Saquon Barkley surpasses 2,000 rushing yards as Eagles crush Cowboys 41-7

On December 29, 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles secured the NFC East division title with a commanding victory over the Dallas Cowboys, finishing the game with a score of 41-7. The Eagles' win was highlighted by a standout performance from running back Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 167 yards, bringing his season total to 2,005 yards. This impressive feat positions him within reach of breaking Eric Dickerson's long-standing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984. The Eagles were playing without their starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was sidelined due to concussion protocol after an injury in a prior game against Washington. As a result, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett took the reins and managed to lead the team effectively, throwing for two touchdowns and completing 10 out of 15 passes for 143 yards. Unfortunately, Pickett also sustained a rib injury during the match, leading to possible concerns about his availability for upcoming games. The defense of the Eagles played a crucial role in the game, creating turnovers that set up easy scoring opportunities for the offense. Defensive standout Gardner-Johnson made significant contributions with two interceptions, which further compounded the struggles faced by Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush, who threw for 147 yards and was responsible for two interceptions himself. With this victory, the Eagles improved their season record to 13-3, while the Cowboys ended their season at 7-9. The Eagles will now prepare for the playoffs, having successfully clinched their division, while the Cowboys' disappointing finish means they will miss the postseason once again. The Eagles' current momentum, coupled with the performances from Barkley and the backups, sets a promising tone as they aim for a deep playoff run.