After their bizarre 40-40 tie, how do the Dallas Cowboys stack up in their division? The top of the NFC East held serve in Week 4, with the Philadelphia Eagles holding on against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Beyond that though, it was a very adventurous week for the division, even though none of the other teams actually changed their standing.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (4-0)
While it’s widely known that the Bucs are never boring with Baker Mayfield at the helm, it seemed like that might change in the first half. The Eagles raced out to a 24-3 lead, flustering the Tampa Bay offense and slicing up their defense with the precision that make a Buccaneer of lore and his cutlass blush.
But, in true Bucs fashion, they roared back with a chance to tie it down 31-23 before an ill-advised Mayfield throw was picked off in the end zone. And with that, the Eagles are the only 4-0 team left in the NFC.
While it’s hard to argue with that record, it is somewhat concerning that Saquon Barkley was stifled yet again, recording only 43 yards on 19 carries, with 10 of those yards coming on one play. Between that and another slow day from AJ Brown (two catches for seven yards), there’s still plenty to work on for this team.
2. Washington Commanders (2-2)
Without Jayden Daniels for a second week in a row, there were questions about what Marcus Mariota would do in his second straight start for the Washington Commanders. He answered those questions well enough, completing 16-of-27 passes for 156 yards, two touchdowns, a pick, and recording 20 yards on the ground.
The issues came from the defense, as they let Atlanta Falcons' Bijan Robinson record 181 yards and two touchdowns from scrimmage. More concerning, they let Michal Penix Jr. reach 313 yards for two touchdowns and a pick while completing 77% of his passes, all after Penix was benched late last week against the Carolina Panthers.
Washington should feel confident in their playoff chances with Daniels expected back soon. But their postseason longevity might be shorter than anticipated if the defense can’t get it together.
3. Dallas Cowboys (1-2-1)
Playing in the Game of the Week for the league, the Cowboys started off slowly, quickly getting down 13-0. But a blocked and returned extra point got them on the board, and insanity ensued.
While Jordan Love and friends continued to make the Dallas defense look silly, that side of the ball did just enough in forcing a fumble right before the half. And, with a huge assist from the Packers poor clock management, they held Green Bay to a field goal in the extra period.
On the other side of the ball, Dak Prescott showed that he can be one of the elites when he’s on, and George Pickens proved why the Cowboys were so eager to add him this offseason. The offense won’t be an issue for Dallas this season.
With that in mind, the Cowboys’ ceiling is still limited by their porous defense. But, at the very least, they won’t be boring with Prescott at the helm.
4. New York Giants (1-3)
The New York Giants are on the board! After acquiescing to the calls from fans and media to install Jaxson Dart at quarterback, the rookie flashed the traits that made the Giants excited enough to trade up for him in the draft.
While his line of 13-of-20 passes for 111 yards, a touchdown, and five sacks aren’t eye popping, his 54 yards and score on the ground are what make him an intriguing prospect. Perhaps most importantly, he largely protected the ball, with the offense recovering his one fumble.
Of course, it wasn’t all good news as Malik Nabers tore his ACL early in the game and is now sadly lost for the season. At some point, a real discussion needs to be had in league circles about getting rid of turf.
Still, New York and their fans have plenty to be excited about. And, while they may not contend for a playoff spot this year, Dart gives them the most hope they’ve had since at least 2022.
Big Picture
Philadelphia is the clear-cut best team in the division and, while their limitations may cap their potential in the postseason, it’s hard to see another team making a run at the division title. The Commanders are talented enough to make a run of their own if their defense can get healthy. Dallas will be able to score at a high level all year, but will be held back by their own defense. The Giants are exciting for the first time in a while, but too young on offense to make any real noise.
This division is going to be fun and, while the Eagles should feel confident in their abilities to win it, none of the other teams are going to be easy wins as they look to do so.