Cowboys land a season-altering W without playing a down of football before Panthers matchup

The Dallas Cowboys are still 2-2-1 but it feels much different today than it did at the beginning of the week. The reason why? Without playing a down of football in Week 6 just yet, their chances of winning the NFC East improved after the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football.

And though the betting markets might not reflect it just yet, there's no denying the division feels up for grabs. More than the record—which puts Philadelphia at the same number of losses than the Cowboys (granted, Dallas has yet to play a game this week)—it's the fact that the Eagles look lost right now. And it starts with offensive issues that might not be fixed in time.

Eagles' offensive struggles could keep NFC East door wide open

Wide receiver A.J. Brown said postgame the Eagles have yet to find their offensive identity. It shows. Each of the last three years, the Eagles ranked Top 10 in passing EPA/play. This year, however, that dominance is not there under new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. The Eagles entered Week 6 ranking 26th in passing EPA/play and didn't look any better on Thursday.

Defenses have frustrated Jalen Hurts using heavy doses of zone coverage. In the last three weeks, they've scored a combined 14 points in second halves. That's two touchdowns in six quarters football, including zero in New York last night.

Will those problems persist? Who knows. But what is true is they entered the season with the fourth most-difficult schedule in the NFL, per Sharp Football Analysis. Though they've overcome some serious tests already, they still have matchups versus the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and two matchups against the Washington Commanders. It won't be easy to walk away with the division title, even if they remain the favorites thanks to a strong 4-0 start.

The Cowboys have to focus on themselves for now, though

Even if us on the outside can notice what's happening to Philly, the Cowboys have to worry about themselves first. Despite standout offensive performances, Dallas has issues it needs to solve, primarily on the defensive side of the ball. Stacking multiple wins is the first step and the Cowboys have a chance to do it against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

A winning record leading up to the trade deadline could be what the front office needs to go shopping for a player or two that could turn around the worst-ranked defense in EPA/play in the league.

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