Jackson's big plays lift Eagles past Cowboys

ARLINGTON, Texas - DeSean Jackson stopped at the edge of the goal line, turned to face the defense and tipped over backward into the end zone.

No, he wasn't worn out from running 91 yards. He just wanted to add a finishing splash to this game-changing play.

Jackson's go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth quarter was among many big plays for him and the Philadelphia Eagles in a 30-27 victory over the Dallas Cowboys last night.

Philadelphia (9-4) ended a three-game losing skid to its NFC East rival and moved a half-game ahead of the Giants in the division race. The teams play next week in New Jersey.

Dallas (4-9) fell behind in the opening minutes but kept it close and even led 20-14. But Philadelphia was relentless, dropping the Cowboys to 3-2 under interim coach Jason Garrett. They are guaranteed their first losing season since 2004.

Jackson caught a 60-yard pass on the opening play of the game and kept biting off huge chunks of yards. On only four catches, he had two TDs and 210 yards, third-most in franchise history.

"When he gets the ball in his hands, you better make sure you tackle him and tackle him with more than one guy," Garrett said. "They threw to him eight times; he caught four and was awfully productive when he did."

His breakaway catch came with the score tied at 20 and the Eagles starting a drive from their 9-yard line after a penalty on a punt return. Michael Vick zipped the ball to the left sideline, past cornerback Michael Jenkins and right to Jackson. He sped past one safety, made another safety fall and outran a diving cornerback at the 10. His showboat move at the end drew a flag. Then he went to the bench for some oxygen.

Before kickoff, the Cowboys showed a video tribute to former star quarterback Don Meredith, who died last Sunday. It was followed by a moment of silence.