Are the Birds cooked? & NFL trade deadline approaches | NFC B-East

What's up, my people, and welcome back to another episode of NFC Beast. This is the only show covering the NFC East with four of the most knowledgeable, most attractive, most driven journalists in all of the world. In New York, we've got the incomparable Luke Alvarez joining us again here today. Down in Dallas, Ethan Herrera is on the prowl. And in Philadelphia, our former champion, Breeland Moore, Joins the show as well, and what a show that we have for you. We've got the Dallas Cowboys cruising, the Philadelphia Eagles losing, the Washington Commanders taking a week off, but the show begins in New York. Lou Alvarez's New York Giants are the toast of all of the NFL, 4-2-1 record, and the story is J.J. McCarthy. So, Lou, you saw J.J. play an absolutely clean game on Sunday, over 200 yards, no turnovers. Can McCarthy lead the Giants to the playoffs? I think he can. I think he's really good. And I think basically, let's already talk about, well, he's better than Jackson Dart. He's better than this. He's better than that. Relax, guys. But I will tell you, he has a good grasp of the offense. He drove the team down. He doesn't panic. Okay? They had a good, and it did help the running game, his ability to run. And I tell you, from what I saw, everything was positive. That's a really good Texans defense, even though it's not a great team. Their defense is really good. The team seemed energized by his presence. And I think they've done a pretty good job replacing Jackson Dart with J.J. McCarthy. Ethan, we'll get into this battle in the NFC East in just a moment here, but of course the Dallas Cowboys, with their victory, they appear to be the team that is going to be attempting to chase down the Giants, who already lost to this squad once. Does J.J. McCarthy give you more reason to be afraid of New York? I don't know if afraid is the right word, but, I mean, it's a little concerning. The guy played great. J.J. McCarthy, I think I said before, he's got the tools. He can run. He's got the arm. You know, he takes shots sometimes, like downfield. It's going to be this run game by committee, and Skadaboo can explode like he did. He's kind of scary. The concern with both of those guys is probably the same type of concern with Jackson Dart about running, kind of being a little reckless. But, yeah, J.J. McCarthy... He's got a little bit something going in New York because they're kind of playing with nothing left to lose because they're down, you know, a lot of players and, you know, hey, anybody can make the playoffs in this division. I think the division is still up for grabs, obviously. So why not? Why not the Giants? Why not the Cowboys coming to get them, though? Well, one of the squads that appears to be taking a step back is Breland Moore's Philadelphia Eagles. Breland, of course, you got Jalen Hurts out. You've got Saquon Barkley compromised, and the Birds just dropped another game, this one in the division, to the Dallas Cowboys. So, Breland, personally, listen, for the show, I'll do this, but personally, I hate to do this to you. We're still technically at the beginning of the season. Are the wings of the birds clipped? Already. Well, Chad, I think you might be talking to me. I don't know. I can't hear anything. So I'm just going to hopefully assume that that's a good thing because I know I was getting roasted there. I already just feel it in my bones. I knew this was going to be a tough show. So maybe it's best that my IFB is not working and I can't hear anything. Yeah, this Eagles team is cooked. And it's not necessarily because of their record or anything else, although at this point there is a separation going on here in the NFC East. And two of the... The bad teams are better than two of the worst teams. The effort that was put into Monday Night Football against the Cowboys was atrocious, to say the least. And I'm not even talking about the offense, all right? We're on our six-string running back. Obviously, things in Philadelphia could be a lot better when it came to the offensive side of the ball. But the thing that really got me was the defense. They have all of their horses. There's no reason to be giving up 416 yards of offense. To the Dallas Cowboys, not with this personnel and certainly not after all of these young men got paid the way that they got paid. Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Cooper DeJean, where are the heavy hitters, the young core that we were told was going to be the future of this Eagles team? They were nowhere to be found. It's just it's one thing after another, after another here. And yes, sure, they are technically in third place, but even Vegas has them in absolute last place in terms of the odds of winning the NFC East. And I tend to agree. This is giving 2023 collapse vibes, and you never want to feel that already this early in a season. Well, Lou, listen, again, Breeland, we're like one happy family here, and I actually feel kind of badly for Breeland right now. Maybe we shouldn't because we've endured a lot of this over the years here. I feel kind of badly for her, but she brings up such a great point. It was that defense that collapsed. The Eagles offense, even with their backup quarterback, played relatively well. The defense collapsed. Was that surprising to you? Uh, that's what happens when teams start to lose. I've seen it with the Giants, you know, Giants had a good defense, but once you start seeing the offense can't score, you have to start losing confidence in the offense. The defense starts to crumble. It's a, it's a. Nick Foles was quoted saying, I saw an article today with Nick Foles, of course, saying that they have a culture problem. And obviously pointing right at Nick Sirianni, who, of course, said, you know, that's a bunch of garbage. But the truth is, this is the time when guys have to step up. When your team is injured, the guys, other guys have to step up. And it looked like it went backwards on Monday night. It looked like guys stepped down and said, we can't compete with the Cowboys. And they let them go up and down the field. And you got us all worrying about it because it can go off the rails so fast. I see it every year with the Giants are in coaching. This is Sirianni's chance to prove he's a real coach. It's easy to win Super Bowls when you have a ton of talent. Now's the time to coach. And I have my doubts, as you know that. Lou, I know that you've been waiting to get those shots off for quite some time. Now, Ethan, to that point, your Dallas Cowboys, not only did you win 38-21, but you found a bit of a formula, rushing for over 200 yards up and down the field on that Philadelphia Eagles defense. Is this something that's sustainable for the Cowboys? And if they do have this type of rushing attack, it could also keep that defense off of the field. I mean, that's the key to success is to keep that defense off the field, running the ball, you know, kind of utilizing the play clock or the game clock a lot more. That's going to help because it takes the stress off that defense who has been atrocious, as we've seen. And, I mean, if that's the secret to them doing better in this division and throughout this season is for the offensive line to play well, well, they did it. They stepped up. They went up against. Now, like Breland said, the... Defense for the Eagles was, you know, kind of lackluster in a lot of parts, and the defensive line was part of that. And the offense, they did their job. That's what you're supposed to do against a team that is struggling. You're supposed to win those games. Dak played well. Not that the best we've seen Dak play, but CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens both put on a heck of a show trying to catch every single thing that threw their way. Javante Williams is the key for this team to keep going and get better and try to catch the Giants. Also, it's great to play Tanner McKee. If they can do that every single week, then I'm sure that they'll have a lot of success. Breeland, hopefully you can hear me, Bree, but I hope also that you heard Lou there. Lou spoke to the fact that this could be a coaching thing. There could be cultural issues that are coming into play here. That performance by your defense, was that more on the Philadelphia Eagles or on that Dallas Cowboys offense? Are you guys coming to me? I still can't hear anything, so maybe. I don't even know what we're talking about right now. But either way, this Eagles team is cooked. I think either Dallas or New York is going to win the division. But coming off of the bye, maybe we're talking about the Commanders. I don't know. Coming off the bye, I definitely think the Commanders are going to win this game. I do think it's going to be a little bit tough for them to win the division. They are 1-4-1 right now, but anything is really possible. And I think we actually talked to a beat writer today about. about the stock of this team going up. So, you know, they're getting healthier. Who knows? But I certainly don't think this is Philadelphia's year. I absolutely think we're going to see a little bit of movement here at the trade deadline for Philly. And we'll get into that in just a hot minute. Unless, I don't know, do you want to talk about that now? I have no idea where we are in this show. I don't know. I'm sorry, guys. Breeland Moore being a pro's pro here with a segue without even being able to hear her host speak there. Talking about that Commanders team, of course, the Commanders and the Eagles. Play next week. So the question is, the Washington Commanders coming off of a bye. Can this bye truly help to get this team back to where it is that they want to be at 1-4-1 right now? I just got back from Ashburn, which is where the Commanders practice facility is. This is a team that still believes. You want to talk about vibes. You want to talk about attitude. You want to talk about energy. The Washington Commanders still believe that they still have a shot here. And the fact that they've got the Eagles this week. They've got the Giants next week. They know that they can make some headway if they can find a way to win both of those games. So, no, I don't believe that the Commanders season is over. I do believe that this bye has given them a chance to recalibrate, and they can go out there and make a run at an NFC East that has not yet gotten away from them. Lou, first-place Giants, your thoughts on the Commanders. Oh, I definitely think the Commanders have a chance. I think the Cowboys have a chance. I mean, other than Philadelphia, honestly, and this is not to pile on Philly. The Cowboys, all three of them, are strong teams. And there's no reason why to think, when I say strong teams, meaning they're all equal. They're all equal teams that can compete. I can see Washington making a move. I just can't. And I don't see why not. And I don't see why Dallas can't. But right now, I like the Giants. I like the way they're playing. I like the way they're coached. And I think McCarthy gives them that edge. And, you know, if you talk... ...moved by the Giants to replace Jackson Dart. Very few teams are able to do that in the regular season. And it's credit to Coach Harbaugh, credit to that coaching staff, truly on their third quarterback, already seeming to get things in place and getting in motion. And we here on NFC East are going to get things in place and in motion as well. We're going to take a break, and coming back, we'll talk trade deadline. That is coming up next on NFC East. Welcome back to NFC Beast. Now, we know that we are getting into the heart of the regular season. It's also the trade deadline is right around the corner. This, the NFC East Division, not doing so great right now. Come to find out whether we want our squads to be buyers or sellers at that trade deadline. And if so, what positions, what players could we be looking at? Ethan, we're going to begin with you down there in Dallas. The Cowboys in a bit of a precarious position, currently still under 500. But I believe this Cowboys team is about to make a run. So do you want the Cowboys to be buyers or sellers at the break? And what are you looking at? I don't think the Cowboys have ever been sellers, have they? Not in a long, long time. And it's not over until Jerry Jones sings, all right? And he ain't singing that he's going to sell anything that has to do with the Dallas Cowboys, not even the team as much as the fans want that. I will say that they do need defensive help. I mean, that's obvious. The offense cooks, and they're great. I just think that... I mean, they need help on that line. I know there's rumors going around that sweat from Arizona that they're matching up with this weekend might be on his way to Dallas, or he's one of those key pieces that they might look for. Jerry Jones, he came out and said this past weekend, though, that he doesn't think that there's going to be any big splash, and I think that comes from him trying to get some research done, trying to get some feelers out there, but I don't think anybody wants to trade with the Cowboys. I think they might. Stand pat and I mean, they might have to stand pat and deal with what they got, which, you know, could make a run to win this division because, you know, it's kind of weak, as we all know. That's the news in Dallas, in Washington. And this is a fan base that was truly calling for a trade to be made. A lot of Washington Commanders fans very upset to see Quentin Nelson go off the books and for him not to be coming here to the DMV. I got to tell you, though, I don't believe that this team can be buyers at the deadline. You look at the draft capital that they gave up for Laramie Tunsil. You look at the draft capital that they gave up attempting to fix that cornerback room. There's truly not a lot of draft picks that. ...that are left on the board for the Commanders to ship away in order to get better. And this is a team that needs to build for the future around the Jaden Daniels. So as much as a couple of moves or two could help, especially to fortify that offensive line, I don't believe that the Commanders have the draft stock to make a trade. So I think that Adam Peters, Coach Dan Quinn, etc. are going to have to figure it out with the guys that are on the roster. Lou in New York. Of course, you are four, two, and one, there's a chance here. You all could use help on that defensive line where the Giants pull the trigger. The words, buy, buy, buy, and you got to buy some more, you know. John Harbaugh wants to have a running back. I know the Colts say Jonathan Taylor is not available. I still think they're going to be talking down to the wire. Yes, they need some help on the defensive line, but the defensive line has been strong enough. They have injuries, but I think he wants a big time back. Just like in Baltimore when he brought in Derrick Henry. He'd be perfect. Now. If I'm the Colts, I think I can get a number one from the Giants. I think the Giants, when it gets closer and closer, and if they win, not this week, obviously, because they're on a bye, but the following week, coming up against the Eagles, because right before the deadline, they play the Eagles. They win that game. I think they're going to push for that running back, and if they can convince the Colts to give them up. I think that's the guy they want. Hold up, Lou, because I got to put you on record right now. Make sure that everybody just – you're telling me that if the Giants beat the Eagles, move to 5-2-1, the division is damn near in their hands, you believe that they would be willing or that they should be willing to give up a number one for a running back? Yes, I think they should be willing because you know why? I see what they do. Now, will they give up that number one? I don't know, but I'm telling you, I would do it because I think if Jonathan Taylor with a McCarthy and that team, you saw how John Harbaugh, that's what he plays. You saw it with Henry. You've seen it with Baltimore. He loves that big guy. Perfect. And why not? How many number ones have the Giants had over the last 10 years? Who cares? Throw them around. Get the running back. Bring them in. Get them in now. Kayvon Thibodeau, Evan Neal, the list goes on and on and on. I see where you're going there. Exactly. What are those guys worth? E, give me your thoughts on both the Commanders situation as well as the Giants situation. Well, I think the Commanders, they're not done. They're not done. Like I said earlier, everybody is in contention in this division. And Jaden Daniels, I mean, he had that blunder against the Giants a few weeks ago. But other than that, he's playing great. I mean, he's playing almost as good as he did when they went to the championship game in his rookie season. But they need some help. Bolstering up that offensive line wouldn't be a bad idea, but some help on the defensive line, maybe they can go after Sweat as well. And Giants can go after Sweat. Everybody wants that guy. But Jonathan Taylor to the Giants, move Skadaboo to a fullback position, that's a scary team, especially next season when Jackson Dart gets back. You know what? I'm with Lou. I don't know about a number one. But I'd go top two or three round pick. Now, I don't know if the Colts are going to move anybody. They want to ship everybody off. Their best players are going to the West Coast. So maybe they can send one to the East Coast. Ethan, not so fast, okay? The Giants have arguably the best fullback in all of the NFL. We're not going to move Patrick Ricard out there. I don't think that they're going to do that. But coming up after the break, we're going to talk about who wins this week's games and why. Keep it locked right here. It's NFC Beast. Welcome back to NFC Beasts. It's now time to tell you who's going to win this week's games and why. We're going to begin with those Dallas Cowboys. They're taking on the Arizona Cardinals at home. Ethan, it's a big game for the boys. Who wins this game? In the last nine matchups that they've had, the Cowboys are 1-8 since 2008 against the Cardinals. It's crazy when you think about it. Kyler Murray had a lot to do with that in the last five. But, I mean, he comes home and he loves playing here in Dallas. But Dak Prescott's on. He's got to be on. This is one of those games that if they're going you for to get back into contention and real conversation about the top of the division and a team that can be, having I don't know, some sort of do something in the playoffs, this is one of those games where they have to win convincingly, me and I think they do. I think this gives them a time for the new D.C. Christian Parker on the to finally get something going against a team that should be beaten. show. Now, Jacoby Brissett, he's been great. Jacoby Brissett is one of my favorite players in the league. I know they're a little banged up offensively, but, I mean, he's got some weapons. This is going to be one of those tests for those new guys on the defensive side in the secondary to really make a play. I see Joey Porter having a pick in this one, and I see Dak Prescott throwing for 350 yards. Lou, watch out. The Cowboys are coming. Woo! Listen, Lou, by all accounts, Dallas... They should win this game. They're hot. I believe that they are rolling. They should win this game. But, Lou, my heart tells me that this is exactly the kind of game that Dallas cowboys it up. What do you think? Always. They are the biggest trap team there ever was. The Cowboys, whenever something good happens, it all collapses. It all falls apart. It all implodes. Jerry is already doing, figuring out the parades and everything else. And the Cardinals come in and they can't do anything in this. We're set 350 yards of a zone. Come on, this is the Cowboys. They can't kick it. They're not going to win two in a row, which is not going to happen. It's been a long time. I'm thinking, I'm feeling the same way that Lou is feeling. And in my ear, I'm being told that my dreams have come true and that Breeland Moore can hear us again. Breeland, if you can. I can. Who wins this game? Yes! Breeland's back! Finally! Finally, I've had. I've had more IFB issues than the Eagles have had issues all season long. So this is a crazy show. Dallas should win this. I mean, the Arizona defense is the absolute worst in the league. They give up almost 30 points a game. That is 32nd in the league. So they should win. But I also kind of agree with Lou. This is your very traditional Dallas loss type of game. So I actually am going to go Arizona. Woo! Boy, ironically, three of us picking the Cardinals in Dallas in a game that Dallas absolutely should win. Let's see how this one goes. Washington playing host to the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday night, 8 o'clock. The Eagles played Monday night. The Commanders had a bye, and the Eagles are injured all across the board. Lou, who wins this game? Oh, I got to love Washington in this game. I mean, look, I told you, culture. It's going to be culture shock for Nick soon. This is really bad. And you know what? I'm surprised. We haven't started flexing yet, right? That's the only reason why it hasn't been flexed. Ha ha ha ha! But anyhow, that's what I want to know. It's like, how do you not flex this out? Are we too early for that? What's going on here? So I guess I got to go Washington. I was wondering whether the game would get flexed as well. I might get home a little earlier that night than otherwise. Ethan, who wins this game? I'm not picking Philadelphia for anything. Sorry, Breeland. They're not going to be in any of my picks across all four of the major sports in America. Give me Washington by two touchdowns. Jayden Daniels, he's got four total touchdowns in this game. All right, Breeland, this is your moment to make all of the Philadelphia fans love you even more than they already do. How do the birds get this done? They ain't gonna. The last time the Eagles won a game, the Phillies beat the Mets that day. That's how long ago that has been. Also, by the way, to Lou's point, the Eagles. This is the fifth time that the Eagles have had a five-game losing streak under Jeff Lurie as an owner, and three of those four times previously, the coach was relieved of his duties by the end of the year. So there's that. So I think it's very fair to say we're on Nick Sirianni watch, but Vegas has this five-and-a-half-point favorites to Washington, and I agree with them. This Eagles team is cooked. And to that point, I believe that the Washington Commanders are getting coming off of that bye. I don't believe that this team is as far away as what their 1-4-1 record says that they are. I believe that Jayden Daniels, this offense with Stefon Diggs, and watch out for Antonio Williams. I believe the offense gets cooking, and I think that the defense playing against Tanner plays their best game of the season as well. The Washington Commanders raise hell with their second win of the season. That's going to do it for this week's episode of NFC Beast. On behalf of Ethan, on behalf of Lou and Breeland Moore, I'm Chad Ricardo. We'll see you next week.