The NFC East has been wild for decades, with four Super Bowl champs and double-digit NFC title games. For twenty years, nobody could repeat as division champions. That insane streak finally got busted last season when the Eagles took the crown again, fresh off winning it in 2024. But don't expect a three-peat, because this season is looking totally different. The race is wide open, with the Cowboys definitely making a play to snatch that division title.
Philly's New Play-Caller Could Spell Trouble
Honestly, the Eagles' offense has me worried. And it all starts with coaching. They've got a new offensive coordinator for Jalen Hurts, and get this: it's Sean Mannion, a first-time play-caller. Mannion's only in his third year of coaching, after spending nearly a decade in the NFL as a backup QB. He's bringing the Shanahan offense to Philly, which is a massive change from their past schemes. We're talking more Hurts under center, and the run game switching to outside zone. Now, yeah, the Shanahan offense has pumped out MVP winners and Super Bowl champs, but that's with *experienced* guys running the show. How is an offense that might not even fit Hurts' strengths going to gel with a rookie play-caller? Not great, Bob. Plus, they lost A.J. Brown, and their offensive line is looking beat up and getting old. The vibe around that offense just doesn't feel right for this season.Cowboys Stacked Up For A Divisional Run
Meanwhile, don't sleep on the Cowboys. Their roster is way better than people give it credit for. Dak Prescott might be in that second tier of NFL quarterbacks, but he's gotta be near the top of it. When he's healthy, the dude is fantastic. In his first year under Brian Schottenheimer, he put up a whopping 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns. Dallas also boasts a killer receiving duo in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Add a good tight end, a solid running back, and an above-average offensive line, and their offense is elite. But the real game-changer? Their defense. Last season, after trading away Micah Parsons, their pass rush was practically non-existent. But they hit the offseason hard to fix it. They traded for Rashan Gary, then drafted Malachi Lawrence in the first round and LT Overton in the fourth. Those guys are joining Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, who the Cowboys picked up in that Parsons trade last season. To beef up the secondary, Dallas drafted Caleb Downs and snagged Cobie Durant and Jalen Thompson in free agency. And at linebacker, DeMarvion Overshown is healthy and starting this season after only playing five games last year. The defense was clearly better with him on the field. In short, the Cowboys have elite offensive firepower with a healthy Prescott, and a seriously upgraded defense ready to make some noise. So, while the Eagles are wrestling with a brand-new offensive philosophy and a first-time play-caller, the Cowboys are coming in hot with an improved D and a star-studded offense. It's going to be a battle in the NFC East, and if you ask me, Dallas is poised to take it all.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.