Analyzing All Four NFC East Teams After Three Games
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- These guys ain't so bad.
Many thought it was going to be the worst division in the NFL, but the NFC East actually looks like it may be better than we thought. Let's take a look.
1. Philadelphia Eagles, 3-0
The Eagles are a good team, we knew that much heading into the season, but they may be an elite team. Despite the loss of three out of their five starting offensive lineman, inconsistent quarterback play, erratic wide receiver play, and a struggling LeSean McCoy, the Eagles have the 6th ranked offense and their 33.7 points per game average is second best in the NFL.
Additionally, they've found ways to win games maybe they shouldn't have. In each of their first three games, the Eagles rallied from double-digit deficits to start 3-0, becoming the first NFL team ever to accomplish such a feat.
Strengths: Offense, coaching, special teams
Weaknesses: Pass rush, offensive line injuries
2. Dallas Cowboys, 2-1
After losing their opener at home 28-17 against the 49ers, Dallas has won two straight, albeit against two below average teams in the Titans and Rams. However, the Cowboys have philosophically changed their approach this season, so far, which is paying dividends. A team that is usually known for its high-octane passing attack is currently the second-heaviest run team in the NFL and is third in rushing yards per game (156.7).
Keeping the ball on the ground keeps the clocking moving, which in turn, keeps their putrid defense off the field.
Strengths: Offense
Weaknesses: Defense, coaching
3. Washington Redskins, 1-2
Robert Griffin III goes down and Kirk Cousins has this offense flying. The Skins are the second, yes second, ranked offense in the NFL and they're 5th in points per game with 27. Alfred Morris and Roy Helu in the backfield, Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson on the outside, Niles Paul with Jordan Reed eventually returning from injury at tight end, and there are weapons galore for Cousins to play with.
Defensively, Washington has been surprisingly impressive up front, but lack-luster in the secondary. The Skins have the 4th ranked defense and their front seven looks like one of the best in all football with Brian Orakpo, Jason Hatcher, and Ryan Kerrigan. The Redskins are tied for the most sacks in the NFL with 10.
In three games they have given up 654 passing yards to only 194 rushing yards.
Strengths: Passing offense, defensive front
Weaknesses: Secondary
4. New York Giants, 1-2
After two straight ugly losses, the Giants got a nice 30-17 win at home against the Texans on Sunday. Their losses came at Detroit and vs. the Cardinals, two of the top defensive fronts in the league, so they don't look that bad all of the sudden.
On offense, the Giants may have found some new toys in RB Rashad Jennings and TE Larry Donnell. Jennings' 286 rushing yards is third best in the NFL, while Donnell leads the team in receptions (18) and targets (23). Also, rookie WR Odell Beckham Jr. has been hurt, but could possibly make his NFL debut in week 5.
Eli Manning, after struggling in the first two games, is coming off his best performance of the season where he completed 75-percent of his passes without throwing an interception for this first time in three games.
The Giants defense is certainly not fantastic, but it's not atrocious either. With playmakers like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Antrel Rolle in the secondary, who each have a pick already, the Giants defense can be dangerous in the right situations.
Strengths: Rushing game, takeaways
Weakness: Turnovers, defensive front
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