was Dallas’s first home game since the passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died earlier that week at age 26. His jersey number, 95, was painted on the sideline. Players wore black bands. The team held a moment of silence before kickoff. When Aubrey’s kick sailed through, the crowd didn’t just cheer — they wept. One cameraman captured a close-up of Prescott, helmet off, eyes closed, fist pressed to his chest — a silent tribute.
What This Means for the NFC East
As of November 23, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles lead the division at 8-3. The Cowboys sit at 5-5-1 — tied with Washington for second, but with a better point differential. The Giants are 2-10. The Commanders, 3-8. But here’s the twist: even after this loss, Philly remains the favorite to win the division for the second straight year. Their schedule eases down the stretch. Dallas? They need to win three of their final four — including a road game against the Buffalo Bills — just to stay in the playoff hunt.
Still, this win changed everything. It proved Dallas isn’t done. It proved Prescott still has magic in his arm. And it proved Brandon Aubrey — a 24-year-old former soccer player turned kicker — has ice in his veins.
What’s Next?
The Cowboys host the New York Giants next Sunday. The Eagles travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings. Both teams know the stakes: one loss could be the difference between a first-round bye and a wild-card scramble. For Dallas, this win wasn’t just about pride — it was about survival. For Philadelphia, it was a warning shot: even when they look invincible, they’re not.
Behind the Numbers
- Dallas scored 24 points in the final 31 minutes — after scoring 0 in the first 29.
- Prescott threw for 287 yards and 2 touchdowns, added 43 rushing yards.
- Aubrey’s 42-yarder was his 14th game-winning kick in 17 career attempts.
- The Eagles had 21 points in the first 20 minutes. Zero in the final 40.
- Prescott’s 19th straight home win against NFC East rivals ties Troy Aikman’s franchise record.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is a 21-point comeback in the NFL?
Only 14 teams in NFL history have overcome a 21-point deficit to win since 2000. The Cowboys’ win was the 12th such comeback since 2020, but the first time Dallas had done it since 2014. The largest comeback ever was 32 points by the Buffalo Bills in 1993. Still, these wins are extremely rare — under 1% of games with a 21-point deficit end in victory.
Why did the Eagles’ offense collapse after leading 21-0?
The Eagles’ offensive line began to break down under Dallas’s increased pressure, especially from linebacker Micah Parsons. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was sacked twice in the fourth quarter and threw an interception on a forced throw. Philadelphia’s play-calling became predictable, and their receivers struggled to get open against Dallas’s zone coverage adjustments. A.J. Brown was held to just one catch after halftime.
What does this mean for Brandon Aubrey’s future?
Aubrey’s game-winning kick solidified him as the Cowboys’ long-term kicker, despite being a former soccer player with no college football experience. He’s now 14-for-17 on game-deciding field goals since joining the team in 2024. His consistency under pressure has made him one of the most trusted kickers in the league, and he’s already being mentioned as a Pro Bowl candidate.
Did Dak Prescott break Tony Romo’s record during the game?
Yes. Prescott surpassed Romo’s franchise record for most fourth-quarter comebacks (23), now holding 24. He also tied Romo’s record for most wins as a Cowboys starter in the fourth quarter. But Prescott downplayed the milestone, saying, "Records are for the stat sheet. Tonight was about our team not quitting."
Is this the end of the Eagles’ dynasty hopes?
Not even close. The Eagles still lead the NFC East by two games and have the easiest remaining schedule in the division. Their defense remains top-five, and their offense still scores over 28 points per game. But this loss exposed a troubling vulnerability: they can’t close. If they keep blowing leads like this, playoff opponents will exploit it — especially in January.
How did Marshawn Kneeland’s death impact the game?
Kneeland’s passing cast a somber shadow over the game. The Cowboys wore patches with his initials and number, and the defense played with unusual intensity — recording five sacks and three forced fumbles. After the win, captain Trevon Diggs said, "We played for Marshawn tonight. He’d want us to fight until the last second. That’s what we did." His absence was felt, but his legacy became the team’s fuel.
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