Cowboys Gaining Ground as Eagles’ Offensive Struggles Create NFC East Opening
Don’t look now, but the Dallas Cowboys are heating up at just the right time. Winners of three straight-including statement victories over both of last season’s Super Bowl participants-Dallas is surging into the NFC East conversation with real momentum. What once looked like a long shot is suddenly a very real possibility: the Cowboys are making a push for the division crown.
But let’s be clear-the path isn’t paved in silver and blue just yet. Dallas still needs to win out, and they’ll need some help along the way.
Specifically, they’ll need the Philadelphia Eagles to stumble down the stretch. And based on what we’ve seen from Philly’s offense lately, that’s not out of the question.
Eagles’ Offensive Identity Crisis
The Eagles entered the season with sky-high expectations, and on paper, they still boast one of the most talented rosters in the league. But talent hasn’t translated to production, especially on offense. The unit that once steamrolled its way to a Super Bowl appearance has looked disjointed, predictable, and at times, completely out of rhythm.
One of the biggest shifts? The departure of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who left for New Orleans. In his place, the Eagles promoted Kevin Patullo-a move that’s been under the microscope all season, and for good reason.
Philadelphia’s offense has taken a nosedive under Patullo’s watch, falling into the bottom third of the league in key categories. The explosiveness that once defined this team has been replaced by stalled drives, missed opportunities, and a visible lack of creativity in the play-calling.
Things hit a new low during their Black Friday matchup against the Chicago Bears, where the Eagles’ offense looked completely out of sync. It was a performance that had fans and analysts alike calling for change. But head coach Nick Sirianni isn’t budging.
“We’re not changing the play-caller,” Sirianni said after the loss. “I have confidence in the entire group.
I know it will keep coming back to Kevin. If I thought it was one thing, I’d make those changes.
Obviously, it’s a lot of different things. I don’t think it’s Kevin.”
That’s a bold stance, especially when the offense has gone from elite to inefficient in a matter of months. And while Sirianni is right that no single person is solely responsible for a team’s struggles, it’s hard to ignore the impact of poor play-calling when the scheme itself seems to be holding the offense back.
Door Cracking Open for Dallas
All of this spells opportunity for the Cowboys. With the Eagles refusing to make a key adjustment, Dallas has a chance to capitalize. The Cowboys are playing their best football of the season, and more importantly, they’re playing with confidence and cohesion on both sides of the ball.
Their recent wins have been more than just checkmarks in the standings-they’ve been tone-setters. The offense is clicking, the defense is flying around, and the team looks like it’s peaking at the right time. If the Eagles continue to sputter, the Cowboys are in prime position to pounce.
Make no mistake: the margin for error is razor-thin. Dallas likely needs to run the table and hope Philly drops a couple games to leapfrog them. But with the Eagles showing no signs of making the necessary changes, the window is open-however slightly-for a late-season steal of the NFC East crown.
In a division known for its unpredictability, this final stretch is shaping up to be a fascinating one. And if the Cowboys keep rolling while the Eagles stay stuck in neutral, we could be in for a dramatic December finish.