The Deadspin 2020 NFL Previews, NFC East: Can Anyone Break Up This Two-Horse Town?

Covid Response: When Doug Pederson arrived at Eagles Camp, he told reporters that he felt “extremely safe” with the team’s coronavirus protocols. A few days later, the head coach tested positive for COVID-19. Pederson, 52, is back on the field now after quarantining (where he coached from home). Pederson is one of three NFL coaches (Sean Peyton and Anthony Lynn the others) to contract the virus. Newly acquired wide receiver Marquise Goodwin has decided to opt out of the 2020 season. Goodwin and his wife lost a son born prematurely in 2017 and two unborn twins in 2018. This year, Goodwin is opting to spend more time with his family and new baby girl.

Outside The Lines: The Eagles were in the headlines for all the wrong reasons with regard to social justice. Over the summer, DeSean Jackson shared a string of anti-semitic Instagram posts, including a highlighted passage falsely attributing a quote to Adolf Hitler. Eagles team owner Jeffrey Lurie, who is Jewish, called the posts “disgusting.” After Jackson publicly apologized, Lurie commended the receiver for his willingness to change. “I’ve known DeSean for a long time,” Lurie recently told reporters. “He has, I think, really understood the ramifications of that appalling post. So far, everything that we’ve asked him to do to both educate himself and to learn and take action, he’s done completely.”

Oh, he’s here now?: After spending seven years in Detroit, stud corner Darius Slay will upgrade the Eagles defense. The All-Pro CB wanted out of Detroit after losing “all respect” for Lions head coach Matt Patricia. Heisman finalist QB Jalen Hurts was also drafted by the Eagles in the second round. With an injury-prone Carson Wentz, don’t be surprised if Philly turns to their rookie QB this year.

Where‘d he go?: Three-time Pro Bowler Malcolm Jenkins is now on the New Orleans Saints — where his relationship with his new QB got off to a rocky start. And wide receiver Nelson Agholor will now drop passes for Washington.

Fans in the stands: No. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kennedybanned large public events until February 2021. But you can purchase a cutout of yourself to be displayed in the seats. All proceeds will go to the Eagles Autism Foundation.

What to expect: Historical trends say it’s the Cowboys’ turn to take back the divisional crown, but it’s the Eagles who should be favored to repeat as NFC East champions. If Philly can stay healthy, which is always a big if, expect their loaded roster to play in another home game in January.