Dallas Cowboys: Winning the NFC East doesn't sound that crazy now
The Dallas Cowboys started the 2020 NFL season as one of the most exciting teams in the NFL. They were one of the favorites to win the NFC with a talented roster and a new head coach. But fast forward to October when as Dak Prescott was being carted off the field, it felt like […]
The Dallas Cowboys started the 2020 NFL season as one of the most exciting teams in the NFL. They were one of the favorites to win the NFC with a talented roster and a new head coach. But fast forward to October when as Dak Prescott was being carted off the field, it felt like the Cowboys' playoff hopes were being carted off as well. For more than a month, most Cowboys' fans were thinking more about the 2021 NFL Draft than the current season.
Yet, it's the Dallas Cowboys. And most importantly, it's the NFC East. Even with a 5-9 record, the Cowboys are still in the hunt. And honestly, it's a realistic hunt. In the words of George Costanza imitating Al Pacino… Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in.
As you probably know, the Cowboys need to win their last couple of games and they need the Washington Football Team to lose theirs.
Starting off with the Cowboys, their two remaining games are very much winnable. They'll face the Philadelphia Eagles at home before hitting the road to play the New York Giants. The Eagles are seemingly playing better since benching Carson Wentz and starting Jalen Hurts. On Monday morning, HC Doug Pederson unsurprisingly confirmed Hurts would start against the Cowboys.
And while it's true that Hurts will be a tough opponent for a Cowboys' defense that has struggled against dual-threat quarterbacks all season, it should be a close game. After all, Hurts isn't playing perfect football. As any other rookie, you can expect some flaws like the fact that he was sacked six times. As of this writing, the Eagles have opened as 1.5-point favorites against the Cowboys.
The Giants on the other hand are struggling with injuries to Daniel Jones and even if he's available in Week 17, one has to wonder about how productive he can be with an offense that ranks 28th in DVOA and 29th in yards per play (4.9).
But even if the Cowboys finish the season 4-0, they depend on Washington's results, which are tough to predict given we don't know who'll be playing quarterback for them. Last Sunday, Dwayne Haskins took over while Alex Smith was out with a leg injury.
Haskins didn't have a good game as he faced the 25th passing defense per DVOA and completed 38 passes in 55 attempts for 295 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Haskins was also sacked four times during the game. His numbers improved in the second half, but his performance was still concerning.
If Washington doesn't get Alex Smith back, I don't see how they beat the Carolina Panthers or the Philadelphia Eagles. Right now, Smith's status is in question for next week and we'll likely get a better idea of where he stands when the first injury reports come out on Wednesday.
Last week, asking the Cowboys to win out and Washington to lose out felt like a tall task. But two weeks out before the regular season ends? Not so much. Team Tank be darned, let's enjoy some football games!
Featured Image Via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
