Commanders, Cowboys, and Giants: Key Takeaways from Around the NFC
Commanders: Burks Makes a Statement, Daniels Still Under Evaluation
Washington’s practice field saw one of the week’s most electric moments when Marcus Mariota connected with wide receiver Treylon Burks on a highlight-reel touchdown. The grab?
A one-handed snag in the end zone that immediately drew comparisons to Odell Beckham Jr.’s iconic catch. But Burks isn’t letting the moment go to his head.
“To me, it was just making a play for the team, honestly,” Burks said. “I’m not the type that will sit there and scroll on the internet. I kind of stay away from that.”
That’s a veteran-minded response from a young player who’s clearly focused on the bigger picture. The catch may go viral, but for Burks, it’s about stacking good plays, not headlines.
Meanwhile, the Commanders are still in wait-and-see mode with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Head coach Dan Quinn noted that Daniels was “ripping” throws in practice - a good sign - but he hasn’t been cleared for contact just yet.
Quinn emphasized that they’re looking for “functional contact” reps - things like stiff arms and movement through traffic - to gauge his readiness for game action. That evaluation will continue through Friday.
In the meantime, the team has made a notable coaching adjustment: David Blough will serve as the quarterbacks coach for the rest of the season. It’s a unique move, considering Blough was still in uniform not long ago, but it reflects the Commanders’ desire to bring in a voice with fresh perspective and recent playing experience.
Cowboys: Pickens Impresses, Jones Confident in Defensive Line Core
Over in Dallas, the front office continues to send strong signals about their long-term vision - and wide receiver George Pickens is very much a part of it. Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones didn’t mince words when asked about the team’s desire to keep Pickens in the fold.
“Anyone watching him play knows what Jerry and I want - it’s to get him signed,” Jones said. “Obviously, we have work to do there, but certainly George has just been an amazing pick-up for us, and he’s doing everything the right way.”
Pickens has brought an edge to the Cowboys' offense, and it’s clear the organization sees him as a foundational piece moving forward. The fact that both Stephen and Jerry Jones are publicly backing him speaks volumes about how much they value what he brings to the table - not just in production, but in approach.
On the defensive side, Jerry Jones addressed the elephant in the room: the potential financial squeeze of keeping all three standout defensive tackles - Quinnen Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, and Kenny Clark. His response? Classic Jerry.
“That’s not right. We can,” Jones said. “We can build from that.”
That’s a bold stance, especially in today’s cap-conscious NFL. But if anyone’s going to find a way to make the math work, it’s the Cowboys - and keeping that interior trio intact would give Dallas one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the league for years to come.
Giants: Dart Returns with Fire, Not Changing His Game
Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart was back under center after missing two games with a concussion, and he didn’t exactly ease into things. Dart took a few big hits - including one along the sideline where he didn’t get out of bounds - but he made it clear he’s not changing the way he plays.
“Look, like, I understand the question, but this is football,” Dart said. “Like, I’m going to get hit if I’m in the pocket or outside the pocket. I feel like I played this way my whole entire life.”
Dart isn’t shying away from the physical side of the game. In fact, he’s leaning into it.
He explained that the concussion he suffered came on a fluke play - not because of the hit itself, but because he lost control of the ball and couldn’t brace for the fall. Now that he’s back, he’s not planning to dial things down.
“My body feels good,” he said. “I’m going to play aggressive.
I feel like if I just turn into a complete pocket passer, that’s just not how I want to play the game. I feel like there’s an advantage to me using my legs.”
That’s the kind of edge and confidence you want to see in a young quarterback. Dart knows who he is as a player, and he’s not interested in becoming a checkdown artist. The Giants will have to live with the occasional big hit - but if Dart can stay healthy, his dual-threat ability gives this offense a dynamic it’s been missing.
Bottom Line
Across the NFC, we’re seeing young players step into the spotlight - and they’re not just making plays, they’re making statements. Treylon Burks is letting his hands do the talking.
Jaxson Dart is refusing to be boxed in. And George Pickens is proving he’s more than just a highlight reel - he’s a cornerstone.
As we head deeper into December, these storylines are only going to get more compelling.