NFC East Recap: Dallas Cowboys rivals go 1-2 during bye week
There was no Dallas Cowboys football on TV this weekend, but that doesn't mean America's Team had to walk away empty-handed. Depending on your level of optimism, you might've been rooting for the Cowboys' seeding in the conference. Although the Detroit Lions gave their best in Los Angeles versus the Rams, it wasn't enough to […]
There was no Dallas Cowboys football on TV this weekend, but that doesn't mean America's Team had to walk away empty-handed. Depending on your level of optimism, you might've been rooting for the Cowboys' seeding in the conference.
Although the Detroit Lions gave their best in Los Angeles versus the Rams, it wasn't enough to get the win as Sean McVay's team escaped from a potential upset and got the six-point win. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, and Green Bay Packers all led blowout wins versus inferior opponents.
But even though the Cowboys didn't enjoy any upsets that impacted their position in the NFC, they enjoyed a 1-2 slate for the NFC East.
The Cowboys are still 5-1 while every other team in the division sits at a 2-5 with one foot out the door. Per a study by NFL Operations, teams that start 2-5 have 11% odds of making the playoffs and a mere 5% to win the division.
Here's a quick recap as to what happened in the NFC during the Dallas Cowboys' bye week.
Washington @ GB Packers
I'm not sure that there's a human capable of stopping Davante Adams, who had six catches for 76 yards. But if that stat line doesn't impress you, I recommend watching his highlights vs the Football Team.
Here's the key stat of the game, though: Washington had two consecutive drives finish inside the Packers' three-yard line. They walked away from those with a grand total of zero points.
The Taylor Heinicke experience is really something. The guy connected with Terry McLaurin for a 40-yard touchdown in the first quarter. He had a fantastic 38-yard run in the second.
Then in the third quarter, he had a clear path toward the end zone and ran it in for a touchdown… except he didn't. No, Heinicke dove for the end zone. And was ruled short.
But no one touched him! Yet, the NFL rule book says what it says. When a ballcarrier "gives himself up," he's ruled down. Packers 24, WFT 10.
CAR Panthers @ NY Giants
This game's score literally read 3-2 at one point of the game. Sam Darnold was benched late in the game. Daniel Jones, Sam Darnold, and P.J. Walker combined for eight sacks. It was an ugly game.
Daniel Jones had himself an impressive catch in a trick play. This time, Giants fans actually enjoyed a big-time catch and a win on the same day.
All kidding aside, New York deserves credit for going into this game without its top four playmakers and still getting the win. Rookie Azeez Ojulari continues to do his thing as he had a big 2.5 sack day along with 4 QB hits and 3 tackles for loss.
Biggest winner? The sportsbooks. Per BetMGM, 80% of the money was on the Panthers. The Giants were the sole winner of the NFC East this week! Giants 25, Panthers 3.
PHI Eagles @ LV Raiders
The Eagles were competitive during the first few minutes of the game and even led the game 7-0 at one point. The Raiders went on to score 30 unanswered points as Derek Carr was on point versus the Eagles' secondary.
With each team's starting running back exiting the game injured, it was all about the QB on this one. Halfway through the fourth quarter, Carr was 31 for 34 for 323 yards and one touchdown. At the same time, Jalen Hurts had only completed eight out of 16 attempts.
The Eagles showed signs of life late in the game, but it was too late as the Raiders cruised to their second win of the post-Gruden era. Raiders 33, Eagles 22.
Bonus note: Dalton Schultz wanted to enjoy National Tight End Day on the football field this Sunday, but he'll have to wait another week. So far, he's become one of the most consistent pass catchers in the league.
Featured image via Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
