In this series, the Last Word on Sports NFL department will be selecting the best players in each division by position. On the radar here is the NFC East offense. Without further ado, let’s delve into which players made the cut.
2020 NFC East All-Division Team: The Offense
Quarterback: Dak Prescott, Cowboys
As expected, the quarterback position on the NFC East All-Division Team came down to the Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott and Philadelphia Eagles Carson Wentz. A national discussion this off-season, Dak Prescott takes the spot on this team. Prescott threw for 4902 yards, 30 touchdowns with a 65.1 completion percentage, 8.2 yards per attempt, and a 99.7 passer rating. In all of the categories, Prescott outpaced Wentz. While Prescott’s Cowboys failed to make the playoffs to Wentz’s Eagles, the lack of team success can be attributed to former head coach Jason Garrett. With the hiring of Super Bowl champion head coach Mike McCarthy, Prescott should be able to achieve playoff success and separate himself in the conversation for the division’s best quarterback in 2020.
Running Back: Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys
Another position of national debate, the All-Division running back of the NFC East goes to Cowboy Ezekiel Elliott. The other leading candidate for this spot was New York Giant Saquon Barkley. While close, Barkley was injured last year, which limited his production, preventing him from appearing on this list. Elliott, on the other hand, played in all 16 games with 1357 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, doubling Barkley’s rushing touchdowns. Elliott also held his own in the passing game catching 54 passes for 420 yards. Healthy in 2019, Elliott earned his spot on this list by being on the field.
Wide Receiver: Amari Cooper, Cowboys
Fresh off signing a new five-year 100 million dollar contract, wide receiver Amari Cooper deserves to be on this list. Cooper had 1189 yards and eight touchdowns in his first full season with the Dallas Cowboys. He is the best receiver in the NFC East entering 2020 and is a part of a loaded Cowboys offense. The addition of rookie wide receiver CeeDee Lamb should help Cooper this year as he may see less double coverage than in years past.
Wide Receiver: Terry McLaurin, Washington
Terry McLaurin was a rookie sensation after being drafted in the third round by Washington in 2019. Despite inconsistent quarterback play early on, McLaurin had 919 yards with seven touchdowns in only 14 games. In a short time, he established himself as a true number one receiver. With a new scheme under head coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Dwayne Haskins as the starter entering the season, McLaurin should only improve in his second season.
Wide Receiver: Michael Gallup, Cowboys
Michael Gallup emerged as a legitimate number two receiver for Prescott and the Cowboys in 2019. With 1107 yards and six touchdowns, Gallup proved himself as a threat to attack opposing defenses. Like Cooper, the addition of Lamb will open up the offense more for Gallup as he looks to continue his growth into his third season.
Tight End: Zack Ertz, Eagles
Zack Ertz is a top-five tight end in the NFL and by far the best tight end in the NFC East. He was the only place of consistency amongst a Philadelphia Eagles skill-position group that was decimated by injuries in 2019. Despite being the lone healthy star for the Eagles offense, Ertz caught 88 passes and six touchdowns. These stats should improve in 2020 with a revamped Eagles team allowing Ertz to face less double coverage.
Left Tackle: Tyron Smith, Cowboys
Throughout his career, Tyron Smith has consistently been one of the best left tackles in the NFL. While in years past, Smith faced competition for his spot on this list from Trent Williams and Jason Peters, those two vacated their left tackle positions in the division for 2020. That said, last year Smith only allowed one sack protecting the blindside of Prescott. Smith is a pivotal part of what gives the Dallas Cowboys one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
Left Guard: Connor Williams, Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys left guard Connor Williams fills the weakest position on a loaded All-Division team. Before landing on the injured reserve to end the 2019 season, Williams started 11 games for the Cowboys. While he had his struggles at times, Williams earns this spot thanks to his next best competition being Giants guard Will Hernandez who has had struggles of his own. Hopefully, in 2020 Williams can solidify his place on this list with a healthy season.
Center: Jason Kelce, Eagles
The NFC East All-Division center goes to none other than Jason Kelce. Kelce is an elite center in the middle of the Eagles offensive line making three-straight First-Team All-Pro teams. He is arguably the best center in the entire NFL and should continue to dominate in 2020.
Right Guard: Zack Martin, Cowboys
Like Kelce, Cowboys right guard Zack Martin also has been consistently elite. Coming off back to back First-Team All-Pro selections of his own, Martin has been dominant since his first snap. In 2019, he allowed zero sacks in 1114 snaps. While Martin does face competition for this spot from Washington guard Brandon Scherff, Martin still stands out among the crowd.
Right Tackle: Lane Johnson, Eagles
Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson is the final member of our All-Division team. A three-time Pro Bowler, Johnson uses his outstanding athleticism to win his battles. While there is uncertainty next to him at right guard on the Eagles offensive line in 2020, Johnson provides consistency on the right edge.
Click here for the NFC East All-Division team for defense and special teams.
2020 NFC East Main Image:
