Troy Aikman Cautions Against Overreacting to Cowboys Win Over Depleted Eagles Troy Aikman said the Cowboys' win over the Eagles should not be overstated because Philadelphia was missing several key players, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has a superficial blood clot. Troy Aikman cautioned against reading too much into the Dallas Cowboys' win over the Philadelphia Eagles, pointing to Philadelphia's depleted lineup. Aikman said the victory should not be overblown because the Eagles were missing several key players. Eagles Depleted By InjuriesThe Eagles entered the game on a four-game losing streak. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee started in place of Jalen Hurts, who will miss the game against the Carolina Panthers due to a superficial blood clot. 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. Aikman said the Cowboys did what was expected but noted the Eagles' defense offered less resistance than he anticipated. He said the result will bear itself out as the season moves forward and that the team is capable, with the defense showing some good things while still having room to improve.Cowboys Defense Needs ImprovementAikman emphasized that the key for the Cowboys will be how far the defense develops between now and the playoffs, if they qualify. The Cowboys' defense has improved from last season but continues to struggle, allowing 25.7 points per game, which ranks 23rd in the NFL. The game was played in Philadelphia on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was shown warming up before the game, which the Cowboys won against a short-handed Eagles team.Aikman also said the Eagles defensively were expected to put up more of a fight than they did. He repeated that the Cowboys' defensive progress will determine how far the team can go this season. The Eagles' injury and roster issues extended beyond Hurts. The team has been described as beat-up and beleaguered after a four-game losing streak, with multiple starters out or having left the team.Aikman's comments came as the Cowboys try to build on a win that came against an Eagles team missing its starting quarterback and other key contributors. He said the Cowboys' defense still has a ways to go and that the unit's growth will be critical later in the season.