25 Questions in 25 Days

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25 Questions in 25 Days: State of the NFC East

Jul 15, 2025 at 09:37 AM

Matt Citak

Managing Editor, Giants.com

Giants.com is counting down to the start of 2025 Giants Training Camp with 25 questions in 25 days.

8) What does the NFC East picture look like heading into 2025?

Matt Citak: Let's start with the reigning Super Bowl champions down in Philadelphia. The Eagles are coming off two consecutive trips to the Super Bowl, with the latter, of course, resulting in a parade on Broad Street. Philadelphia had a top 10 offense last season, with most of the production coming in the run game. Saquon Barkley led the NFL with 2,005 rushing yards, with averages of 5.8 yards per carry and a league-high 125.3 rushing yards per game, while scoring 13 touchdowns on the ground. A big factor in the Eagles' success in the run game is Jalen Hurts, who added 630 yards and 14 touchdowns himself. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith still lead the way in the WR room, while tight end Dallas Goedert agreed to a reworked contract in order to stay with the Eagles. On offense, Philadelphia is going to look very similar to last year. The defensive side of the ball is where the unit lost some key pieces. The Eagles had perhaps the NFL's top defense last year, but lost Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Darius Slay and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Additionally, Brandon Graham retired and Bryce Huff was traded. The Philly defense still has a ton of talent, and any unit led by Vic Fangio is destined to have success. But other players will have to step up in order for the unit to near its success from last season. The biggest change here came on the coaching staff, as former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was hired to be the Saints' head coach. Kevin Patullo, who served as passing game coordinator & associate head coach last year, was promoted to offensive coordinator.

The Commanders rode the strong play of Jayden Daniels all the way to the NFC Championship Game in the first year under Dan Quinn. It was an impressive performance all around for Washington, as many set low expectations for the team heading into the season. Their success last year started with Daniels and the offense, as the young quarterback led the Commanders to the No. 5 scoring unit in the NFL. They dominated on the ground with Daniels rushing for a team-high 891 yards, Brian Robinson not far behind with 799 yards, and a few other guys adding a couple hundred yards apiece. Together, the unit ran for 2,619 yards, the third-most in the NFL, while their 25 touchdowns on the ground ranked fourth. Washington made two big trades to boost their offense, acquiring left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, both of whom should help Daniels in their own, respective ways. If Daniels can avoid the sophomore slump we sometimes see quarterbacks endure in Year 2, then the Commanders could put together yet another successful campaign. It helps having the entire coaching staff return for a second consecutive year.

Then there are the Dallas Cowboys, who finished third in the NFC East last year at 7-10. Let's start on the coaching staff, where Brian Schottenheimer was promoted from offensive coordinator to to replace head coach Mike McCarthy. Former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus was brought in as the defensive coordinator, while Klayton Adams, the former Cardinals offensive line coach, will get his first opportunity to coordinate an offense on the NFL level. In terms of personnel on offense, Dallas was forced to replace long-time guard Zack Martin, who retired from the NFL after 11 seasons with the Cowboys. The biggest addition came in the form of a trade when they acquired George Pickens from the Steelers. Pickens and CeeDee Lamb create a formidable 1-2 punch in the Dallas passing game. They also completely revamped their running back room, signing Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency before drafting Jaydon Blue in the fifth round. On defense, they added Dante Fowler Jr., Solomon Thomas and Payton Turner up front, while veteran DeMarcus Lawrence left for the Seahawks. This unit ranked 31^st in the league in points allowed last season while their 2,331 yards allowed on the ground ranked 29^th and the 25 rushing touchdowns surrendered was the most in the NFL.

With the Cowboys expected to improve from last season now that Dak Prescott is healthy (he only played eight games in 2024), the Giants are set to face some tough competition in the NFC East. They will be tested right away with road matchups against the Commanders and Cowboys to open the season.