NFC East: Dallas Cowboys Benefited from New York Giants' Win
Although the Dallas Cowboys didn't play a game themselves in Week 10, fans still had a reason to be in front of the TV for the noon games. The NFC East featured a key matchup between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles that meant a lot to the Cowboys. The Giants ended up […]
Although the Dallas Cowboys didn't play a game themselves in Week 10, fans still had a reason to be in front of the TV for the noon games. The NFC East featured a key matchup between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles that meant a lot to the Cowboys. The Giants ended up beating the Eagles 27-17 and improved to second place in the division.
But how should Cowboys' fans feel about the result?
Honestly, it feels like a win regardless of what you wish for the rest of the Cowboys' season. With the Eagles being the favorite to win the NFC East, a loss keeps Dallas' hopes alive, even if they're thin. After all, the Cowboys have only one win less than the Eagles, who still lead the division even after a tough loss in New York.
On the other hand, if your sights are already set on the 2021 NFL Draft and the quest for a Top 5 Draft pick, a Giants win also benefits the Cowboys. As of this writing, the New York Giants are seventh in Tankathon's projected NFL Draft order while the Cowboys are third.
It's crazy to think the NFC East is well within reach for the 2-6 Dallas Cowboys, but that's exactly the case in 2020. And only one week removed from the team's surprising performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it feels like just might have a chance. That may not be a statement about the Cowboys as much as it is about the rest of the division, though.
The Eagles were supposed to run away with the division after Dak Prescott's season-ending injury. But they continue to struggle with Carson Wentz under center. Sure, his entire offense is banged up and he's constantly "trying to do too much" to make up for it, but it's also due to poor play from Wentz himself.
After a loss to the Giants, who were considered by many the worst team in the division prior to the 2020 season, how can you rule out the possibility of them not winning the division? And how can you trust Washington? Or the Giants? None of these teams are close to being over .500 as they all rank in the NFL's bottom 10 in DVOA.
If the Cowboys remain as competitive as they were against the Steelers – I know, easier said than done – they will be in the hunt for a playoff spot. While the Cowboys' schedule still features tough rivals like the Baltimore Ravens and the Minnesota Vikings, it isn't the toughest of schedules. They still have one game left against each division rival, giving them the chance to shock the world.
Andy Dalton is set to return under center next weekend and he'll get another chance to play like the veteran with tons of starting experience we talked about back in May when he was signed. If he leads the offense, who knows what can happen. Hope springs eternal when your division does not have a winning team.
