PHILADELPHIA — Wearing the NFC East champions hat, head coach Nick Sirianni reflected on the potential achievements that his Philadelphia Eagles could still realize in this season. The team has individual and collective goals ahead of them, including playoff games and the ultimate prize: a Super Bowl title. Sirianni expressed confidence in his squad’s capabilities, leading many to believe they could indeed secure the championship title.
Saquon Barkley, who is eyeing Eric Dickerson’s NFL rushing record, also acknowledged the significance of the division title but understood its fleeting nature in the grand scheme of things. “At the end of the day, you’re not getting remembered for being the 2024 NFC East division champs,” Barkley commented. He rushed for an impressive 167 yards, bringing his season total to 2,005 yards, needing just 101 more yards in the regular-season finale next week to surpass Dickerson’s 2,105-yard record set in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams.
The Eagles secured their division title decisively with a commanding victory over the Dallas Cowboys, ending the game at 41-7. The team improved to a stellar 13-3 record for the season. After backup quarterback Kenny Pickett was taken down by defensive end Micah Parsons, leading to his exit with rib injuries, Tanner McKee, a third-string quarterback, stepped in. McKee not only helped maintain the drive with a field goal but later threw two touchdown passes to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, much to the delight of the home crowd.”Winning the division is always a special accomplishment, but our aspirations extend beyond that,” Sirianni stated, emphasizing their larger goals.
Jalen Hurts remained sidelined after sustaining an injury during the previous game against Washington and has not participated in practice all week, allowing Pickett to take the starting role. Despite nursing rib issues from a prior game, Pickett was energized and excited about the chance to lead the Eagles. Growing up in central New Jersey as a devoted Eagles fan, he recalled cherished memories attending games with his family. With the support of over 60,000 fans at Lincoln Financial Field, Pickett finished the day with a respectable 10 for 15 passing for 143 yards, though his time on the field was cut short.
With the Eagles now having clinched the division title, Hurts may rest in the upcoming game, and it appears that Pickett might also be out due to his rib injury, potentially leading McKee to take over as the starter. Barkley carried the ball 31 times, and his final rush propelled him over the 2,000-yard mark for the year. He could opt to sit out the final game to avoid risking further injury as he chases Dickerson’s record. This season, Barkley, who transferred to the Eagles from the Giants in a three-year contract valued at $26 million, set a record for the most rushing yards by a player in their initial season with a new team.
Fans attending the game had a thrilling start as Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson intercepted Dallas quarterback Cooper Rush on the opening drive and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown. Although Rush managed to respond with a touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert, the Cowboys couldn’t keep pace with the Eagles. Pickett’s connection with Grant Calcaretta for a 34-yard gain aided his momentum to a score on a 22-yard pass to Smith, setting Philadelphia ahead at 14-7.
An Eagles’ turnover created another opportunity for their defense, propelling a fumble recovery into a field goal from Jake Elliott. Yet, the drive turned harrowing for Pickett as he took two hard hits, the second being critical enough to end his game. The Eagles were relieved to find a capable backup quarterback, and even Terry Bradshaw, a legend in Pittsburgh, remarked on how the Steelers should have retained him. “All I wanted to accomplish today was to get the win for the team, for the city,” Pickett expressed.
On the other side, the Cowboys, despite being weakened by injuries, struggled significantly against the Eagles. Coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged that their game plan didn’t unfold as intended. The contest ended with tempers flaring between the two teams, leading to ejections for Eagles player Sydney Brown and two Cowboys players.
In terms of injuries, Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson sustained a knee injury, while All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb will sit out the remainder of the season due to a shoulder sprain. For the Eagles, defensive end Bryce Huff temporarily exited with a shoulder injury in his comeback from wrist surgery.
Looking forward, the Cowboys will face Washington in their concluding game of the season, while the Eagles will prepare for the playoffs, taking on the Giants in their last regular-season matchup.
