Down to the wire, who controls the tight NFC East race with only 4 weeks left in the season
Written by: Joseph Mooney
Twitter: @Full_MOONey25
Dallas Cowboys (6-6): L 26-15 vs Buffalo Bills
Despite scoring on their opening drive, the Cowboys came to a halt against a physical Buffalo Bills defense on Thursday night. The game on Thanksgiving broke the single-game viewer record for any network this season. Dak Prescott arguably had his worst performance of the year even though the box score doesn’t say that, throwing for 355 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception. Dak throughout the course of the game had multiple fumbles and many interceptions negated by Bills penalties. The only thing that justifies a tough loss is a terrible Eagles lost as well. The Cowboys still remain in the driver’s seat atop the NFC East (6-6). I don’t see the Dallas Cowboys winning the division, with tough games ahead against the Chicago Bears, the Los Angeles Rams, and a divisional matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Next Game: L 21-10 @ Chicago Bears
Philadelphia Eagles (5-7): L 37-31 @ Miami Dolphins
Let’s not sugar coat it, the Philadelphia Eagles flat out were horrible on Sunday against the Dolphins. The ultimate self-destruction happened when the Eagles blew a 14 point lead in the second half to a below-average team. While Head Coach Doug Pederson tried to lighten the mood by saying the Miami Dolphins were “a good football”, when in reality the Eagles have leadership problems as well as a personnel problem on both sides of the ball. It’s clear that Carson Wentz was not the reason for the loss yesterday rather than the Eagles’ inability to guard receivers in man coverage and it has been shown time and time again throughout this season. While the loss to the Dolphins doesn’t eliminate the Philadelphia Eagles from playoff contention, it sure does make the road much harder. The Eagles will have to win out against the divisional opponents Redskins, Cowboys, and Giants in order to make the playoffs. While Eagles hopefuls have their eyes on the playoffs, I’m more concerned about the moves that need to be made in the front office and in the NFL draft this offseason.
Next Game: W 27-17 vs New York Giants
New York Giants (2-10): L 31-13 vs Green Bay Packers
Following their loss to the Green Bay Packers, the New York Giants claimed sole possession of the last place within the NFC East division and the worse skid of the team since 2004. Following losing 8 or more games in the last two seasons the front office will have a major decision moving forward, whether Head Coach Pat Shurmur will be leading the New York Giants next season. Shurmur has gone 7-21 during his time with the Giants and despite having talent on his roster, Shurmur hasn’t produced on the field. The Giants were truly outmatched in the snow fight against the Packers, Daniel Jones has shown glimpses of magic over the course of his rookie season, and we all know how great Saquon Barkley can be when he’s healthy. While the Giants came out swinging against the Packers they truly never got close. Following Daniel Jones 17 yard touchdown pass to receiver Sterling Shepard, Jones was intercepted by the same corner Shepherd beat on their previous possession, Kevin King. After their opening touchdown, the Giants were held to just two field goals which aren’t enough to beat Aaron Rodgers and a lethal Packers team. Next up the Giants will look to two matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles as well as one against the Washington Redskins. While the Giants have talent, they don’t have a solid structure at the key coaching position and general manager, which will all need to be addressed in the off-season.
Next Game: L 27-17 @ Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins (3-9): W 29-21 @ Carolina Panthers
Just as I predicted, the Washington Redskins are playing spoiler to playoff hopeful teams. After beating the Panthers in Carolina, rookie quarterback D’Wayne Haskins records his second career win in the NFL. Although he didn’t throw a touchdown pass, the duo of Derrius Guice and Adrian Pederson combined for 3 touchdowns and 228 rushing yards to control the game clock and secure a win. The Redskins defense was activate all day forcing eight punts and an interception. While also holding one of the NFL’s top running back Christian McCaffrey to only 102 scrimmage yards. Although the Redskins eliminated the Panthers from the playoffs, I don’t see them upsetting a vicious Green Bay Packers team in Green Bay. The Redskins can still play a huge role in the NFC East winner so teams need to be careful of Washington.
Next Game: L 37-10 @ Green Bay Packers