The New York Giants’ quest to become the first six-win playoff team in modern day NFL history (non-strike year) fell just short on Sunday as the Washington Football Team defeated the Philadelphia Eagles to take the division crown.

Although the Giants were unable to accomplish their goal, they did provide plenty of optimism headed into the offseason. Quarterback Daniel Jones finished the year strong, the defense is a solid foundation to build upon and it’s clear the right coaching staff is in place (mostly).

There’s obviously a lot to break down in the coming days and weeks, but for now, let’s take a look at the final NFC East standings.

Washington Football Team: 7-9

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It wasn’t at all pretty, but Washington did what they had to do on Sunday night, dropping the Philadelphia Eagles, 20-14, in a win-and-in scenario.

Hats off to head coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Alex Smith. It’s a remarkable comeback story for each man and it’s hard not to root for both. Their families have been through hell and it’s got to feel nice to come out the other side.

Washington will host Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round on Saturday night.

New York Giants: 6-10

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So close and yet so far away.

Although missing out on the playoffs and losing valuable draft positioning hurts, it’s worth noting that after their 1-7 start, the Giants finished the season going 5-3 and were strong within the division (4-2).

New York also ended long-standing skids against both the Eagles and Cowboys this season, which was goal No. 1 for head coach Joe Judge upon his arrival in East Rutherford.

It may be hard to see and feel right now, but the Giants have a bright future.

Dallas Cowboys: 6-10

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After their dominant three-game winning streak over inferior opponents, almost everyone believed the Cowboys would whoop on the Giants in Week 17. It’s a valuable lesson in terms of taking each game as it comes and never assuming anything within a division.

Dallas certainly showed some growth and resilience in the aftermath of Dak Prescott’s injury, but Jason Garrett or Mike McCarthy it seems to matter not. The Cowboys continue to lack that clutch element that has eluded them now for decades.

Is McCarthy really the right man for the job? What happens with Dak Prescott? And is there enough time and money to fix that defense? Lots of questions this offseason in Big D.

Philadelphia Eagles: 4-11-1

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Doug Pederson slapped the entire NFL world in the face on Sunday night, deactivating Carson Wentz and then removing Jalen Hurts with an opportunity to play spoiler and defeat the Washington Football Team.

In Hurts’ place, Pederson called on Nate Sudfeld for the first time this season and only the fourth time in his career. Everyone watching knew it was a tank job and it was a disgusting display even if you take other NFC East teams and records out of the equation.

It’s almost as if Pederson was coaching to get himself fired, but said after the game he was still trying to win. Right. What a pathetic showing after being flexed into the prime-time spot and closing out the entire regular season.

The Giants (and other NFL teams) are not going to soon forget this.