NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Redskins

Cowboys

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott notched his third game of more than 400 yards passing in a win over Detroit on Sunday, exemplifying how big of a step forward Prescott has taken in 2019. Prescott is averaging 8.8 yards per attempt and has thrown 21 touchdowns to nine interceptions so far this season, putting him squarely in the MVP discussion and solidifying his case for a monster contract extension after the season. 

“Dak is playing the best football I have ever seen him play,” Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott said via the Athletic’s Jon Machota. “He definitely took his game to the next level, just the things he has been able to do. Come up to the line, change the plays, getting us in the right plays versus certain looks. Something is clicking there, and he’s throwing the shit out of the ball. We got a bunch of weapons on the outside he can throw it to, and it’s hard for defenses to stop him, so keep that thing rolling.”

• Michael Gehlken reports that the belief regarding Cowboys RT La’el Collins is that he will be able to play against the Patriots this weekend, despite the left knee injury he suffered. 

Eagles

• Per NJ.com’s Mike Kaye, Eagles HC Doug Pederson said OT Lane Johnson is in the concussion protocol. 
• 94WIP’s Eliot Shorr-Parks writes that overhauling the wide receiver position needs to be a priority for the Eagles this offseason, even if it involves trading Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson.
• While finding a buyer, even for a late-round pick, might be tricky, the Eagles would free up $9.9 million in cap space by trading Jeffery and $6.6 million by trading Jackson. Cutting either is cap-prohibitive. 
• New Eagles’ RB Jay Ajayi‘s one-year deal includes a right of first refusal for Philadelphia to match any deal Ajayi might receive on the open market this offseason. (Ian Rapoport)

Redskins

The No. 1 goal for the Redskins the rest of the season is developing first-round rookie QB Dwayne Haskins for the future. The No. 1 goal for Haskins is proving he belongs in the league, which means winning over the veterans on the team with both his play and his leadership. While Sunday’s 34-17 loss to the previously-struggling Jets presented a lot of rocky moments, it also provided some chances for Haskins to try to steady the ship. 

“It’s tough. You have guys who have been in the league a long time. As a young dude with a new voice, you have to earn their trust,” Haskins said via NBC Sports’ JP Finlay. “You have to earn that ability to ask for what you see out there. As the game went on telling them what I want and what I think would help us make plays. They started listening to me. I have to keep earning that.”

• ESPN’s Rich Cimini notes Sunday’s 34-17 win over the Redskins could have been an audition of sorts for Jets DC Gregg Williams, who’s thought highly of by people in Washington’s front office as a head coaching candidate. 
• Redskins DT Da’Ron Payne was in a walking boot after spraining his ankle during Sunday’s game. (Finlay)