Late in the NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are happy in their respective positions. That is even with Dallas outside a playoff spot. The Washington Commanders' surprisingly great start is regressing to a more realistic result. The New York Giants ... well, they're the New York Giants.
When depth and young players develop, good things happen. When they don't your team probably isn't going to be competing well. That shined bright in Week 15 for the NFC East. Here's where the division stands this week.
4. New York Giants (Last week: 4th)
It's a miserable time in New York as the Giants' young studs aren't being set up for success. That is for this season and to develop for the future. Offensive playmakers Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy continue to be held back by the lack of team success.
With an injury to Tommy DeVito, fourth-string quarterback Tom Doyle stepped into the game. While he showed a willingness to push the ball downfield, it wasn't with much success. That was due to a combination of facing pressure and lacking a talented arm.
The injury bug has infected the Giants' defense, with ten players now on injured reserve. That includes defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence and Azeez Ojulari, and rookie safety Tyler Nuben. That played a critical role in the Baltimore Ravens putting up points with ease. The little bit of talent on that side was sidelined with injuries.
Three of Lamar Jackson's touchdown passes went for 20+ air yards and totaled a 23.7 passing EPA per Next Gen Stats. The Giants relied on blitzes to get pressure, which worked at times but was too costly against a talented dual-threat quarterback like Jackson. On the bright side, Brian Burns is proving he's worth the $141 million contract.
3. Dallas Cowboys (Last week: 3rd)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush may have played his best game of the season, powering the offense to 30 points, and finally pushing the ball downfield. While it was against one of the worst defenses in the NFL, three touchdown passes of 10+ air yards is impressive for a backup quarterback.
Wideout CeeDee Lamb and running back Rico Dowdle continue to elevate the floor for the team as reliable playmakers to make the offense competitive. Dowdle hit 100+ rushing yards for the third consecutive game, and Lamb is only 22 catches from the most in a player's first five seasons.
The defense has settled into the complicated Mike Zimmer scheme, wreaking havoc against the Carolina Panthers. Running back Chuba Hubbard was held to only 32 rushing yards, his lowest output in a game with at least ten carries this season. Outside of Jalen Coker's 83-yard score, the defense held the Panthers in check all game.
Once again, Dallas' defensive line led the way to success. Micah Parsons added another two sacks and tackles for a loss, and Chauncey Golston finally gets rewarded for his play with a sack and tackle for a loss. Rookie linebacker Marist Liufau stepped up in the absence of DeMarvion Overshown, who appreciated the respect displayed after Liufau forced a fumble.
2. Washington Commanders (Last week: 2nd)
When an explosive offense has a competent defense, a team can win against anyone. While the New Orleans Saints are not the biggest competitors, they're a team that has gamechangers, although they can be inconsistent. The Washington Commanders weathered the storm, and emerged victorious by one point.
It was a revenge game for Marshawn Lattimore in his first game with the Commanders, and the trio of Saints quarterbacks did not target him once. That's a huge boost for a defense that had allowed the eighth-most touchdowns through the air. His veteran presence will help youngsters Benjamin St-Juste and Mike Sainristil shoulder the load and help them develop.
Terry McLaurin is one of the most underrated receivers in the league. He is on the brink of his fifth consecutive season of 1,000+ receiving yards and is often an afterthought among top wideout discussions. The Ohio State product caught two touchdowns on Sunday, with both being tough catches to put the Commanders up by 14 points.
The offensive line played poorly, leading to quarterback Jayden Daniels scrambling more than he needed to and running back Brian Robinson to have immediate pressure in front of him when being handed the ball. If Washington is to compete in the playoffs, the offensive line must play better.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (Last week: 1st)
With a playoff spot already secured, the Philadelphia Eagles are not taking their foot off the gas. They stymied the Pittsburgh Steelers to tie their lowest points scored this season (13). That's while still controlling the game offensively and remaining healthy. It was a perfect game for them.
An unsung hero of the defense is interior defensive lineman, Milton Williams. According to Next Gen Stats, he has a 14.4 percent pressure rate, the most among all defensive tackles with 150+ rushes. He, alongside Jalen Carter and Josh Sweat, have been a problem. It's a shame the Eagles lost Bryce Huff, Brandon Graham, and Byron Young to injuries.
The offensive line continues to dominate, but it is worth monitoring the health of left guard, Landon Dickerson. While I wouldn't expect the line to completely collapse without him, it would leave a vulnerable hole for the opposition to target in the playoffs.
So long as quarterback Jalen Hurts takes care of the football, it is almost impossible for defenses to stop this offense, and the defense is too good to allow points in a shootout game. The Eagles are a top contender to win the Super Bowl.
The Cowboys' fight is encouraging, but it's too little too late for them to compete this season. That's especially with the season-ending injuries on both sides of the ball. The Giants are a wrap, the Eagles are cruising to the playoffs, and the Commanders are fighting to prove they aren't a quick burner team.
Week 16 look ahead
The Washington Commanders will get a potent opponent to test their legitimacy against in the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. The NFC East matchup won't change divisional standings, but both teams will want to win this game. Philly to help push for a bye in the Wild Card round, and Washington to lock up their playoff spot.
The Dallas Cowboys return home to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. It is a great test for a defense that has continually improved. The New York Giants look to snap their nine-game losing streak in Atlanta against the Falcons, another team that has disappointed in the NFC.