NFC East X factors for Week 16: Sack that quarterback

It’s crunch time in the NFC East, with only the New York Giants mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. These people hold the keys to victory in Week 16.

Cooper Rush (QB), Dallas Cowboys

Backup quarterbacks aren’t expected to win games so much as they’re asked not to lose them. That’s essentially what Rush has done in three of his past four games. In wins against the Giants, Commanders and Panthers, Rush completed 65 percent of his passes while throwing six touchdowns but also had four fumbles.

Rush has nine fumbles since taking over for Dak Prescott in Week 9, something that needs to be addressed before this week’s game against Tampa Bay. Only three teams have forced more fumbles this year than the Buccaneers (11), who surely can’t wait to face Rush.

Shane Bowen (DC), New York Giants

This may be Bowen’s first year with New York, but he’s been working with NFL defenses since 2016, including three years as a defensive coordinator with Tennessee. He knows what to do against a rookie quarterback, and that’s what the Giants will face this week.

After watching Kirk Cousins throw nine interceptions and one touchdown over his last five games, the Falcons named rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback for the rest of the season.

Penix was the eighth overall pick in this year’s draft and led the FBS with 555 attempts and 4,903 yards in 2023, but so far, he’s thrown just five passes in the NFL.

The Giants defense is rated 21st overall, but the secondary ranks seventh with 200.4 yards allowed per game. Expect Bowen to send pressure and give Penix multiple looks in his first NFL start.

Nolan Smith Jr. (LB) and Josh Sweat (LB), Philadelphia Eagles

This week, the Eagles travel to Landover, Md., to face a Commanders team that came within a failed two-point conversion of losing to the hapless Saints last week. 

Washington has been dealing with multiple injuries in recent weeks but still had no business winning the game after its offensive line gave up eight sacks on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Meanwhile, Eagles linebackers Nolan Smith Jr. and Josh Sweat have been making life uncomfortable for opposing quarterbacks lately. Sweat leads the team with eight sacks this season, followed by Smith, who has 5.5 after a disappointing rookie season with just one sack.