In a thrilling divisional showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles' first-year players showcased their skills and resilience on the field. While the Eagles secured a crucial win to improve their season record to an impressive 8-1 ahead of their bye, the performance of the rookies played a significant role in the team's success.

Jalen Carter, known for his dominant presence on the field, didn't have a standout performance throughout the entire game. However, he made a crucial impact in the fourth quarter when he combined with Brandon Graham to sack Cowboys' quarterback Dak Prescott. Carter's overall play improved significantly in the final quarter, displaying his ability to rush the passer effectively. It's worth noting that Carter's back injury might have affected his performance earlier in the game, making his fourth-quarter contribution even more commendable.

With Derek Barnett inactive for the game, Nolan Smith had the opportunity to prove himself on the edge of the defense. Smith, although showing glimpses of his speed off the line, struggled against more physical pass blockers. This is an area where Smith will need to improve in the second half of the season. However, it's worth acknowledging his contribution on special teams, as he made a big tackle during the game.

Tyler Steen, making his first NFL start at right guard, faced a significant challenge against the talented Cowboys' front. Steen demonstrated promise as a run blocker, helping pave the way for Kenneth Gainwell's touchdown run on the first drive. However, Steen faced difficulties as a pass blocker, particularly in the first half, with the Cowboys targeting him to generate pressure. Despite this, Steen settled down in the second half, showing growth and resilience. His crucial play of falling on a fumble late in the game played a pivotal role in securing the Eagles' victory.

Sydney Brown and Eli Ricks were both tasked with the challenging assignment of covering Dallas' standout receiver, CeeDee Lamb. Brown, playing as a rookie safety in the slot cornerback position, faced difficulties in man coverage but continued to display speed and physicality in his play. Ricks, similarly challenged by covering Lamb, faced struggles throughout the game and committed untimely penalties. However, Ricks' performance should be viewed in the context of the immense challenge he faced, with Lamb often signaling his coverage to the Cowboys' quarterback.

Lastly, Kelee Ringo made a notable contribution on special teams, preventing KaVontae Turpin from scoring a kickoff return touchdown with a crucial tackle.

Overall, the Eagles' rookies showed resilience and growth in the face of challenging matchups against the Cowboys. Their performances bode well for the team's future and highlight the potential impact they can have as the season progresses. With the team heading into their bye week, these rookies, along with the rest of the squad, will benefit from the well-deserved rest before continuing their quest for NFC dominance.