NFC East Notebook: Eagles rally, Cowboys defense tested, Commanders navigating injuries & transitions

Elsewhere in the NFC East: momentum, uncertainty, and what’s next

The New York Giants have plenty to track within their own camp, but the rest of the division is generating storylines too. Here’s what’s shaping up around the NFC East heading into the next slate of matchups:

Philadelphia Eagles

Bounce-back win sets the tone heading into Tampa
After clawing back from a 19-point hole vs. the Rams, the Eagles have reasserted their identity as a resilient, explosive offense. With Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley leading the charge, Philly now travels to face Tampa Bay a test against another well-rounded team. The Eagles must maintain defensive discipline and consistency on the road if they’re going to stay atop the division.

What to watch ahead:

• How the Eagles handle Tampa Bay’s physical rushing attack
• Which cornerback emerges opposite Quinyon Mitchell as the season unfolds
• Whether the offensive balance (run-pass ratio) stays efficient in harsher road environments

— See Bleeding Green Nation for more Eagles coverage

Dallas Cowboys

Defensive vulnerabilities exposed — can offense carry weight?
Dallas’ 31–14 loss to Chicago put a spotlight on their defensive fragilities. Without Micah Parsons commanding attention, the Cowboys’ pass rush and run defense are under greater scrutiny. Fortunately, the offense led by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and company still possesses the firepower necessary to stay in shootouts. But to stay competitive, Dallas must tighten up against the run and limit big plays.

What to watch ahead:

• Whether Dallas’ pass rush can get back to pressuring QBs without Parsons
• How well the secondary adjusts to cover explosive receivers
• Is Lamb’s injury something that can effect him long term?

— See Blogging The Boys for more Cowboys coverage

Washington Commanders

Injury cloud, quarterback questions, and a return home in motion
Washington enters Week 4 with significant uncertainty. Star QB Jayden Daniels is working his way back from a knee injury and is practicing in a limited role. Meanwhile, veteran receiver Terry McLaurin is dealing with a quadriceps issue and his availability is in question. In Week 3, backup Marcus Mariota stepped in and helped the team to a convincing 41–24 win over the Raiders.

Beyond the field, the franchise just secured final approval from the D.C. City Council to build a new $3.7 billion stadium at the former RFK Stadium site. The project is expected to bring the team back to Washington proper by around 2030.

What to watch ahead:

• Decision on who starts at quarterback — Daniels or Mariota
• Whether McLaurin can return or Washington leans more on depth pieces at receiver
• How the offensive line and run game hold up under added pressure
• The gradual transition to a new stadium and the optics of being “back home” in D.C.

— See Hogs Haven for more Commanders coverage