What an eventful nine weeks it has been in the NFC East. Trying to make sense of the division is a daunting task. It’s has been a roller coaster ride of exceeding expectations, disappointment, redemption, confusion and whatever is going on over in Washington. In a division full of ego and history it was bound to unfold with drama and intrigue.
A season that began with Eli Manning proclaiming himself a Top 5 quarterback with the likes of Tom Brady and of course his brother. Then there was the lovely dispute between the Giants and their disgruntled running back Brandon Jacobs. What better way to start a season than your QB putting himself under the microscope and half of your dynamic running back tandem wanting out of town.
Move along to Philadelphia, everyone’s pre-season favorite to come out of the East. And you have Vince Young, newly entrenched in his role as the Eagles back-up quarterback, pro-claiming the Eagles the “Dream Team” of the NFL. (Good call VY, what everyone wants to hear from the back-up, worked well for the Heat too.) Of course the media ate it up, and for the most part all agreed and penciled them in for a deep playoff run.
Down in Dallas the Cowboys were doing what the Cowboys do. Looking great on paper while basking in the glow from their triumphant playoff win over Philadelphia… two years ago. See last year didn’t really count in the eyes of the Boys and their fans since Mr. Romo only started six games. So they were right back where they were heading into 2010. The Star would again rise and fall as would the hopes and dreams of a nation with Tony Romo.
Then there was the heated debate encompassing a nation over in Washington Redskins land. In what has to be considered the worst QB controversy since Brady Quinn-Derek Anderson, head coach Mike Shanahan couldn’t make up his mind in what I can only image is an offensive coordinators worst nightmare that is choosing between Rex Grossman and John Beck.
Now nine weeks in the playoff picture in the NFC East is beginning to clear up… a bit, just not how many expected. The East is arguably the best division in the NFC, yet as it stands today only one team, the New York Giants would make the playoffs. Still, with eight games to go including more than half of the division schedule a lot can change with these four teams and probably will.
Here is how the NFC East looks moving forward.
New York Giants: 6-2 overall, 1-1 in Division; 4-1 in their last 5
If not for Aaron Rodgers Eli Manning would be sitting atop many of the mid-season MVP ballots. Off to his best statistical season in years Eli has cut down on his interceptions and for now at least, silenced his critics. At the mid way point he is completing over 60% of his passes and his touch down to interception ratio of 15-6 is a vast improvement over 2010.
New York manned up on Sunday and put a stranglehold on the division. Eli Manning worked over the New England secondary with his best target, Hakeem Nicks, on the sideline. Victor Cruz is turning into a household name, and Brandon Jacobs is seemingly at peace in his new role. The only obstacle remaining for the G-Men is two remaining games with Dallas.
Dallas Cowboys: Record 4-4 overall, 1-1 in Division; 2-3 in their last 5
Tony Romo as always is going to determine what the Cowboys are doing in January. Working on their short game or preparing for the playoffs. Fair or not his Jekyll & Hyde style of play is what has them where they are. The weapons are in place to make a run whether or not Romo utilizes them to their fullest remains to be seen.
At 4-4 at two games behind New York with two head to head games left, the Cowboys are the only real threat to New York in the division. Dallas has not exactly set the world on fire. Three of their four wins have come against the Rams, Redskins and Seahawks.
Philadelphia Eagles: Record 3-5 overall, 1-1 in Division; 2-3 in their last 5
While Michael Vick may be the face of the team, LeSean McCoy is what makes them tick… or at least he needs to be. With Vick having already surpassed his interception total from last season, head coach Andy Reid needs to realize the offense runs though McCoy not Vick. McCoy leads the NFL is rushing and is third in total yardage. If the Eagles have any chance to get back into the playoff picture it starts and ends with McCoy.
As for the impossible-to-pass-on-so-don’t-bother-even-trying-defense…whoops. Reputation only carries you so far, and while it carried Nnamdi Asomugha out of Oakland, it is not exactly inspiring fear in opponents this season. It is in his and the Eagles best interests to remember this sooner rather than later otherwise this “Dream Team” will finish out the season just like the one in Miami… with no ring.
Washington Redskins: Record 3-5 overall, 1-2 in Division; 1-4 in their last 5
We’re scratching our heads too, Mike. Mike Shanahan got them into this mess and Mike Shanahan needs to be the one to get them out. With both Colin Kaepernick and Andy Dalton still on the board when the Redskins picked at 16 he elected to go with what was on his roster.
Granted injuries to Tim Hightower and Ryan Torain have contributed to their 3-5 record Washington has done what many expected this season. At this point the Redskins are nothing more than potential spoilers with one game remaining against each team in the division.
