Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott joins elite company with 2021 performance

The Dallas Cowboys have already clinched the NFC East, but their starters wanted to play Saturday night’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Running back Ezekiel Elliott is probably glad he’s gotten a few snaps, as he joined former San Diego Chargers legend LaDainian Tomlinson as the only players in the history of the NFL to reach 1,250 yards from scrimmage over their first six season in the league.

Elliott has nine carries for 56 yards on the night, and his number from scrimmage this year was 1,255 heading into the half.

Prescott ties franchise TD record

Prescott had a monster first half against the Eagles (who are sitting 16 starters, including 10 on defense) on Saturday night as the Cowboys led 30-17 at halftime. Prescott completed 16 of his 21 passes for 240 yards and four touchdowns in the first half. His passer rating came in at 152.8, and it is the second time in three weeks that Prescott has had four touchdown passes in the first half.

After his fourth touchdown of the first half, Prescott tied a Cowboys’ franchise record set by Tony Romo when he led the team. With his touchdown to tight end Dalton Schultz as the second quarter was ending, Prescott now has 36 touchdown passes this season, equalling Romo’s 2007 campaign. With another touchdown in the second half, he will be the new franchise record-holder.

The Cowboys are relying on relatively big plays on Saturday, as three receivers had a reception of at least 25 yards before the break. Prescott has already passed his total passing yardage from last weekend’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He threw for 226 yards in that 45-22 game.

On the other sideline, quarterback Gardner Minshew is playing in place of typical starter Jalen Hurts. He is 12-for-19 with 106 yards and a touchdown pass to tight end Tyree Jackson. 

Of note, wide receiver DeVonta Smith set the Eagles’ rookie receiving record in the first half. The first-year player out of Alabama hit 916 yards on the year, breaking former wideout DeSean Jackson’s previous record of 912.

The Cowboys are fighting to move as high as No. 2 in the standings for next weekend’s playoffs, while the Eagles can’t move any higher than No. 6.

On3’s Austin Brezina contributed to this report.