The NFC East may not be the most talented division in the NFL but it is one of the most entertaining. Once you think you have these teams figured out they throw you for a loop. Nothing else more proves this than the results of week 4. Here’s a look inside the soul of each team and dreams of things to come.
Dallas Cowboys 3-1
The Dallas Cowboys have quickly become the surprise team of the NFC East. Expectations could not have been lower for the Cowboys beginning the season yet Jason Garrett seems to have finally found a winning formula. Running back DeMarco Murray leads the NFL in rushing yards and averages over five yards a pop.
Garrett has often been criticized for not committing to the run game despite having glimpses of success in previous years. So far in 2014, he seems to be finally getting over his infatuation with the passing game and forcing quarterback Tony Romo to put the team on his shoulders. As a result the Cowboys currently rank first in the NFL in rushing yards. Meanwhile Romo is getting the job done with his arm ranking twelfth in passing yards and ninth in quarterback rating.
Second year wide receiver Terrance Williams emerged versus the New Orleans Saints hauling in two touchdown receptions. It could be a breakout game for Williams who hopes to take pressure off of Dez Bryant and give Tony Romo another offensive weapon. With Romo and his receivers in sync along with the ever consistent Jason Witten, good things appear to be in the Cowboys future.
Are the 3-1 Cowboys ready to compete for the NFC East Title? I wouldn’t hop on the bandwagon yet. Their completion thus far has been less than stellar. Victories over the Rams, Titans, and Saints don’t exactly amount to statement wins. Defensively they have performed admirably considering many predicted them to field one of the worst defenses in NFL history. After three consecutive 8-8 seasons do the Cowboys have enough to get over the hump?
Perhaps the most disappointing NFC East team in week 4 was the Philadelphia Eagles who brought their high tempo offense into San Francisco and laid an egg. Noticeably absent from the Eagles offense all season has been LeSean McCoy. McCoy, last year’s rushing champion, has just 192 yards in four games and is averaging just 2.7 yards per carry. McCoy needs to get rid of the bad tip karma quickly.
Nick Foles should be mentioned among the best quarterbacks in the NFC yet the added pressure may have sent the Eagles back to Earth against the 49ers. Foles had difficulty making precision throws against a tough pass rush. Despite the Eagles 3-1 record they have been exposed in recent weeks protecting Foles under a regular four-man pass rush. Teams are blitzing less but still getting pressure. Granted the Eagles offensive line has been banged up, however things may be looking up. The addition of Lane Johnson at Right Tackle comes at the right time. Johnson returns after serving a four game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing drug policy.
Can the Eagles rebound from their abysmal offensive performance in San Francisco and regain their rhythm, or are defenses finally figuring out the solution to head coach Chip Kelly’s offense? Only the coming weeks will tell.
New York Giants 2-2
The Giants have rebounded nicely after an 0-2 start and have a lot to be excited about after a 45-14 drubbing of the Washington Redskins on Thursday Night Football. Eli Manning appears to be developing a better chemistry with Victor Cruz and Ruben Randle. Tight End Larry Donnell has emerged as the x-factor leading the Giants with 25 receptions, showcasing his talents with three touchdowns in Washington.
Newly acquired running back Rashard Jennings has surpassed expectations ranking third in the NFL in rushing yards. Critics were down on the Giants after a horrendous preseason but as Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin have proven, you can never count them out. Two Lombardi trophies offer proof.
The Giants looked awful in their opening game versus the Detroit Lions and in week two against the Arizona Cardinals, however past failures can lead to future success. The Lions currently have the top ranked defense in the NFL and the Cardinals are not far behind. Stemming from that experience the Giants have been able to turn things around quickly and appear to be a formidable opponent other than a walking mat.
Can the Giants continue to build upon their new found offensive chemistry? History says yes.
The Redskins were coming off a “moral” victory in week three losing to the Philadelphia Eagles 37-34 in a game by all intents and purposes they should have won. A missed field goal and yet another special teams snafu impeded their potential, but we have heard this story before.
Backup quarterback Kirk Cousins reminded us what a legitimate field general can look like, only to remind us once again of the never ending search for a real quarterback in D.C. Now the Redskins are in the NFC East cellar. Cousins has the tools but lacks the confidence in closing situations. His mistakes tend to snowball when doubt enters his mind. Such an instance was on display against the Giants as Cousins’ five turnovers doomed the Redskins.
The Redskins defense wasn’t much help either. Giants’ receivers came of the line clean and repeatedly took advantage of the Redskins inexperienced cornerbacks. Second year defensive back David Amerson and rookie Bashaud Breeland failed to disrupt anything in the air. The loss of DeAngelo Hall for the season could prove to be a much larger detriment than previously perceived.
Are the Redskins dead in the water or is there still time for redemption?
What’s next for the NFC East?
Week 5 is homecoming for the NFC East as all four teams will face their opponents on home field. The Redskins will have the biggest test facing the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football. The future in Washington appears to be bleak.
The Cowboys are back in the Jerry Dome to face the Houston Texans. The Texans’ defense should be able to disrupt Tony Romo and the Cowboys running game much more than the New Orleans Saints, however Houston’s offense can struggle to put up points.
The Eagles hope to be recovered from the beat-down in San Francisco enough to handle the St. Louis Rams. The Rams however have an under-rated defense and their pass rush could keep Nick Foles off kilter. This game may surprise and be much closer than the original outlook.
The Giants return to New York to face the Atlanta Falcons. With both teams at 2-2 it’s a pivotal game for the Giants from a mental standpoint. The Falcons sport one of the best passing offenses in the NFL but continue to have issues on defense. If the Giants offensive chemistry continues this could end up being the game of the week.
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