The Dallas Cowboys head into the new season as the defending champions of the NFC East, proudly holding the title of the division’s best. Last season, they finished with a strong 12-5 record, narrowly edging out the Philadelphia Eagles by just one game to claim the NFC East crown. Their solid performance showed their consistency and determination to lead the division.
However, 2024 brings a fresh set of challenges for the Cowboys. The NFC East landscape is shifting, with new talent entering the division and some key players moving on. The competition is heating up, and each team in the division is hungry for a shot at the top spot. The Eagles, Giants, and Commanders all have their sights set on knocking the Cowboys off their perch. With the season’s second week now underway, fans and analysts are already buzzing about who looks like the strongest contender. Will the Cowboys hold onto their crown, or is another team ready to rise and claim the title of the NFC East’s best? The battle is on, and only time will tell.
Have A Look At Each Of The NFC East Teams
4. New York Giants
The New York Giants have found themselves in a challenging situation after publicly mishandling Saquon Barkley’s contract negotiations. Barkley’s departure has left a significant void, and the team seems to be in a worse position without him. Meanwhile, the Giants’ decision to extend their quarterback’s four-year contract at $160 million has not paid off as expected.
Instead of elevating his game, the quarterback has struggled immensely, throwing more touchdowns to opposing defenses than to his own receivers since signing the extension. This has led to mounting frustration among fans and criticism of the front office’s decisions. Once hopeful of a resurgence, the Giants now find themselves grappling with poor performances on the field and questionable management decisions off it, leading to a bleak outlook early in the season.
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3. Washington Commanders
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While not as chaotic as the Giants, the Washington Commanders also deal with their own set of issues. Despite a promising debut by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who showed flashes of potential, the team suffered a 37-20 loss to the NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Daniels’ performance stood out among the rookie quarterbacks, giving the Commanders reason for optimism as he develops into a potential star.
However, the defense, which was expected to be the team’s backbone, fell apart in Week 1. They were ineffective against both the run and the pass, allowing Tampa Bay to dictate the game’s pace. The offensive line also struggled, failing to protect Daniels and establish a consistent rhythm on offense. Going forward, the Commanders’ primary focus should be ensuring Daniels stays healthy throughout the season, as his growth is essential to their future success.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles began their season with a 34-29 win over the Green Bay Packers, but the victory exposed several weaknesses. Unlike the Cowboys, who secured a more dominant win, the Eagles had to rely heavily on their playmakers to overcome their struggles. The Packers were able to move the ball efficiently against the Eagles’ defense, exploiting gaps and weaknesses that need immediate attention.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts had a rough outing, turning the ball over four times—two interceptions and two fumbles, one of which was lost. Despite his struggles, the team’s offensive weapons came to the rescue, making crucial plays to secure the win. On a brighter note, Saquon Barkley, now with his new team, delivered an outstanding performance with three touchdowns, showing his value and impact right from the start. While the win is a positive start, the Eagles will need to tighten their defense and hope for more consistent play from Hurts if they aim to compete at a higher level this season.
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys delivered a commanding performance in their Week 1 game, defeating the Cleveland Browns 33-17. However, the final score does not fully capture just how dominant Dallas was throughout the matchup. The Cowboys excelled in all phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams. On defense, they put relentless pressure on Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, sacking him six times and forcing him into hurried throws.
Their aggressive pass rush and disciplined secondary play resulted in two crucial turnovers that swung momentum firmly in Dallas’s favor. On special teams, they capitalized with a punt return for a touchdown, adding another layer to their complete game. Offensively, the Cowboys moved the ball well but faced issues in the red zone, settling for four field goals instead of touchdowns. This efficiency will need improvement as the season progresses, but overall, the Cowboys showed a well-rounded team capable of competing at the highest level. Their ability to control the game in all areas suggests they are serious contenders moving forward.
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