Dallas Cowboys vs Washington will define NFC East's Champion
The Dallas Cowboys will face the Washington Football Team for the second time in 2020 on Thursday. Playing at home, the Cowboys will try to avenge a 25-3 loss in which Quarterback Andy Dalton received a nasty helmet to helmet hit from Jon Bostic. On Thanksgiving, the Cowboys will not only be trying to get […]
The Dallas Cowboys will face the Washington Football Team for the second time in 2020 on Thursday. Playing at home, the Cowboys will try to avenge a 25-3 loss in which Quarterback Andy Dalton received a nasty helmet to helmet hit from Jon Bostic. On Thanksgiving, the Cowboys will not only be trying to get some payback on that hit, but they'll be trying to take the NFC East lead. Perhaps for good.
Both teams head into this game with only three wins, the same amount as any of the four teams in the division. Whoever wins on Thursday will take a big step toward being the division champion. Don't be surprised if whoever wins this game wins the NFC East.
After all, the Philadelphia Eagles are not finding any answers in Carson Wentz and their schedule will only get tougher. In the upcoming four weeks, they'll face the Seahawks, Packers, Saints, and the Cardinals. These are teams that own a combined record of 28 wins and 12 losses. And honestly, can you trust Wentz to suddenly go back to his 2017-self? I know I can't.
The New York Giants also have some tough games ahead of them including the Seahawks and Cardinals and they seem to be the team that has the less going for them. Washington has a tough defensive line, the Cowboys have an elite set of playmakers. But the Giants are still a team in rebuild mode. Daniel Jones can make things interesting, but they might be the worst team in the division.
As for the two teams playing tomorrow, they both have a few positive things going for them. Washington recently lost Kyle Allen to a gruesome injury that resembled Dak Prescott's ankle injury. But they have a veteran Alex Smith leading the charge. While he's far from the Smith we knew before, he'll be able to keep Washington in the mix for the rest of the season. Especially since they still have some winnable games left on their schedule.
My concern about the Washington Football Team is its defense. Sure, their defensive line is one of the best in the NFL but are we overrating its defense as a unit? I think so. They rank 6th in defense DVOA, which adjusts for strength of schedule. But as a team, they've allowed over 30 or more points in five games this season.
Their best defensive performances have come against the Giants, Cowboys (in a game in which Dallas had a preseason-caliber offensive line, and the Bengals (in a game which Joe Burrow couldn't finish).
On offense, Washington is dealing with injuries at OL and WR. It's just not the hottest team in the division and I can't buy stock on this team.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys might have a chance with Andy Dalton at QB. Dalton's first impression with the fans was not great as he looked bad versus the Cardinals and Washington, but it's fair to point out how different the offensive line and gameplan looked back then.
Last weekend, the Cowboys looked sharp as they involved all of their offensive weapons in the game. Dalton Schultz and CeeDee Lamb each got touchdown catches. Amari Cooper led the team with 81 yards in six catches. In the running game, Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard combined for 163 yards in 26 carries.
But the reason to be the most optimistic about the Cowboys going forward is the result of Zack Martin sliding to right tackle. The Vikings don't have the best defensive front in the NFL, but the move clearly worked for Dallas. Not only did Martin played well, but Connor McGovern and Joe Looney also shined. Mike McCarthy's staff shouldn't overthink this one and just keep Martin at RT.
Whoever wins the game tomorrow will take the NFC East lead at least until Monday Night. The Eagles will visit the Seahawks and if they lose – which seems likely as six-point underdogs – they'll lose the top seat. And considering their remaining schedule, it might stay that way.
Featured Image Via Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
