NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Oct 26, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Troy Aikman looks on before the game between Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Dallas Cowboys earned an important 38-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. However, former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman remains cautious about the NFL team’s playoff chances despite the impressive result.
Speaking on ESPN’s Monday Night Football, Aikman explained why the victory had not significantly changed his assessment of Dallas. The Cowboys improved to 3-4, ending their two-game losing skid with a strong performance at Lincoln Financial Field.
When Scott Van Pelt asked whether the win changed his outlook for Dallas’ upcoming schedule, Aikman delivered a measured response.
“Not really. I mean, not really, and I don’t mean that as a negative,” Aikman said. “This is a beat-up Philadelphia team. I mean, come in here and win tonight. I mean, let’s not get carried away, and they kind of did what you would expect them to do.”
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The Eagles entered the matchup without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts. Backup Tanner McKee took over, while Philadelphia also lost running back Saquon Barkley to a hamstring injury during the game.
Aikman acknowledged that Dallas deserved credit for the victory but believes more evidence is needed before expectations rise.
“I did think the Eagles defensively would put up a little bit more of a fight than what they did,” Aikman said. “But, you know, it’ll bear itself out as we move forward as to what this team’s capable of.”
Cowboys defense remains the biggest question
NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) takes the field at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Cowboys showed encouraging signs offensively, particularly through their ground game. Javonte Williams rushed for 155 yards and a touchdown, while Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes without an interception.
However, Aikman believes the defense will ultimately determine how far Dallas can go this season.
“Defense did some good things. They’ve still got a ways to go,” Aikman said.
He added that the team’s progress on that side of the ball will be crucial if Dallas reaches the postseason.
“That’s going to be the key to this team, is how far along can this defense come between now and when the playoffs roll around, if they get in,” he said.
Scott Van Pelt: "Does tonight kind of change the way you see [the Cowboys]?"
Troy Aikman: "Eh, not really. Not really. And I don't mean that as a negative… This is a beat-up Philadelphia team. To come in here and win tonight, I mean, let's not get carried away." 🏈🎙️ pic.twitter.com/kZrwflNWQy
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 27, 2026
The Cowboys have struggled with defensive consistency throughout the season, making it difficult to judge their long-term potential. Things haven’t changed much for them despite the offseason focus on strengthening defense.
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Monday’s victory provides momentum, but Aikman wants to see sustained improvement before changing his opinion. Dallas now has an opportunity to build on the result during a more manageable stretch of its schedule.
So, for the Cowboys, the challenge is turning one impressive win into a consistent run of performances.
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