In what is becoming quite the tradition, the Eagles and Cowboys faced each other with reserve QBs playing big roles. Philly handled their challenge better and routed the Cowgirls 41-7. Much will be made in the media of the players that Dallas was missing (Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Demarvion Overshown and Trevon Diggs) but I don't think much of that; the Birds were down Hurts, Goedert, Graham and Dean and it didn't bother them too much. Clearly, the stat that spelled the difference was Philly's 4-0 edge in the turnover margin (net margin over the past two games is 9-1 in meaningful plays).
Here are my key takeaways in order from most to least significant:
Eagles clinch NFC East and a likely 2 seed. Today's win makes tonight's Commanders-Falcons game irrelevant to the division, as well as making next week's game against New York nearly meaningless as well. Philly cannot be caught for the 2 seed by any of the South or West teams, so the two seed is a practical guarantee. As of this writing neither the Vikings or Lions have begun play yet, but both would need to lose or tie today to keep Philly in the hunt for the top seed. Unless that unlikely event takes place, my guess and hope is that we'll see nearly all backups next Sunday. That's fine with me; this team could use a bye week.
The Birds sweep the Boys for the first time since 2011. This has largely been a competitive series over the last few decades and sweeps have been relatively uncommon lately. The "Dream Team" Eagles were the last team to sweep the Cowboys, and this is the first meaningful sweep either team has had since 2018 (Dallas swept Philly in 2021 but the Birds sat their starters for the second game that year). Philly's +62 point scoring margin this year is the best for any team in this series in a single season since 1969 (Cowboys +66).
Eagles backup QBs answer the bell. Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee combined for 10.4 yards per pass attempt, four total touchdowns, a 141.9 passer rating and no turnovers; all that accomplished against a Dallas defense that had been playing well since Parsons got back from injury. Well done, boys. No excuses from Dallas fans about their backup QB hold water in that context. Both guys are under contract for next season, meaning we should be set up pretty well at the position in 2025 as well.
Incidentally, the fact that playoff positioning is secure coupled with the QB injuries presents Philly with an attractive opportunity to let McKee play a full game next week against the Giants. Philly fans have been rightfully curious to see what he can be, and with both Hurts and Pickett ailing, this low-stakes clash is the perfect time to give Tanner some work.
Cooper Rush's leading receiver is... CJ Gardner-Johnson?!?. CJGJ's 94 yards led all of Rush's pass catchers, and his one touchdown tied for the team lead. This marked the third game for CJGJ against Rush as an Eagle; he has five picks in those games.
Saquon Barkley record watch. This guy already has the most remarkable season by an Eagles RB in their history. He's 101 yards short of the NFL single season record and is just the ninth player over the 2,000 yard mark. For the reasons mentioned above, I think it's unlikely he'll play much at all next week, which makes breaking Dickerson's record a stretch, but this guy has been everything Philly hoped he would be and more. What a story.
All told, this was a good day, full of feel good stories, devoid of injuries and bad angst and one that gest the Birds back on track with an opportunity to get some rest before the playoffs and a probable rubber match with Washington. Happy new year, Birds fans!
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