"NFC Championship Preview: A Tale of Two Rivals"

Well... This article is painful for me in preparing for a number of reasons. 
Allow me to get this off my chest... 

1. Both rivals play in the same division. 
2. It makes me sick to the core as I've watched both have success. 
3. Watching their great seasons irk every muscle fiber in my body. 
4. Someday... One day... Dallas will... Never mind!

Now that I've cleared the air, this is the NFC title game nobody in their 
wildest imagination could've predicted when the season started. *Takes 
a deep breath; inhale, exhale.*

The Philadelphia Eagles will host division rival Washington 
Commanders Sunday afternoon. Yes, the NFC East foes find 
themselves in who'll fly down to New Orleans or command respect in 
restoring glory. It's the one game I'm obligated to preview and will stay 
objective in doing so. *Sighs.*

2 Philadelphia Eagles vs 6 Washington Commanders 
One of the more stacked rosters in football have flown their way back to 
the NFC title game. Philadelphia has been very good over the last three 
seasons. A Super Bowl appearance in 2022 and some broken wings 
which grounded their flight. Turmoil, tension, immaturity form head 
coach Nick Sirianni at times. Quarterback Jalen Hurts looking like a 
franchise player, while in some cases "deer in headlights." 

Even with adding running back Saquon Barkley, Philly became even 
more dynamic. Rushing for over 2,000 yards and being named an MVP
finalist none of that will matter if a Super Bowl isn't cashed in. Wide

receivers AJ Brown, Devonta Smith paired with tight end Dallas Goedert
(the only Dallas playing) this Eagles offense can score points.

Here's the small drawback in what will be something to watch: offensive
coordinator Kellen Moore has a tendency to forfeit the run game. As a
Cowboys fan, I know this guy's play calling and became overly
frustrated in his tenure. You can expect a pass on first and second
down; run on third down. Simple right? Predictable? Correct! In the
biggest game of Moore's head coaching audition for teams with open
vacancies, you're waiting to see his calls in determining if he's "Moore or
Less" than capable. With a very good offensive line, running the football
will open up the passing game. In the heat of battle, which receiver will
show up? If things go sour early, it plays well into Washington's hands.
Defensively, Vic Fangio has done a great job fixing a broken unit.
Having a top five defense, this will bring out the best for Philadelphia.
Veteran cornerback Darius Slay is still an elite player at this phase. A
fast front led by Jalen Carter, it's going to be a lot of edge in a heated
game. Who'll keep their cool in avoiding being ejected? Tempers will
flare, but this Eagles defense will flap their wings without remorse.

To Washington, the biggest story of 2024 in reviving a laughing stock
franchise. A once dynamite in football marred by controversy is no
longer the same old team. A new era arrived earlier than expected with
second overall pick Jayden Daniels and a rookie year to remember.
Nobody in their wildest dreams had Washington winning 12 games and
playing for a trip to New Orleans.

Former Dallas Cowboys coach, now the head coach of Washington Dan
Quinn has done wonders with a makeshift roster with far less talent.
Bringing former Cowboys players with him to begin another chance in
head coaching. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has worked well
with Daniels in scheming to his strengths. Makeshift offensive line,

decent running backs and an underrated wide receiver by the name of
Terry McLaurin have given this fan base hope now versus later. Veteran
tight end and former Eagle Zach Ertz returns to his old stomping
grounds where he won a Super Bowl with Philly back in 2017.

Defensively, Quinn's scheme has worked with the personnel given. Not
as talented, but serviceable enough they overwhelmed Detroit the week
before. They can fly around and hit you with bang-bang plays; causing
fumbles and interceptions. No egos, divas, who's the man on either side
makes this Commanders team who they are. Playing with a rookie
quarterback who's not afraid of big moments. As I said previously,
Daniels is clutch and very accurate. Moving and extending plays can
hurt defenses by design.

In the scheme of things, I envy both teams... Philadelphia to be exact as
they're the most hated team in the NFC East. General Manager Howie
Roseman has ran circles around Cowboys
GM/Owner/President/Emperor/King/ Jerry Jones in constructing rosters
for competing every season. You don't hear Roseman saying "we can't
afford it." He finds a way to sign the best players and plunging in free
agency. Owner Jeffery Lurie doesn't interfere or hover around coaches
and other football decisions.

Washington has found the "Magic" in new ownership just a year from
investing in the team. New outlook, franchise quarterback, reviving the
fan base and commanding respect for years to come. Regardless of
what happens, the Commanders 2024 season has been a success. The
present and future is bright for Washington... As for Dallas... Dreams
and nightmares will continue to darken my beloved Cowboys.

Stai tuned.