3 biggest threats to the Cowboys NFC East hopes

#2 – Washington’s defense

The Washington Football Team took the division in 2020, albeit with a 7-9 record. While their record was sub-.500, this was due to minimal cause of their defense.

The defense of the WFT was in the top ten of nearly all major statistical categories and that was a large reason they stayed in games and did just enough to steal the division. They have talent, youth, and a coach in Ron Rivera that has a proven defensive track record.

The quarterback play of WFT is where they run into issues. This appears as though it may be another area of play holding them back. The team lists journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starter currently but I don’t think it would be too surprising to see near playoff-hero Taylor Heinecke leading the way at times.

I believe the Cowboys have a pretty sizable edge offensively over the WFT, but Washington will likely hang around in a lot of games with their defense. If things turn into a defensive struggle, the Cowboys may be in for a dogfight against a stingy defense.