NFC East X-factors: Familiar faces rule Week 12

If Smith can’t play, all eyes will be on Brown. Unfortunately, he hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 7. One way or another, he’ll need to find the endzone if Philadelphia hopes to avoid an upset against the Rams this week. 

Cooper Rush (QB) Dallas Cowboys

Rush will be the quarterback when the Cowboys face the Commanders at FedEx Field this week. Rush went 4-1 in relief of Dak Prescott, including a 25-10 victory over Washington in 2022. He wasn’t spectacular, but 956 yards and five touchdowns were enough to keep the Cowboys’ playoff hopes alive

He hasn’t been so lucky this year, losing to the Eagles and Texans in Weeks 10 and 11 as Prescott made his way to the IR. Rush threw for a career-high 354 yards against Houston last week but had only 54 yards against Philadelphia in Week 10. 

While many want to see what Trey Lance, the third-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, can do, Jones insists that Rush will remain the team’s starter, telling reporters, "Rush gives us the best chance to win the game." 

He played much better against the Texans, while Lance went 4-6 for 21 yards and had an interception in garbage time against Philadelphia. In other words, Rush will be the Cowboys quarterback moving forward, holding the keys to wins or losses.

Dan Quinn (HC) Washington Commanders

Quinn once held the keys to the Cowboys' defense. Before taking over the Commanders in 2024, Quinn spent three years as Dallas' defensive coordinator. He knows exactly what Rush can and cannot do and what it takes to stop a talented wide receiver like the Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb.

He also has Washington on a two-game losing streak after falling to the Steelers and Eagles. That can’t sit well with Quinn. With the NFC title still within reach, he’ll have the Commanders well-prepared against his old team.

Tommy DeVito (QB) New York Giants

Like Rush, DeVito served his team well in the past. He hasn’t thrown a pass all year but did lead New York to three straight victories last season. 

In six starts, DeVito completed 63.8% of his passes for 581 yards and seven touchdowns and played well enough to earn player of the week honors after going 17-21 for 158 yards and a score with 71 yards on the ground against Green Bay.

Fortunately for the Giants, he’s about to face a Buccaneers team that’s allowed the sixth-most points (26.6) and third-most passing yards (264.1) per game in 2024. If DeVito can find the magic he had briefly in 2023, the Giants can beat Tampa Bay at home this week.