The Philadelphia Eagles always knew that their run for a second straight NFC East title would be far more difficult than last year.
The mere fact there hasn't been a repeat winner since the 2004 team, and the Washington Commanders improving their roster over the offseason, only enhanced that belief.
And now, maybe?
There's another team ready to get back to competing with the Eagles for NFC East supremacy.
The Dallas Cowboys.
While Dallas' 7-10 record was nothing to celebrate last season, they were one of the most injured units in sports last year. It's no wonder why the Dak Prescott-led team faltered midway through the year like they did.
During the offseason, they were also able to make some major acquisitions, including the trade for Pittsburgh Steelers wideout George Pickens. While the Georgia star has never been to a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team, he possesses freakish athleticism that will make NFL defenses nervous.
It's why, following the trade, Eagles All-Pro A.J. Brown - in an unusual way - sort of celebrated the move.
“I like that, I ain’t gonna lie,” said Brown on his YouTube channel. “We’re going to have to worry about (Dallas), for sure. We’re going to have to worry about them. I like the trade. I do like the trade.”
“I like George Pickens, I like CeeDee Lamb. And they collab. It's going to be exciting to watch. Because all that does is bring the best out of us. So, if we know how they coming, we are going to have to step it up.”
The league is always better when the Eagles and Cowboys are at each other's throats for the division crown. It seems, after a year hiatus, that fans of both teams might just be able to see that once again.