NFC East stock up, stock down: Deuce Vaughn plays big, Philly fans come up small

With the regular season on the horizon and two preseason games in the books, it’s time to see which players are trending up—and down—in the NFC East.

Stock up

Deuce Vaughn, Dallas Cowboys running back: Two games, two touchdowns for the Cowboys’ sixth-round pick. The first came against Jacksonville where Vaughn led the team in rushing with 50 yards on eight carries including a 26-yard run late in the third quarter.

Vaughn had the team’s only rushing touchdown against Seattle on Saturday, a beautiful 14-yard scamper on his first carry of the game. So far, the stage hasn’t been too big for the 5-foot-6, 176-pound rookie. He’s been electric in limited action and could challenge for a No. 2 role in the regular season. 

Darren Waller, New York Giants tight end: Waller paid immediate dividends in the team’s second preseason game. Playing with the first-team offense (minus Saquon Barkley), the former Raider opened the game with three straight catches for 30 yards.

Waller and quarterback Daniel Jones have established good chemistry throughout camp and Jones seems quite happy with his new tight end. “He's a big target. He runs good routes, creates separation—he's an easy guy to find,” Jones told reporters after the game.

Without a dynamic wide receiver on the roster, Waller’s stock should go even higher in a passing offense that averaged only 185.7 yards per game in 2022.

Sam Howell, Washington Commanders quarterback: Sorry, Jacoby Brissett. You may have more experience than last year’s fifth-round pick, but head coach Ron Rivera just named Howell the team’s starting quarterback.

Technically, Rivera tabbed Howell as the starter months ago, but not everyone believed him. Howell has just one NFL start under his belt, but claims to have “total command” of Eric Bieniemy’s offense.

Howell went 19-for-25 for 188 yards and two scores against the Ravens on Monday Night Football and seemed to have no problem running Washington's two-minute offense.

Stock down

Andrew Wylie, Washington Commanders right tackle: According to reports, Wylie has been struggling in practice. In the team’s first preseason game, the struggles were real.

Against the Browns, Wylie had a pair of holding penalties (one for a safety) and allowed two pressures. Things went better against the Ravens, but the former Chief will have to play much better if the Commanders hope to challenge the division.

Marcus Mariota, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback: Mariota has constantly missed wide-open receivers while averaging 5.2 yards per attempt in the preseason. Meanwhile, rookie QB Tanner McKee has been making all the throws.

After going 9-for-17 with three sacks and an interception against the Browns, Mariota acknowledged his poor performance. “I was sloppy,” Mariota said. “I can do a better job of getting our guys operating cleaner and more efficiently. But that is what preseason is for.”

He’s not wrong, but another bad game against the Colts on Thursday could spell trouble for Mariota. Half of Philadelphia wants McKee to be the team’s No.2 quarterback, the rest want Nick Foles. 

Philadelphia Eagles: Earlier this month, Phillies fans made national headlines with a standing ovation for their struggling shortstop, Trea Turner. But just when it looked like the city was about to shed its trash-talking, beer-chugging snowball-throwing reputation, Eagles fans dropped the ball during the preseason game against the Browns.

As Philadelphia wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland was being taken out on a stretcher with a neck injury in the third quarter, Eagles fans started doing the wave. After WPVI’s Jamie Apody posted the gaffe with the caption, “Not the time folks,” Eagles cornerback Darius Slay replied, “Facts, we gots to be better Eagles fans.” Yes, they do.