The Eagles have no incentive to beat the Washington Football Team this Sunday, which is really bad news for the Cowboys who need a Philadelphia win to make the playoffs.
The Eagles hold the playoff hopes of the Cowboys in their hands, which is the worst possible news for Dallas.
In order to make the playoffs this year, the Cowboys must beat the Giants on the road. Then they need the Washington Football Team to lose to Philadelphia.
The likelihood of that second piece falling into place looks pretty slim considering the number of key Eagles who won’t be playing on Sunday.
For all intents and purposes, the Eagles are tanking to mess with the Cowboys
At least nine players have been ruled out for Philadelphia’s season finale. Those include defensive end Derek Barnett and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox up front and linebackers Shaun Bradley and Duke Riley. Cornerback Michael Jacquet is questionable.
#WASvsPHI Status Report pic.twitter.com/XDSPuOUJGe
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 1, 2021
The offense isn’t faring much better on the injury front. Wide receivers DeSean Jackson, running back Miles Sanders and tight ends Dallas Goedert and Richard Rodgers won’t be suiting up. Left tackle Jordan Mailata remains out under concussion protocol. Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery didn’t practice this week while Quez Watkins is dealing with a rib problem.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts hasn’t been given much support to begin with. He’s going to have a tough time leading the offense this last time.
Then again, the WFT is 6-9 and coming off back-to-back losses. Their quarterback situation is also a mess with Alex Smith likely to play but still coming back from injury.
Washington is looking to complete the season sweep on the Eagles who they beat in Week 1 27-17.
There isn’t much room for Cowboys fans to put faith in their bitter rival. The bad blood may only get worse as the dust clears in the NFC East.
Dallas won’t be able to spend much time complaining about the Eagles if they don’t take care of business. They’re 6-9 but on a three-game winning streak. They squeaked by the Giants earlier this season 37-34.