NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Redskins

Cowboys

The Cowboys’ struggles in recent weeks have also coincided with a drop in production from their defense. Sacks and turnovers have been hard to come by. Dallas has just one interception in its past five games and only five on the season. Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence took some of the responsibility on himself and said it’s up to him to step his game up, lead the defense and help push Dallas into the playoffs. 

“I’m testifying,” Lawrence said via David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. “I’ll take ownership of those last couple of games. I haven’t been playing like myself. I haven’t been taking the leadership role I should be taking. It’s time for me to step up.”

• According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, Cowboys S Jeff Heath says he could have shoulder surgery after the season to repair a torn labrum.
• Cowboys owner Jerry Jones pushed back on a report that the team has met with former Ohio State HC Urban Meyer regarding a potential head coaching vacancy in Dallas: “That is not correct. We have not met with any coach.” (Jon Machota)
• Jones clarified, however, that doesn’t mean the team wouldn’t be interested in Meyer as a head coach if current HC Jason Garrett isn’t retained: “I don’t want to imply that we wouldn’t… [or that] the implication is you’re not interested. That shouldn’t be a thought that followed either.” (Jori Epstein)

Eagles

The Eagles went into Monday night’s game with only three healthy wide receivers active. By the end of the fourth quarter, they were down to one. Fortunately, Philadelphia didn’t have to enact the emergency option, which would have entailed sending out QB Josh McCown to fill in at wide receiver for the second time in his career. McCown’s fill-in duty at wide receiver for the Lions last decade went viral earlier this season. 

“We were ready to roll,” McCown said via NBC Sports’ John Clark. “Shoot, I’d get in there and go. Obviously, as a quarterback, you know the offense. I guess it was like 12 years ago in Foxborough I had to go in and do it.”

• Per ESPN’s Tim McManus, finding help at wide receiver will be crucial for the Eagles in the draft this year. 
• Eagles HC Doug Pederson called Jeffery’s injury “significant.” (Jeff McLane)
• Pederson added Eagles OT Lane Johnson is week-to-week with his ankle injury. 
• Eagles OL Halapoulivaati Vaitai would start in place of Johnson as long as he’s out. (Jimmy Kempski)

Giants

• ESPN’s Jordan Raanan writes that Ohio State DE Chase Young would be a strong target for the Giants if their first-round pick ends up being as high as it’s currently projected. 
• According to NorthJersey.com’s Art Stapleton, Giants G Kevin Zeitler left the stadium Monday night with his right foot in a walking boot and on crutches. Stapleton would be surprised if Zeitler played again this season. 
• Despite the loss to the Eagles stretching New York’s losing streak this season to nine games, Giants HC Pat Shurmur said he expects to coach the rest of the season: “Yeah, I do. But I just have to wait and see.” (Giants.com)
• Shurmur said a report that Giants first-round rookie QB Daniel Jones is out for 2-4 weeks because of his high ankle sprain is false and New York is waiting to see him in practice this week before making a decision on the starter for Sunday against the Dolphins. (Pat Leonard)
• Shurmur confirmed Jones would start over QB Eli Manning if healthy and giving Manning one final home start hasn’t been discussed. (Leonard)
• He added the reason Giants DL Leonard Williams didn’t play at the end of the game was because of how the rotation played out on the defensive line. 
• The Giants are mentioned as a possible destination for Patriots executive Nick Caserio. (Ben Volin)

Redskins

• According to Pro Football Network’s Benjamin Allbright, Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy is the early frontrunner for the Redskins head coaching vacancy. 
• Allbright says Bieniemy is viewed as someone who can help maximize first-round rookie QB Dwayne Haskins. 
• He adds the Redskins would have an interest in Stanford HC David Shaw if he’s open to leaving Stanford. 
• NBC Sports’ JP Finlay points out that Redskins QB Alex Smith has a lot of familiarity with Bieniemy from their time together in Kansas City. 
• ESPN’s John Keim writes that the Redskins draft needs include offensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver and tight end. 
• Redskins placed RB Derrius Guice on injured reserve. (NFLTR)
• Redskins placed CB Simeon Thomas on the suspended list.
• Redskins activated CB Danny Johnson from the physically unable to perform list.
• Redskins promoted RB Josh Ferguson to their active roster.
• Redskins signed RB Derrick Gore and LB Peter Robertson to their practice squad.