By: Kylan Watson
After falling to the Washington Commanders last week, the Philadelphia Eagles faced the Dallas Cowboys for their last matchup of 2024-25 NFL Regular Season. Despite a slow start the Eagles used a second quarter scoring explosion to beat Dallas 41-7. With the win they clinched the NFC East division title and a top two seed in the NFC (Clinched at least the second seed).
Kenny Pickett started this game for the Eagles with Jalen Hurts still in the league’s concussion protocol. Pickett had a full week of preparation, and it showed in this game as he was able to execute Philly’s offensive scheme to perfection in this game. The first couple of drives for the Eagles ended in punts, but in the second quarter the Eagles finally got time to execute their offense, and Pickett was able to find DeVonta Smith and score a rushing touchdown on the brotherly shove.
He was able to keep the Eagles in front in this contest and did just enough to show that Nick Sirianni and Kellen Moore can trust him to not make many mistakes, if Jalen Hurts does misses anytime in the postseason. Pickett can manage the offense and keep the scoring momentum going. Unlike last week Pickett spread the ball around to Brown and Smith when necessary and even found Grant Calcaterra on a 20 plus yard pass to set Philly up for a Jake Elliott field goal.
The second quarter proved to be the difference maker in this contest for the Eagles. They were able to score 17 unanswered points and on the defensive side they dominated Dallas’ offense. Forced them into four drive killing turnovers and scored at least 17 points from those mistakes. CJ Gardner Johnson had two interceptions, and his teammates were able to recover two fumbles from the Cowboys.
Earlier this season it was a struggle for the Eagles to be able to get turnovers from the opposing team now they have forced nine turnovers in the last two contests. Philly’s defensive unit has really found itself since the Bye week. They have dominated their matchups since then, and if that continues heading into the playoffs in two weeks. The Eagles will return to the super bowl because there are not many teams that compete with them when they play like they did this afternoon.
The one question for Philly for the next two weeks will be the health of Jalen Hurts. He should clear concussion protocol sometime this week, but with the Eagles not having much to play for next week. Hurts might be given an extra week to heal up and let his body fully recover heading into the playoffs. Philly should play it like a preseason game and rest everybody else and let him at least get a couple of series next week to shake off the rust before the playoffs.
The Eagles will prepare to face the New York Giants next week and should let the backups play in this contest. With the Eagles at least guaranteed a top two seed, this is the perfect opportunity to let the veterans rest and give the young guys a chance to get some run during the season.
They should lean heavily on their short passing and screen game to take full advantage of New York’s aggressive defensive line. In addition, on the defensive side the Eagles should be able to get pressure on Tommy DeVito or Drew Lock and that should force them into making mistakes. Cashing in on those mistakes like they did in today’s contest should put the Eagles in great position to win their 14th game of the season and be healthy for the playoffs.
