Saquon Barkley rushed for 167 yards to top 2,000 on the season, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett ran and threw for a score before leaving with injured ribs, and the Philadelphia Eagles routed the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday to win the NFC East title.
Barkley has 2,005 yards and needs 101 to top Eric Dickerson and his 2,105 yards in 1984 for the Los Angeles Rams in next week’s mostly meaningless regular-season finale.
(read more: 2024 NFL playoff picture: Four more postseason spots still up for grabs in Week 17)
The Eagles (13-3) led 24-7 in the third quarter when Pickett was drilled by defensive end Micah Parsons, ending his first start in place of Jalen Hurts. Tanner McKee, a career third-stringer, entered the game and the Eagles finished the drive with a field goal.
McKee later threw two touchdown passes, a 20-yarder to A.J. to Brown and a 25-yarder to Devonta Smith, in front of a roaring crowd that was happy to see the Eagles dominate their archrival to wrap up the division title and at least the no. 2 seed in the NFC.
Hearts was injured in last week’s loss at Washington and remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. He didn’t practice all week, which opened the door for Pickett to start.
Greg Olson and Joe Davis broke up the Eagles’ impressive win NFL on FOX

Pickett, acquired from Pittsburgh in the offseason, played with extra protection under his jersey after suffering a rib injury when he was pressed into service against the Commanders.
Sore ribs or not, Pickett was pumped all week for this start. He was raised a diehard Eagles fan in central New Jersey, about 80 miles from Lincoln Financial Field, and recalls “great memories” of going to games with his dad and grandpa since age 5. was
Pickett, 26, said he had plenty of family at the rink to cheer him on against Dallas (7-9).
More than 60,000 other Eagles also cheered him on, but Pickett’s dream ended prematurely. He completed 10 of 15 for 143 yards.
With the Eagles now without a division title to play for, it’s likely Hurts will rest another week before the playoffs. Now, Pickett could also be sidelined – possibly forcing McKee into the starting lineup.
(read more: Why a ‘special’ Saquon Barkley is the NFL’s most valuable player)
Barkley had 31 carries and his last carry went for 23 yards to put him over 2,000. He could sit out chasing Dickerson’s record rather than risk injury. Berkley, who left the New York Giants and signed a three-year deal with the Eagles worth $26 million guaranteed, set the NFL mark for most yards in a player’s first season with a new team.
Saquon Barkley makes history as ninth player to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in Eagles win over Cowboys

Friends and family traveling to watch Pickett play had a short wait after Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson returned an interception 69 yards for a score on Dallas’ opening drive. Cooper Rush — who threw for 147 yards and two interceptions — led the way with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert on the next drive for Dallas.
Pickett connected with Grant Calcaterra for 34 yards and then hit Smith — who totaled six catches for 120 yards — for a 22-yard score and a 14-7 lead.
The Eagles’ defense broke up the play for Pickett when a recovered fumble led to Jake Elliott’s 31-yard field goal and Gardner-Johnson’s second pick of the day set up Pickett’s rushing score on a tush push.
Like Hurts.
Pickett, who completed 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards, had two tough shots on the same drive in the third: Osa Odighizuwa was flagged for roughing the passer on a late hit and Parsons delivered the knockout blow.
The Eagles were thrilled to acquire a capable backup QB who went 14-10 as a starter with the Steelers. His performance prompted Pittsburgh legend and FOX broadcaster Terry Bradshaw to say the Steelers should never have gotten rid of him.
Saquon Barkley on becoming the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season

The Cowboys host Washington in their final game of the season next week.
The Eagles prepare for the playoffs with a home game against the Giants.
Reporting by the Associated Press.
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