Troy Aikman is not an easy man to impress. Or perhaps he’s simply a realist.
The Dallas Cowboys legend and “Monday Night Football” broadcaster was asked whether the team’s 38-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday night changed his perception of the Cowboys.
“Eh, 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,” Aikman said.
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The beleaguered Eagles entered the game on a four-game losing streak, with backup quarterback Tanner McKee starting in place of Jalen Hurts, who is out for the season because of blood clots.
Hurts is just one of many key players missing from the Eagles’ lineup. Philadelphia traded Pro Bowl offensive lineman Cam Jurgens, while star right tackle Lane Johnson abruptly retired. Saquon Barkley missed the previous two games because of a hamstring injury before exiting Monday’s loss after just nine snaps with a back injury.
Given those circumstances, Aikman said the Cowboys’ win was expected.
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“They did what you would expect them to do. I did think the Eagles defensively would put up a little bit more of a fight than what they did. But it’ll bear itself out as we move forward. This team’s capable, defense did some good things, they’ve still got a ways to go,” Aikman said.
“But 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.”
The Cowboys’ defense has improved from last season but continues to struggle, allowing 25.7 points per game, ranking 23rd in the NFL. The offense, meanwhile, ranks fifth in the league with an average of 27 points per game.
The win improved the Cowboys’ record to 3-4, but they still trail the New York Giants (4-2-1) in the NFC East.
The Cowboys face the Arizona Cardinals (2-5) at 1 p.m. ET Sunday, giving Dallas another opportunity to change Aikman’s perception of the team.