Wide receiver Jason Avant played a critical role in Sunday night's win over the Dallas Cowboys. He caught three passes for 45 yards including an amazing jump-ball grab over Cowboys safety Jeff Heath in the second quarter which set up the Eagles' first touchdown.

The eighth-year receiver is known for staying after practice each day to catch balls off of the JUGS machine to keep himself ready to make plays like the one he did against Dallas.

"To keep my eyes fresh, I always want to be in the right place when my team needs me," Avant said after the game. "I know how critical plays are. I don't a chance to get it a lot. I have to capitalize on my opportunities, so I'm going to do everything that I can on and off the field for us to succeed."

Avant finished the year with 38 catches for 447 yards and a pair of touchdowns. It's the first time in his NFL career that he didn't increase his receptions total from the previous year. Avant still started in 13 games and his love of blocking earns him plenty of playing time.

"When your team wins, everybody wins," Avant said of the change in his role.

Avant is not surprised that the Eagles made the jump from last place a year ago to first place in 2013. He said that there was one thing that plagued the Eagles in recent years - turnovers. Quarterback Nick Foles threw only two interceptions as the Eagles set a new franchise record for fewest turnovers in a season with 19.

"We knew we had the pieces. The only thing we had to do was protect the football. We did that," Avant said. "We haven't done that in recent years. That's the key to winning games, winning the turnover battle. That's what we've been doing. That's why we stay in games."