The NFL's primetime game of the week didn't look like one played in this decade. besides the modern graphics shown on the TV. At times, it didn't even resemble one from the last decade, either.

Both the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles played some gritty, old-school, smash-mouth football. It was made particularly evident in the second half when, after woes for a passing game led by backup quarterback Cooper Rush forced the Cowboys' hand to deviate from the game plan.

This is where I believe, the Cowboys' coaching staff deserves a round of applause. Down multiple possessions, everyone thought the Eagles had forced Dallas to pass the football. The situation foreshadowed doomed the team's offense.

Only Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore disagreed. They thought, "We're not forced to pass. Because this badass defense of ours will get stops and we can stick to the run and play-action bootlegs and roll-out passes."

And boy, did that work!

Down 20-3, the Cowboys put together a 9-play, 79-yard touchdown drive that closed the deficit to 10 points. Six of those plays were rush attempts despite being down by three possessions.

A drive later, the difficulty increased. The Eagles pinned the Cowboys pinned in their own 7-yard line, but it mattered not for Kellen Moore's offense. They would go on a punishing 15-yard drive that would net 93 yards and another seven points. 20-17.

As a team, Dallas averaged 5.2 yards per carry in the game.

But it's tough to dig yourself out of a hole like the one the Cowboys dug themselves in in the first half. The Eagles punched back with their own grueling drive. For over seven minutes, they held on to the football as they went on a 13-play drive for 75 yards. It resulted in six points (the Eagles failed their two-point conversion) and the score sat at 17-26 with only 7:02 remaining in the fourth quarter.

A third Cooper Rush interception later, the game was simply out of hand with a limited offense on the field.

Although a loss, this was a very positive outing for a Cowboys team that never quit. Against the hottest team in the NFL, they managed to keep running the football and shined on defense.

It's a good omen for a team that will likely get Dak Prescott back next week against the Detroit Lions. Philly escaped with a win but will know better than to believe the NFC East is in their back pocket.

The Cowboys – like Sunday – won't make it easy.

Featured image via Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports