Saquon Barkley achieved a milestone by rushing for 167 yards, solidifying his position in the exclusive 2,000-yard club. Simultaneously, the Philadelphia Eagles secured the NFC East title with a dominant 41-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys in a Sunday showdown. The Eagles’ triumph, with a record of 13-3, marked a significant achievement as they swept their longtime rivals, the Cowboys, with a final score of 7-9, for the first time since 2011. Moreover, this victory ensured at least the No. 2 seed for the Eagles in the upcoming NFC playoffs.
Barkley’s exceptional performance, marking his 11th 100-yard game of the season, propelled him into elite company as only the ninth player in NFL history to reach the coveted 2,000-yard rushing mark in a single season. Currently standing at 2,005 yards, Barkley is within reach of breaking Eric Dickerson’s longstanding NFL single-season record of 2,105 yards, set over 16 games in 1984.
As the Eagles took to the field without Jalen Hurts, who was in the concussion protocol, Kenny Pickett assumed the quarterback role. Pickett showcased his skills by contributing a touchdown pass and a touchdown run before exiting the game early in the third quarter due to a rib injury. Tanner McKee made his NFL debut, stepping in for Pickett and making an immediate impact with a 20-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Brown, extending the Eagles’ lead to 34-7 with 2:44 remaining in the third quarter. McKee further impressed by connecting with DeVonta Smith for a 25-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, with Smith amassing six receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns.
The game was marred by the Cowboys’ four turnovers, with Cooper Rush throwing two interceptions alongside a solitary touchdown pass, and Rico Dowdle rushing for 104 yards to secure his first 1,000-yard season with a total of 1,007 yards.
Philadelphia’s dominance was evident early on as they capitalized on three turnovers by the Cowboys, amassing a commanding 24-7 lead by halftime. The game’s opening drive set the tone as C.J. Gardner-Johnson intercepted a pass and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown. Rush responded resiliently by orchestrating a game-tying 4-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert.
Pickett showcased his chemistry with Smith, connecting for a 22-yard touchdown pass that propelled Philadelphia ahead 14-7 midway through the second quarter. A pivotal fumble recovery by Jordan Davis led to a 31-yard field goal by Jake Elliott, extending the Eagles’ lead to 17-7. Gardner-Johnson’s second interception provided Philadelphia with a prime scoring opportunity, culminating in Pickett’s touchdown plunge following Smith’s 49-yard reception.
