Instant Replay: Eagles 27, Cowboys 13

BOX SCORE

It doesn't mean much, but beating Dallas in a meaningless game on New Year's Day is certainly better than losing to them, right?
 
While the Cowboys rested their stars and starters for most of Sunday's game, the Eagles were able to do enough to snatch a 27-13 victory from the hands of Mark Sanchez in the season finale at the Linc. 
 
With the win, the Eagles finish the 2016 season with a 7-9 record for the second consecutive season. The Cowboys dropped to 13-3 but already had the top spot in the NFC locked up.
 
The Eagles beat the Cowboys at home for the first time since Oct. 30, 2011.
 
Carson Wentz and the Eagles took a 17-13 lead on an 89-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter. The touchdown came on a 20-yard pass from Wentz to Zach Ertz in the end zone. Wentz then scurried to the sideline to give a souvenir ball to Millville, New Jersey's Mike Trout.
 
Before that touchdown, the Cowboys took a 13-10 lead on a 23-yard Dan Bailey field goal on their first offensive drive of the second half.

The Eagles extended their drive to seven points in the fourth quarter and were able to stop the Cowboys' last drive to pick up their second consecutive win.
 
Turning point
Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory was called for roughing the passer on third down, which extended the drive when the Eagles took the lead.
 
Key stat
In the first half, Wentz set the all-time rookie completion record and the Eagles' record for pass attempts in a season. Two records that sound better than they necessarily are.
 
First half
Thanks to Jordan Hicks' second interception of the first half, the Eagles were able to pick up a late touchdown to tie the game at 10-10 heading into the locker room.
 
After Hicks picked off a Sanchez pass, the Eagles went 49 yards and Wentz hit Zach Ertz on a six-yard touchdown pass.
 
Earlier in the second quarter, Tony Romo entered the game for one drive and led the Cowboys on an 81-yard touchdown drive. The last two plays of the drive were a long DPI against Nolan Carroll and a touchdown pass to Terrance Williams.
 
Before that, the Eagles and Cowboys exchanged a couple of field goals to start the game.
 
The Eagles out-gained the Cowboys, 137-117, in the first half.
 
Offensive stud
Zach Ertz had the second two-touchdown career of his career. He continued to have a big end of his season. Ertz caught 13 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns.
 
Offensive dud
Nelson Agholor had one technical carry for negative one yard before leaving the game with an ankle injury. So much for building off last week's touchdown.
 
Defensive stud
Hicks had two interceptions in the first half, his fourth and fifth of the season. He has more than all the Eagles' cornerbacks combined this season. He now has four interceptions in four career games against the Cowboys.
 
Defensive dud
Carroll had a big defensive pass interference call go against him while covering Dez Bryant in the first half. On the next play, Williams hit him with a little double move on a three-yard touchdown catch from Tony Romo.
 
Injuries
Allen Barbre (hamstring), Jordan Matthews (ankle) and Mychal Kendricks (quad) were all inactive for Sunday's game.
 
Nelson Agholor hurt his ankle in the first half and left early.
 
Up next
The offseason has arrived. The Eagles won't be back together until the spring and the team will have a different look by them. Maybe Howie Roseman will find Wentz some weapons. Maybe the Eagles will solve the corner position. Maybe the team will finally perform well in the draft. We'll have to wait and see.

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