NFC East Rivalry Heats Up: Eagles Soar, Cowboys Aim for Redemption
The 2024 NFL season witnessed the NFC East taking center stage in two of its final three games. The Philadelphia Eagles, led by a stellar defense, emerged victorious in the NFC Championship, before claiming the Super Bowl LIX title over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Washington Commanders, guided by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, narrowly missed out on a Super Bowl berth.
Amidst the Eagles’ triumph and the Commanders’ promising performance, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott expressed optimism about his team’s prospects in the upcoming season.
Eagles’ Dominance and Cowboys’ Resilience
"I feel like we’ve competed with the Eagles and beat them for the most part when we’ve played them," Prescott told reporters at an event for the upcoming Children’s Cancer Fund gala. "I don’t want to say, ‘Check the record,’ when the other guy is holding the trophy, right? So credit to them. They’ve earned it, and they deserve it by all means. But, yeah, [we’re] very close."
Despite Prescott’s optimism, the Cowboys struggled in the 2024 season, plagued by a rash of injuries that saw them drop from a 12-5 playoff contender to a 7-10 record.
"Especially even watching the NFC Championship and those two teams — teams that we battle against each and every year a couple of times," he added. "As I said, [I] feel confident that we’ve gotten the better part each and every time. But just seeing such a dominating fashion, credit to them. It’s our turn, and it’s on us."
Cowboys’ Outlook Under New Leadership
The Eagles routed the Cowboys in both of their matchups in 2024, with Prescott sidelined in both games due to an injury in Week 9. Dallas managed a narrow victory over Washington in Week 12 but suffered a defeat in their season finale against them.
The Cowboys will face a new era in the 2025 season under the leadership of new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. However, the team faces several question marks, including trade rumors surrounding star player Micah Parsons.
Bryant’s Concerns
Former Cowboys star Dez Bryant expressed his doubts about the team’s immediate prospects.
"I don’t expect the ‘Boys to be good for the next couple years. You need good role players, you need more star players, especially in today’s NFL. Teams are loaded. You can’t have just one receiver. You got teams with three ones, two ones. The Cowboys only got one one. And the rest might be threes. I don’t see us getting better."
"It’s not anything personal. It’s just the writing on the wall," he added.
Conclusion
The NFC East rivalry is set to continue in 2025, with the Philadelphia Eagles aiming to maintain their dominance while the Dallas Cowboys strive to regain their footing. The Commanders, with Jayden Daniels at the helm, will also look to make an impact. As these teams navigate a competitive landscape, it remains to be seen who will rise to the top in the upcoming season.
