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NFC East X factors: Records and rookies in play for Week 17
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

NFC East X factors: Records and rookies in play for Week 17

Quarterback Jayden Daniels proved to be the X factor for the Commanders last week, but which players will step up for the NFC East in Week 17? 

Saquon Barkley (RB), Philadelphia Eagles 

While all eyes will likely be on backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, Philadelphia’s fortunes lie with Saquon Barkley against the Cowboys this week. 

Pickett, who’s been limited in practice with a rib injury this week, threw for 143 yards with a touchdown in relief of Jalen Hurts, who left last week’s game against the Commanders with a head injury. He also threw a costly interception, but Barkley’s lack of production in the final three quarters ultimately led to the team’s 36-33 loss.

After rushing for 109 yards and two touchdowns in the opening quarter, Barkley had just 41 yards on 22 carries for the rest of the game. With 1,838 yards this season, the NFL’s leading rusher needs just 268 yards to break the single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards set by Eric Dickerson in 1984.

If Barkley has a good game against the Cowboys’ 27th-ranked run defense, he’ll have a chance to break Dickerson’s record against his former Giants team in Week 18.

DaRon Bland (CB), Dallas Cowboys

Of course, A.J. Brown, Philadelphia’s No. 1 wide receiver, will look to get his production on Sunday, something the Cowboys Pro Bowl cornerback will try to prevent.

After leading the NFL with nine interceptions in 2023, Bland missed the team’s first 10 games with a foot injury suffered during the final week of training camp.

He returned in Week 12, two weeks after the team’s 34-6 home loss to the Eagles, but has yet to log an interception in 2024. Pickett could be the ticket with 14 interceptions in 24 career starts, all with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Brown caught eight passes for 97 yards and a touchdown from Pickett last week and had 94 yards against Bland and the Cowboys in Week 13 of last year. If Bland can force a turnover or two, the Cowboys have an excellent chance of splitting the season series with Philadelphia. 

Jayden Daniels (QB), Washington Commanders

Simply put, the Commanders will go as far as their rookie quarterback will take them in 2024. Daniels led the team in passing and rushing in three of his last four games and threw a career-high five touchdowns to beat Philadelphia’s top-ranked defense in Week 16.

This week, he’ll start opposite fellow rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. when Washington hosts Atlanta on "Sunday Night Football." Count on the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft to be at his best against the No. 8 pick in front of a national audience.

Dru Phillips (CB), New York Giants

A third-round pick in this year’s draft, Phillips hasn’t received the attention of rookie teammates like wide receiver Malik Nabers or running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., but the team’s slot cornerback has proved to be an asset against the run this year.

"He's done a nice job for us," head coach Brian Daboll told reporters. "He's a physical player, I think he's shown that. Where he plays in particular, he's part of a lot of run fits. He's an aggressive tackler and continues to improve."

Phillips missed Weeks 14 and 15 with a shoulder injury but had six tackles (four solo) in last week’s 34-7 loss to Atlanta. 

Of course, most teams would prefer their defensive tackles and linebackers to bring down opposing running backs, but with players like Dexter Lawrence II and Bobby Okereke on injured reserve, Phillips should see plenty of Colts running back Jonathan Taylor on Sunday. 

Bruce Ewing

Bruce Ewing is 183 pounds of twisted steel and Happy Meals. His work has appeared on Yardbarker, 5th Down Fantasy, Inside the Iggles and MSN. Give a Philly fan a break and follow him on Twitter/X at @fantasybruce.

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