How the Philadelphia Eagles Shaped the Future of the NFC East

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) takes a hand off from quarterback Jameill Showers (7) during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) takes a hand off from quarterback Jameill Showers (7) during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

The Dallas Cowboys

You can actually take a lot about what you just read about the Giants, and apply it to the Cowboys. Both teams have similar rosters, and both have quarterbacks that are nearing the end of their career. One caveat here though; Tony Romo is still just another hit away from sinking the team.

This comment could expose an Eagles fan to some heat; but Romo is a likeable guy. He is a legitimate quarterback but has also always been injury-prone. None of us are hoping his career ends with an injury, but the more hits he takes, the closer that becomes a reality. Romo is coming off yet another off-season that required major surgery. Forget what you’ve read to the contrary. Back surgeries are serious, so did the Cowboys do enough to ensure their future?

To some extent, drafting Ezekiel Elliot was a step in the right direction. The Cowboys want to win now; and after watching Philadelphia possibly secure their franchise for the next few years, Dallas made sure to get a backfield weapon prior to losing Romo. The Cowboys have spent years making their offensive line one of the best in the league in spite of the fact that Romo has usually only been as good as his running back. Adding Elliot is exactly what Dallas needs to reclaim their 2014 glory.

The Eagles made sure to get a new QB and do so before the pool becomes increasingly shallow.  Philadelphia currently has respectable depth at the QB position. Bradford will carry the team as far as he can and then, hopefully, pass the torch to a franchise quarterback. Dallas didn’t accomplish that. Their quarterbacks after Romo is as follows: Kellen Moore, Dak Prescott (R), and Jameill Showers. Wait…who the hell is he? Exactly. Who is the definitive heir? Dallas has a murky future at QB; and unless they finish at the bottom of the league again, it won’t get any clearer in next year’s draft.

Next: How the Philadelphia Eagles Shaped the Future of the NFC East