Saquon Barkley tops 2,000 yards rushing as Eagles beat Cowboys 41-7 to clinch NFC East

PHILADELPHIA — Saquon Barkley rushed for 167 yards to prime 2,000 on the season, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett ran and threw for scores earlier than departing with injured ribs, and the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title by routing the Dallas Cowboys 41-7 on Sunday.

Barkley has 2,005 yards and wishes 101 in subsequent week’s principally meaningless regular-season finale to prime Eric Dickerson and his 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984.

The Eagles (13-3) led 24-7 within the third quarter when Pickett was drilled by defensive finish Micah Parsons, ending his first begin rather than the concussed Jalen Hurts. Tanner McKee, a profession third-stringer, entered the sport and the Eagles completed the drive with a subject objective.

McKee later threw two TD passes, a 20-yarder to A.J. Brown and a 25-yarder to DeVonta Smith, in entrance of a roaring crowd delighted to observe the Eagles dominate their fiercest rival to wrap up the division title and a minimum of the No. 2 seed within the NFC.

Hurts was injured in final week’s loss at Washington and stays within the NFL’s concussion protocol – he did not observe all week — which opened the door for Pickett to start out.

Pickett, acquired from Pittsburgh within the offseason, performed with additional safety underneath his jersey after he suffered a rib harm when he was pressed into service in opposition to the Commanders.

Sore ribs or not, Pickett was pumped for this begin all week. He was raised a diehard Eagles fan in central New Jersey about 80 miles from Lincoln Monetary Area and recalled “nice recollections” of going to video games along with his dad and grandfather since he was 5 years outdated.

The 26-year-old Pickett mentioned he had loads of household on the Linc to cheer him on in opposition to Dallas (7-9).

Greater than 60,000 different Eagles rooted him on, too, however Pickett’s dream day ended prematurely. He completed 10 of 15 for 143 yards.

With the Eagles not having a division title to play for, it is doubtless Hurts will relaxation one other week forward of the playoffs. Now, Pickett could possibly be sidelined as nicely – presumably forcing McKee into the beginning lineup.

Barkley had 31 carries and his final one went for 23 yards to push him over 2,000. He might additionally sit out quite than threat harm chasing Dickerson’s document. Barkley, who left the Giants and signed a three-year take care of the Eagles for $26 million assured, set the NFL mark for many yards dashing in a participant’s first season with a brand new crew.

The family and friends that traveled to see Pickett play needed to wait a bit after Eagles security C.J. Gardner-Johnson returned an interception 69 yards for a rating on Dallas’ opening drive. Cooper Rush – who threw for 147 yards and had two interceptions – adopted on the following drive for Dallas with a 4-yard TD move to Jalen Tolbert.

Pickett linked with Grant Calcaretta for 34 yards after which hit Smith – who had six catches whole for 120 yards – for a 22-yard rating and a 14-7 lead.

The Eagles’ protection broke the sport open for Pickett when a recovered fumble led to Jake Elliott’s 31-yard subject objective and Gardner-Johnson’s second decide of the day arrange Pickett’s dashing rating on a tush push.

Similar to Hurts.

Pickett, who accomplished 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards, took two robust photographs on the identical drive on the third: Odighizuwa was flagged for roughing the passer on a late hit and Parsons delivered the knockout blow.

The Eagles have been thrilled to have a succesful backup QB who went 14-10 as a starter with the Steelers. His efficiency prompted Pittsburgh legend and Fox broadcaster Terry Bradshaw to say the Steelers by no means ought to have gotten rid of him.

Accidents
Cowboys: S Donovan Wilson suffered a knee harm. … Performed with out All-Professional WR CeeDee Lamb, who was shut down for the ultimate two weeks with a sprained proper shoulder.

Eagles: DE Bryce Huff briefly left with a shoulder harm sustained in his first recreation again since he was activated off the injured record. He had wrist surgical procedure.

Up subsequent
The Cowboys host Washington subsequent week of their remaining recreation of the season.

The Eagles tune up for the playoffs with a house recreation in opposition to the Giants.