Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Eagles showcased their dominance in a decisive 41-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17, securing the 2024 NFC East division title. This victory marks their first division title since 2022 and their 11th NFC East division title since 2001, the most in the division during that time span. The Eagles now boast their fourth 13-win season, a significant achievement given their history of reaching the Super Bowl in each of the last three instances.
Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, filling in for the injured Jalen Hurts, delivered a strong performance with 143 passing yards and a touchdown. Pickett’s standout moment came when he threw a 22-yard scoring strike to Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith. However, Pickett was forced to leave the game in the third quarter due to a rib injury sustained from a late hit by a Dallas defender.
Stepping in for Pickett, third-string quarterback Tanner McKee seamlessly continued the offensive momentum with two touchdown passes. McKee’s performance, along with Saquon Barkley’s impressive 167 rushing yards, contributed to the Eagles’ commanding lead over the Cowboys.
One key takeaway from the game was C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s impactful presence on the field. Gardner-Johnson’s interceptions and defensive contributions proved crucial in the Eagles’ victory. Additionally, despite a slow start for Pickett, the Eagles’ offensive strategy evolved to allow him to excel in the passing game.
As the Eagles prepare for future games, the focus shifts to Barkley’s pursuit of the rushing record. Barkley’s achievement of 2,000 rushing yards in a season positions him as a contender to surpass historic records in the NFL. Whether Barkley will play in Week 18 remains uncertain, but his exceptional performance throughout the season highlights his potential to make history in the league.