3 Eagles most to blame for Christmas Eve nightmare loss to Cowboys, No. 2: Miles Sanders, RB
Late in the game, Dallas had taken a late 37-34 lead on a 48-yard field goal by Brett Maher. Philadelphia had the chance to at least tie the game on the following drive. After receiving the kickoff, the Eagles called just one play, and that was a run for Miles Sanders.
When receiving the handoff, Sanders was greeted by multiple Cowboys defenders. Even though he did avoid linebacker Micah Parsons, defensive lineman Carlos Watkins was able to smack the football out of Sandersā hands. That allowed the Cowboys to recover the football at Philadelphiaās own 21-yard line.
The @dallascowboys recover the fumble with great field position!
ā NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2022
šŗ: #PHIvsDAL on FOX
š±: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/Gd75wOq015 pic.twitter.com/4PWnxwGovc
This mistake was costly for Philadelphia, as it allowed Dallas to kick another field goal to increase their lead by six. That meant, with less than two minutes remaining in regulation, the Eagles had to score a touchdown to win the game. That didnāt happen, as Philadelphia was stopped at Dallasā own 19-yard line, where Gardner Minshew was forced to throw the ball into the end zone after facing pressure from the defense.
After the game, Sanders spoke with the media and said that he takes full responsibility for the fumble.
"Fumbled at the wrong time. I take full responsibility. Nobody else's fault but mine."
ā NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) December 25, 2022
Miles Sanders talks his fourth-quarter fumble: pic.twitter.com/Z6uTHZGWte
Sanders ended the game recording 65 rushing yards on 21 carries.