DALLAS COWBOYS EDGE EAGLES 20-16

PHILADELPHIA – Linebacker Bradie James said it best.

The Cowboys weren't out for revenge. They were out to right a wrong.

They were out to show they aren't the same dysfunctional, self-absorbed team that collapsed on this field to end its season 11 months ago.

Sunday night showed this season is far from over for the Cowboys. A 20-16 victory over Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field gave the Cowboys sole possession of first place in the NFC East at the midway point of the season.

"It's huge," said receiver Patrick Crayton, who had a huge, 64-yard reception that set up a field goal to end the first half. "Not because of last year, but because of where this puts us right now.

"It was a good test for our team."

These Cowboys are healthier and in a better place mentally than the team that was exposed, 44-6. Their competitive fire burns much brighter than it did that December afternoon.

The City of Brotherly Love has never shown much kindness to the Cowboys. Put 44-6 aside for a moment. The Cowboys had lost eight of their previous 10 games played in Philadelphia by an average of 17.7 points.

But here is a football fundamental: It's impossible to lose by that margin when the defense only allows 16 points and one touchdown.

Ten of the Cowboys' 20 points came off interceptions – one by safety Gerald Sensabaugh and another by cornerback Michael Jenkins, who continues to flourish as a starter.

Nose tackle Jay Ratliff led a defensive surge that allowed the Cowboys to keep an extra defender in their secondary.

Ratliff had two of the team's four sacks and tormented Donovan McNabb and the Eagles' offensive line all evening.

Philadelphia's offense thrives on big plays. Receiver DeSean Jackson, who had scored six touchdowns of 50 or more yards entering the game, has more to do with that identity than anyone.

Well, Philadelphia scraped together only two plays for more than 20 yards all night. Jackson was held to two catches for 29 yards and wasn't a factor.

Philadelphia did a good job of harassing Tony Romo and forced him to throw an interception, something he hadn't done in the previous three games. But he kept his cool and called on his magical connection with Miles Austin at a crucial moment.

Austin, who burst onto the NFL scene beginning with a record performance in an overtime win over Kansas City last month, was quiet most of this evening. He was without a catch entering the fourth quarter as Roy Williams – yes, Roy Williams – and Patrick Crayton hurt the Eagles secondary.

But with the score tied at 13-13, Austin asserted himself.

The Cowboys faced a third-and-14 with just more than eight minutes left when offensive coordinator Jason Garrett called for a slant-and-go. One of Romo's jobs was to sell the fake.

"They bit," Romo said.

Sheldon Brown bit the hardest. The Eagles cornerback turned inside and Austin blew by him on the outside. Romo hit Austin in stride and the receiver outraced the rest of the Philadelphia secondary to the end zone for a 49-yard touchdown and the winning points.

It was Austin's only catch of the game.

"Sometimes, you've just got to wait and let the game come to you," Austin said. "Take what they're giving you."

What has come the Cowboys' way is a string of four consecutive wins – their longest streak in two years – and a spot among the NFC's best teams. Dallas next travels to Green Bay to face the Packers, who lost to Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Several Cowboys said before the game they were curious to see where they stand in the NFC. Sunday's victory allows them to stand tall.

"We had a lot of confidence going in," coach Wade Phillips said. "We barely lost two games. I don't think we ever lost confidence, but I think we're getting better."

Story courtesy of www.dallasnews.com