NFC Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Washington

Cowboys

Cowboys’ QB Garrett Gilbert still has the goal of winning the backup quarterback job in Dallas going into the season.

“I just worry about what I can control,” Gilbert said, via Jon Machota of TheAthletic.com. “I’ve been around long enough now. I think when I’ve worried about that stuff in the past when I was younger, I think it got in the way of what I’m trying to do. So when I come here every day, it’s to accomplish two things: to get better every day in some form or fashion, and then to be the best quarterback I can be for this team. Obviously, yes that is my goal, to win the No. 2 job here. But again, I think the best way to go about that is by just worrying about the things I can control, worry about having a good practice, worry about getting my feet right, worry about the things that are going to help me get better.”

Eagles

Eagles’ G Brandon Brooks said he was not overly concerned with his season-ending torn Achilles sustained in June of last year. 

“It’s life, stuff happens,” Brooks said, via Mike Kaye of NJ Advance Media. “I’ve seen the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows in my career, and the Achilles was just another thing that I had to overcome.”

Brooks said missing out on the 2020 season helped give him a different perspective on his career, which made him “at peace.” 

“This was my first season ever where I wasn’t out there at all,” Brooks said. “I missed the whole season, and it’s funny, when stuff like that happens, things get put into perspective. You see things in a different light. … I am at peace.”

Regarding his trade rumors back in March, Brooks mentioned that he understands the Eagles’ cap situation and was not offended. 

“This is a business,” Brooks said. “I get it. I’m an older guy, I was coming off an injury. At the time, (the team was) cap-strapped, I’m making a lot of money, I get it. It didn’t hurt my feelings.”

Brooks believes he can perform similarly to his productive 2019 season when he recovered from his first Achilles tear. 

“I’ve torn my Achilles before, and when I came back, I was the best, period,” Brooks said. “What tells you it’ll be any different this time? And, that’s exactly how I feel.”

Washington

• Recently retired LB Thomas Davis said his final season with the Washington Football Team in 2020 brought “closure” to his career: “Washington definitely gave me all the closure I needed.” (Joe Person)