Dallas Cowboys looking to end 18-year NFC East curse in 2022
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2022 season as defending champions of the NFC East. However, since 2004, no NFC East team has won back-to-back division titles.
The Philadelphia Eagles were the last team to achieve the feat. They won four straight NFC East titles from 2001 to 2004. The New York Giants ended the Eagles' streak in 2005 and since then, no NFC East has managed to retain their division crown. Every year, teams have been playing musical chairs atop the division.
All four teams in the division have won the NFC East title at least thrice since 2005. In the last 17 seasons, the Washington Commanders (2012, 2015, 2020) and the Giants (2005, 2008, 2011) have won the division title thrice. The Eagles have managed to win the NFC East five times (2006, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019), while the Cowboys have won it six times (2007, 2009, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021).
Recent history suggests that either the Eagles, Giants, or the Commanders will win the NFC East title in 2022. However, the Dallas Cowboys certainly have the talent to usurp their rivals and become the first NFC East team in 18 years to retain their division title.
Dallas Cowboys offseason so far
The reigning NFC East champions, Dallas Cowboys, have had an average offseason so far.
The team traded star wide receiver Amari Cooper and a sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth- and sixth-round pick. Surprisingly, the Cowboys did not trade for another star wide receiver to replace Cooper. They will rely on their current corps, featuring Michael Gallup, CeeDee Lamb, and offseason acquisition James Washington to fill the hole left by the departure of their top wide receiver from last season.
Cam Jordan reacts to the Cowboys trading WR Amari Cooper https://t.co/yxActrVUs3
With linebacker Randy Gregory leaving to join the Denver Broncos, the team only signed Dante Fowler Jr. to compensate. It was a strange move considering Fowler wasn't particularly impressive during his stint with the Atlanta Falcons.
On the flip side, the Cowboys' division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, made significant moves to bolster their roster. They added A.J. Brown and Haason Reddick on offense and defense, respectively, and are expecting a big leap from quarterback Jalen Hurts, who will be entering his third season in the NFL.
QB1 and WR1 in Philly 🤝
📸 #Eagles https://t.co/4UBFDSFffP
The Cowboys remain slight favorites to pip the Eagles to win the NFC East title for the second year running.