Great Day

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Great Day

Posted: December 29th, 2024 | Author: Tommy Lawlor

The Eagles and Cowboys both had backup QBs starting on Sunday. The Eagles won the game 41-7 and showed you just how different things are between the two teams. Philly had playmakers all over the field, on offense and defense. Dallas had one play of 20 or more yards. The Eagles had 7.

The rosters are very different.

Injuries are certainly a factor, but Dallas simply doesn’t have enough difference-makers. After Kenny Pickett was knocked out of the game, Tanner McKee took over at QB for the Eagles. McKee went 3 for 4 for 54 yards and 2 TDs in his NFL debut. He might be the #3 QB, but he had good protection and good weapons. All McKee had to do was go out and execute. And he did.

Pickett got the start and played well, going 10-15-143 with a TD. He was able to function within the structure and also create on his own when needed.

Picket also went 2 for 3 on Brotherly Shoves. Jalen Hurts doesn’t have to worry about losing his job, but Pickett showed why the Eagles traded for him. He has starting experience and solid talent. You don’t have to turn the offense into just hand-offs and short passes with him.

The star of the game was 26. Saquon Barkley went 31-167 and now has 2005 yards for the season. It is surreal to type that sentence. The Eagles have had plenty of good RBs over the years. I just never expected one of them would do something quite so historic.

2K. That’s really unbelievable. The OL loved it. The fans loved it. What a special season from a special dude. Now the question becomes whether Nick Sirianni will let Barkley go after the record next week. It is possible there won’t be anything to play for and the Eagles could rest their starters. We’ll have to see how the MIN and DET games go.

The Eagles defense bounced back in a big way. Dallas was able to move the ball a bit on the opening drive, but then CJGJ jumped a route, picked off the pass and raced 69 yards for the TD. Dallas marched down the field after that to tie the game at 7-7. Cooper Rush was making good reads and throws. You wondered if Dallas was going to be tougher than expected.

Dallas didn’t score another point. They only gained 163 yards after that and had 3 more turnovers. That was the Eagles defense we’ve come to expect and love this year. CJGJ led the way with 2 INTs. His second pick robbed Quinyon Mitchell of a chance to get his first pick of the season. Q is one frustrated rookie.

It was great to see the Eagles come out and play well and win. They are now NFC East champs. Barkley got to 2,000. The backup QBs made plays. The guys around them made plays. There was a lot of fun in Sunday’s win. This team is at its best when they play well and get to celebrate together.

That may sound like an obvious statement, but the last two Super Bowl teams were groups that played with joy. They had fun. This group has that same type of vibe. That doesn’t guarantee they’ll get back to the big game. I do think it’s a great sign.

Keep in mind that not every player has experienced winning and being part of a great team.

The Eagles still have a lot to accomplish. We’ll see about Barkley and the rushing record. Most importantly is the pursuit of a Super Bowl. Thankfully this team still feels hungry, in part because of the new and young guys. Sirianni loves to talk about how he wants his team to be connected. This team certainly is and that’s helping them win games and do special things.

http://igglesblitz.com/2024/12/great-day/