Two weeks ago, Giants fans were calling the season over after a rough 0-2 start on the season. Now, after two straight victories, the Giants find themselves 1.5 games back of the NFC East division lead.
In this article, we’ll go through team by team and discuss each team’s NFC East placement after 1/4th of the season has been played.
1) Dallas Cowboys (3-1)
Many non-Cowboy fans questioned Dallas’ 3-0 start because of the strength of the teams they played. The Giants still had Eli Manning under center and young defense making their first NFL start, the Redskins still haven’t won a game and still gave Dallas a close game, and the Dolphins are…well…terrible.
The first real test for the Cowboys came on Sunday Night Football as they headed to New Orleans to take on the Brees-less saints. The Cowboys defense showed up, getting an interception and not allowing a single touchdown for the Saints. It was Dallas’ offense that didn’t show up, only producing 45 yards on the ground with the third-ranked rushing attack in the NFL. The Saints escaped the defensive showdown with a 12-10 victory, handing Dallas their first loss of the young NFL season.
NEXT 3 GAMES:
vs. Packers (3-1), @ Jets (0-3), vs. Eagles (2-2)
2) Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
After a rough loss at home to the Lions, the Eagles managed to bounce back this week with a huge 34-27 win at Lambeau Field on Thursday Night Football, giving Green Bay their first loss of the season. This was a must-win game for Philadelphia, who most projected to win the NFC East this year and potentially make a deep playoff run.
The Eagles are finding their stride with RB Jordan Howard, who the acquired from Chicago in the offseason. If the Eagles can avoid more injuries and perform the way their capable of, look out for a winning run that leads them directly into the arms of Dallas in a huge Week 7 matchup.
NEXT 3 GAMES:
vs. Jets (0-3), @ Vikings (2-2), @ Cowboys (3-1)
3) New York Giants (2-2)
What was a once-dead season is now very much alive as the Giants find themselves 1.5 games back of the NFC East lead. Ever since switching to Daniel Jones, the Giants are 2-0, constantly improving on both sides of the ball.
The Giants need to work on limiting turnovers and developing the defense, but if both those things get done the Giants have a real shot to be playing meaningful football for the rest of the season.
NEXT 3 GAMES:
vs. Vikings (2-2), @ Patriots (4-0), vs. Cards (0-3-1)
4) Washington Redskins (0-4)
After a beatdown by the Giants and an 0-4 start, the Redskins season is pretty much over. Despite Dwayne Haskins taking over before halftime, the Redskins offense still couldn’t score a single touchdown in Week 4 in New York.
The Redskins goal for the rest of the year should be to give Haskins in-game experience with the remaining 12 games, seeing if he develops into a franchise quarterback as he gains control of the offense. Haskins will get thrown right into the fire next week against an undefeated Patriots team.
NEXT 3 GAMES:
vs. Patriots (4-0), @ Dolphins (0-4), vs. 49ers (3-0)
PROJECTIONS FOR THE NEXT 3 GAMES
With each team having a relatively challenging schedule, the NFC East should be a race to the finish between the Cowboys, Eagles, and Giants. If I had to predict the standings after the next 3 games, it’d look something like this:
1. Eagles (5-2), 2. Cowboys (5-2), 3. Giants (4-3), 4. Redskins (1-6)
(?: Inside The Star)
