NFC Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Washington

Cowboys

Cowboys K Greg Zuerlein used to be one of the best kickers in the NFL and for the most part he’s gotten closer to that level of play in 2020. Tuesday night against the Ravens was rough, though, as Zuerlein missed three field goal attempts. The wind was definitely a factor, as the usually-automatic Justin Tucker also missed for Baltimore, but Zuerlein wasn’t allowing any excuses afterward. 

“I wouldn’t say it was anything, at all,” Zuerlein said via David Helman of the team’s website. “I think the conditions were fine, even if there was wind. I’m good enough to make the kicks, I just didn’t do it.”

Eagles

• NJ.com’s Mike Kaye says the ideal scenario for the Eagles the final four weeks is that second-round QB Jalen Hurts looks like a viable starter. That would make their decision at the position easier going into 2021 and help save HC Doug Pederson and GM Howie Roseman‘s jobs.
• If Hurts bombs, that’s likely the end for both Pederson and Roseman, as it would be a severe indictment of Pederson’s coaching and development ability as well as Roseman’s drafting. 
• Kaye writes if Hurts is about the same as QB Carson Wentz has been, then there’s a better chance the Eagles reboot and try to salvage their former No. 2 overall pick. 
• 94 WIP’s Eliot Shorr-Parks believes if the Eagles were to look to trade Wentz, some team would talk themselves into giving up a first-round pick. He lists the Colts, Patriots, Broncos and 49ers as teams with the need and potential salary to absorb Wentz’s contract. 
• The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia writes that Wentz is tradable for teams that view him as a salvageable starter. If the Eagles don’t think they can fix him, then moving on makes sense to clear cap space and start over, especially because Wentz will have $15 million of his 2022 salary guaranteed on the third day of the 2021 league year. 
• Kapadia thinks teams can definitely talk themselves into Wentz. As for compensation, though, Kapadia doesn’t see teams offering more than a second or third-round pick, perhaps with some conditions attached based on Wentz’s performance. 
• Kapadia adds there’s a case for the Eagles to keep Wentz, and if they do it likely means there’s a coaching change coming, as Philadelphia can’t justify running it back with the trio of Wentz, Pederson and Roseman. 
• Pederson defended Wentz’s future in the NFL in comments Wednesday: “I think Carson Wentz can be exceptional QB in this league. He’s proven that. …We’ve got to continue to battle, fight and work. …Just get back to being Carson Wentz, back on track. That’s my focus with him.” (Zach Berman)
• Pederson added he doesn’t have a “crystal ball” and doesn’t know how many more games Hurts will end up starting. (Shorr-Parks)
• The Eagles might not be done making changes to the starting lineup, with WR Alshon Jeffery and OL Jason Peters other potential targets: “It could be another change. It’s always a possibility.” (Berman)

Giants

With the Browns and Giants set to play, it’s time to revisit the blockbuster deal that sent star WR Odell Beckham from New York to Cleveland even though Beckham is rehabbing a torn ACL and won’t play. Though Beckham hasn’t played for the Giants since 2018, it sounds like he still has some positive feelings for the team that drafted him. 

Washington

• According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Washington third-round RB Antonio Gibson is doubtful to play in Week 14 against the 49ers because of a turf toe injury picked up Monday against the Steelers.