Frank Gumienny Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer | Philadelphia Eagles Website
Frank Gumienny Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer | Philadelphia Eagles Website
The Philadelphia Eagles secured the NFC East title with a decisive 41-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The game saw Saquon Barkley surpass the 2,000-yard mark for the season and break LeSean McCoy's franchise record for scrimmage yards set in 2013.
"I'm not going to lie, but just being a fan of the game and the running back position, to reach a milestone and put myself up there with eight other backs that I respect, and some of them I grew up watching, definitely means a lot," Barkley said. "But at the same time, I wouldn't be able to do that without this team."
Philadelphia played without their star quarterback Jalen Hurts due to a concussion from last week's game against Washington. Linebacker Nakobe Dean was also absent because of an abdomen injury. Kenny Pickett started as quarterback for the Eagles, completing 10 out of 15 passes for 143 yards and one touchdown before leaving with a rib injury. Tanner McKee replaced him in the second half, completing three out of four passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson opened the scoring with a pick-six after intercepting Cooper Rush's pass. "We have to continue to do the detailed things," Gardner-Johnson stated. The Cowboys responded with Rush connecting with Jalen Tolbert for a touchdown.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who rotated at linebacker throughout the game, contributed defensively alongside Zack Baun. A fumble caused by Oren Burks led to Jordan Davis recovering it for Philadelphia. This turnover allowed Jake Elliott to score a field goal.
Gardner-Johnson recorded another interception before halftime which helped Pickett find DeVonta Smith on a crucial play leading to another touchdown. "You have to score," Pickett remarked about his own rushing touchdown.
In the third quarter, McKee threw his first career NFL touchdown pass to A.J. Brown. Reflecting on his debut, McKee expressed: "It's surreal." The fourth quarter saw further contributions from Barkley and McKee as they extended Philadelphia's lead.
Trotter Jr.'s sack on Rush capped off an impressive defensive performance by Philadelphia.
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