Washington Rivals: NFC East News and Rumors

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February 22, 2022

by David Earl

Keeping Tabs on NFC East

In my new reoccurring piece looking within the NFC East I will be checking in on our rivals from time to time. Trade rumors, free agency keys, possible turmoil or scandals coming to light and much more will be discussed in these articles. Here is a sample of what’s to come; I promise more in depth and comprehensive coverage throughout the offseason, especially through free agency and up to the draft.

New York Giants

Deshaun Watson in Big Blue: Watson to DC: I’ve discussed why it would be a Terribly Tone Deaf move but him going to the Giants would be a concern for everyone. While their defense is not an elite unit, they certainly suffered from a terrible offense and a quarterback who has not progressed. The Giants ranked near the bottom in all offensive categories last year, and Watson’s arm talent and mobility would completely flip that script. Just compare Watson’s career to their 2021 season offensively:

  • Giants completion percentage of 62% vs Watson’s 68%
  • Giants 6.5 yards per attempt vs Watson’s 8.9
  • Giants 9.1% interception percentage vs Watson’s 2.1%
  • Giants 78 quarterback rating vs Watson’s 112 rating

Deshaun Watson in Big Blue (cont): As you see Watson would give an upgrade to New York that makes them unquestionably better and with more pieces added to their offensive line they become a legitimate playoff team. The ripple effect Watson would create is a far more effective Saquon Barkley who would enter the 2022 season fully healthy. Of course, this would all be contingent on Watson’s availability from his legal issues.

Dallas Cowboys

Cheerleader Scandal: So where have we seen this issue being brought to light in recent memory? Well looks like mistreatment of women in the workplace is not exclusive to Washington, although I think we all knew that already.  The issue now though, as the league would not allow Dan Snyder to do a self-investigation and, with the new charges against Dan himself, is whether the league is now going to start a full investigation. Will they now address Dallas and investigate an owner in Jerry Jones, when “his vision of what the NFL could achieve was ahead of its time, with television contracts, marketing, branding, memorabilia, franchise values, the NFL Network, harmonious relations with agents and the use of the internet,” according to Forbes. This could be the next of many dominoes that may fall within the ownership group.

Ezekiel Elliot and Amari Cooper Out?: Elliot and Cooper cost $18.2 million and $22 million respectively against the cap. Have we seen the last of them wearing the star? With the Cowboys nearly $22 million over the cap and with breakout players like Dalton Schultz, their free agent needs, including their needs in the secondary, they certainly have some decisions to make. Those decisions could come at the expense of a deep offense with players like Tony Pollard and Cedrick Wilson in the wings.

Philadelphia Eagles

Big Swing for QB: While Nick Sirianni has expressed confidence in Jalen Hurts, recent rumblings may contradict that idea (welcome to the offseason). Whether the Eagles have faith in their quarterback or not, it would be negligence on their part to not inquire about one of these high-profile vets. One name that has come up is Russell Wilson, which would be crushing to many fans wanting Wilson here in Washington. Wilson does have control of where he goes due to his no-trade clause but the pieces the Eagles have in DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Miles Sanders he could be enticed. The Eagles getting one of these big-name quarterbacks will certainly be a problem for the division so it’s worth watching.

Three First Round Picks: This draft is vital for a team with needs at linebacker, edge rusher, and cornerback positions but the recent misses in the draft by Howie Roseman show unconfident this fan base should be entering the draft. This draft could rebuild this team back into a perennial contender or get Howie fired so this will be interesting to see how it unfolds.

NFC East Critical Offseason

I only glossed over a few topics here it’s clear to see how a single move or two has Dallas looking over their shoulder. With the Giants adding a quarterback, Howie Roseman drafting competently, and Washington also adding a long-overdue franchise centerpiece at quarterback this division could quickly become a competitive race to second place. Yeah, the Cowboys are that good and the fact that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will be back with a healthy front seven to work with all year, anchored by a star in Micah Parsons. While I do understand Dallas struggled against playoff-caliber teams, they have a significant amount talent on both sides of the ball. Seeing that Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson will most likely not be traded, especially in the same conference, both Washington and Philadelphia will remain to be questionable at the quarterback position. I do give the Giants a slightly higher chance to land a Watson deal if his legal issues are ironed out, but it’s still likely Daniel Jones is the week 1 starter. I’ll continue to track and monitor what our rivals do this off-season and where Washington stands in comparison as big rumors continue to loom know most are just speculation at best.