Losing to a division rival is frustrating enough, but watching a game slip away after taking the lead makes the questions afterward even harder to avoid. This was the situation facing the Philadelphia Eagles after their Monday night loss to Dallas, with the defense unable to stop the Dallas Cowboys when it mattered most.

Jalen Carter was among the players reporters wanted to hear from in the aftermath, but the Eagles defensive tackle had little to say as Philadelphia’s difficult season took another turn.

Eagles’ Jalen Carter Steers Clear of Dissecting Blowout Loss to Cowboys

Carter declined to take questions following Philadelphia’s 38-21 loss on Monday Night Football.

When Eagles beat reporter EJ Smith approached him, the defensive tackle replied, “Nah, y’all have a good night. You get home safe.”

The 10-word response ended the interaction without addressing the Eagles’ latest defeat or their five-game skid.

The loss was particularly damaging because Philadelphia had briefly taken the lead in the third quarter. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee capped a 17-play drive with a four-yard touchdown pass to rookie Makai Lemon, putting the Eagles ahead 21-20.

Dallas answered immediately, with Dak Prescott finding CeeDee Lamb for another touchdown before the Cowboys pulled away with an 18-0 run to close the game.

Philadelphia’s defensive problems were difficult to overlook. Dallas finished with 204 rushing yards, led by Javonte Williams’ career-high 155 yards and a touchdown.

Prescott also completed an efficient performance, throwing for 212 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Lamb added 74 receiving yards and two scores, repeatedly giving the Cowboys opportunities to extend their advantage.

For Carter and the rest of Philadelphia’s defense, the fourth-quarter collapse came at a difficult point in the season.

The Eagles entered the divisional matchup dealing with major injuries on offense, including the loss of starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, likely for the remainder of the season, because of blood clots in his lungs.

McKee also started without DeVonta Smith, while Saquon Barkley’s back injury limited him to two carries in the second half.

These absences help explain the pressure on Philadelphia’s offense, but the defense’s inability to stop Dallas was a separate concern.

The Cowboys, ranked third in PFN NFL Offense Impact%20assigns,red%20zone%20and%20third%20downs.), took advantage of their rushing attack and finished drives when the Eagles needed stops most.

The defeat dropped Philadelphia to 2-5, marking its first five-game losing streak in a decade. The result also raises questions about head coach Nick Sirianni and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio as the reigning NFC East champions attempt to recover.

The Eagles now face another divisional test against Washington on the road in Week 8. With the season slipping away, Philadelphia needs a response on the field, regardless of how much its players choose to say afterward.