NFC Notes: Cowboys, Giants, Lions

Cowboys

Cowboys LB Sean Lee has taken more of a reduced role in Dallas this year at the age of 33. But from time to time he still showcases the ability that made him a two-time Pro Bowler and 2016 All-Pro, like his performance against the Rams this past week with both a sack and an interception. Lee says he’s still not sure if this will be his last year playing in the NFL, as it depends on if he can still have more games like Sunday. 

“I think it’s game-to-game, it’s year-to-year,” Lee said via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “There are times I feel that I can play forever. There are times where I feel that as you get older this game gets harder. I take it one week at a time and try to help any way I can. I love playing. I love being a part of it.”

Giants

• The Athletic’s Jay Glazer writes he wouldn’t automatically connect former Panthers HC Ron Rivera with the Giants if there’s a coaching vacancy because of past history with GM Dave Gettleman, adding Gettleman is not guaranteed to be back. 
• Regarding TE Evan Engram, Dan Duggan says it’s still a “no-brainer” for the Giants to pick up his fifth-year option next year, given that it keeps their options open and it’s guaranteed for injury only. 

Lions

The Lions dropped their seventh straight game of the season as they continue their march towards what looks like it will be a high draft pick in the spring. It will be the second straight year Detroit finishes with a worse record than the year before since hiring HC Matt Patricia, but Patricia says he sees reasons for optimism going forward. 

“I think those things will build on top of each other from there,” Patricia said via Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press. “But certainly, from a standpoint of trying to put a good foundation, a solid foundation down of being about something from a team, I would say that we’ve shown at least a foundation of being a tough team, being a competitive team, being a team that won’t quit. [We’re] a team that’s going to go out and compete, and really care about each. I think that’s the start.”

• Per ESPN’s Michael Rothstein, Lions team president Rod Wood clarified that the team is not for sale despite a report that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos had inquired about buying the team: “We’ve been approached about interest in buying the team, but there’s been no serious discussions. And the Ford family plans to own the team and there’s [succession] plans in place.”