https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/storm-lightning-delays-nfls-cowboys-eagles-season-opener-in-third-quarter-022925704.html
Thursday’s NFL season opener between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles was delayed roughly an hour due to lightning in the area.
The delay was announced with 4:44 remaining in the third quarter and the Eagles holding a 24-20 lead.
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Forecasts for stormy weather in Philadelphia leading up to Thursday’s game caused concern about its impact on the game. The first half was played without issue, but a storm with lightning ultimately caused a stoppage with the outcome of the game in the balance in the second half.
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Players returned to the field about 45 minutes after the initial delay and, after a few minutes to warm up, play resumed at 11:30 p.m. ET.
Not the first time this has happened
Thursday’s wasn’t the first NFL opener be dampened by weather. The last time the Eagles started the season as reigning champions, their Thursday night opener against the Atlanta Falcons was delayed roughly 45 minutes due to inclement weather.
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When the Denver Broncos hosted the 2013 season opener against the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, the start of that game was delayed because of lightning for roughly 34 minutes.
But Thursday’s case is different. In this instance, players had already played more than 40 minutes of intense, competitive football that included an ejection of Eagles star Jalen Carter and multiple personal fouls. With the outcome very much uncertain, both teams were sent to their respective locker rooms for an unscheduled cooling-off period.
When the game resumed, they were tasked with ramping up their intensity again for the game’s final 19:44 of regulation.
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/storm-lightning-delays-nfls-cowboys-eagles-season-opener-in-third-quarter-022925704.html
