The Eagles losing to the Cardinals wasn’t just an embarrassing result for Philly. It also handed their biggest rivals the opportunity to secure the division.
Philadelphia melted down on Sunday, losing to the Cardinals, who, despite winning just four games so far this season, have beaten both the Eagles and Cowboys. Had the Eagles taken care of business, they would have needed to just beat the Giants in Week 18 to secure the NFC East title.
The loss, coupled with the Cowboys’ controversial win over the Lions, allows Dallas to control its own destiny. Win on Sunday against a terrible Commanders team, and the Cowboys will win the division and lock in the No. 2 seed.
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones expected his team to be in position to host a playoff game, but he told Shan & RJ he appreciated the gift from Philadelphia.
“Certainly we thought that this is where we wanted to be from the day we walked into training camp, be in a position to play hard and win a game and have it give us this kind of shot at home,” Jones said. “So, excited to no end. I just couldn’t believe it when Philadelphia ended up losing that ballgame this weekend and gave us this opportunity.”
Dallas can clinch the division with a win, an Eagles loss, or if both teams tie in Week 18. If the postseason started today, the Cowboys would host the Packers and the Eagles would face the Bucs in Tampa.