The NFC East was a combined 0-3 in Week 9 with the Philadelphia Eagles enjoying their bye week. They got plenty of rest and even significantly added to their roster.
Not many teams can say they were the best team in their division during a week when they didn’t even play a single snap of football.
The sad thing is, neither the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, nor the Washington Commanders put up much of a fight this week.
Philadelphia now enjoys a three-game cushion over second-place Dallas. A win against the Packers on Monday and it becomes a 3.5-game lead over the Cowboys, who are on their bye in Week 10.
Here’s how the NFC East played out this week.
Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1)
Dallas’s offense had been clicking at home, averaging about 41 points a game. Away from AT&T Stadium they were scoring just 20.4 points per game.
The offense only put up 10 points on Monday night, with the special teams unit scoring the first touchdown for Dallas.
Dallas finished with three turnovers, and it probably should have been more.
There was a wounded duck pass from Dak Prescott that should have been picked. A George Pickens fumble was luckily recovered by Javonte Williams.
It was a horrid night all around for the Cowboys.
It also might be the night any hopes of the playoffs were taken off life support.
At 3-5-1, the Cowboys would almost certainly need to go at least 7-1 the rest of the way to get just a wildcard spot. There is no way Dallas gets through their remaining schedule with one loss or less.
Next week: Bye Week
New York Giants (2-7)
I said I thought this team was cursed last week. Now I’m absolutely sure of it.
New York is riding a three-game losing streak that will likely extend to seven.
The Giants next four opponents are: Chicago, Green Bay, Detroit, and New England.
New York’s fanbase has apparently seen enough. Prior to the game a plane flew overhead with a banner that had a simple request.
“Mr. Mara enough is enough — clean house.”
Brian Daboll might want to update his resume, along with the rest of the front office and his coaching staff.
Next game: at Chicago. Sunday, Noon.
Philadelphia Eagles (6-2)
Howie Roseman sold his soul to Satan. It’s the only explanation.
While the rest of the NFC East keeps watching their season unravel from injuries and poor defensive play, the Eagles just keep winning.
And adding players to strengthen any area of need with frightening ease.
Despite being on a bye week, the Eagles still had the best week of any NFC East team. They added an edge rusher by landing Miami’s Jaelan Phillips in a trade that only cost them a third rounder on Monday.
Phillips is the fourth in-season trade this year involving Philadelphia.
The other three trades were: a 2026 sixth round pick to Baltimore for defensive back Jaire Alexander and a 2027 seventh rounder.
Receiver John Metchie III and a 2027 sixth rounder in 2027 to the Jets for defensive back Michael Carter II and a 2027 seventh rounder.
And finally, a 2026 fifth rounder and a 2026 sixth rounder for Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby.
CC: Jerry and Stephen Jones. This is how you make it to multiple Super Bowls in the 21st Century boys.
Next game: at Green Bay, Monday, 7:15 p.m.
Washington Commanders (3-6)
The Commanders began the season as the favorites to win the NFC East in many quarters. Mine was included among that number.
Washington’s season has imploded as injuries and bad decisions are sinking the Commanders’ ship faster than the Titanic.
It has been a shocking fall for a team that was just a win away from the Super Bowl not 10 months ago.
Next game: vs. Detroit, Sunday, 3:25 p.m.
