Dallas showed a bruising, disciplined foundation in Week 1, even in a 24-20 loss to Philadelphia. Schottenheimer praised the line's pad level and movement, and noted the group didn't allow a sack behind a top-front, underscoring competitive stamina to echo the whistle. The result mattered less than the tone the tape set for upcoming weeks.

Javonte Williams surged as the energy spark, Marshawn Kneeland flashed consistency, and Kenny Clark injected interior power after Dallas’ acquisition. For fantasy managers, Williams remains the focal point, Kneeland projects as a sturdy IDP option, and Clark’s presence could lift the whole front in future games.

Hurts excelled in the 24-20 win, completing 19 of 23 for 152 yards while scrambling 62 yards on 11 carries and scoring twice. Philadelphia leaned on timely plays, including a 51-yard strike to Dotson and seven catches for Dallas Goedert, with the O-line yielding clean pockets for Hurts in key moments. Barkley battled the Cowboys’ run defense for 60 yards on 18 carries as Philly controlled the clock and used the Tush Push to seal late blocks.

The defense tightened after Jalen Carter’s ejection, shutting Dallas in the second half while Vic Fangio adjusted to multiple injuries. Sirianni’s staff mixed run-pass and conservative clock management to preserve the win, aided by Elliott’s long FG and strong special-teams work.

Dallas faces a stiff Week 1 test on the defensive line against Philadelphia. Interior anchors Osa Odighizuwa, Solomon Thomas, Mazi Smith and Kenny Clark must hold the line and shed blocks, while edge contributors Marshawn Kneeland, Dante Fowler Jr., and Donavan Ezeiruaku pressure Hurts’ downhill runs. Philadelphia’s zone schemes and Barkley-driven short-yardage plays loom large, with Landon Dickerson health lingering. Perrion Winfrey’s status adds depth questions. A disciplined, gap-smart run defense could tilt the game in Dallas’ favor and boost fantasy upside for the Cowboys’ line.