Dive into the NFC East teams after their Week 4 performance
Written by: Pat Pryor & Joseph Mooney
Twitter: @Full_MOONey25
Between the quarterback controversy, the early season match ups, and a ton of injuries the NFC East has provided a lot of entertainment throughout a quarter of the season. Currently, the Cowboys look atop of the division 3-1 (2-0 in the NFC East), Dak is putting out a strong MVP push and is setting the bar high as he looks for a contract extension this upcoming off-season. The Redskins and Giants will be lean on the 2019 1st round picks, D’Wayne Haskins and Daniel Jones, to lead them to success this year. Daniel Jones has looked sharp going 2-0 in his 2 game, while Haskins threw 4 interceptions in relief of Case Keenum in his first NFL game. Leaving the Eagles a peaceful Sunday after getting an incredible victory against the Packers in Green Bay on Thursday night.
Dallas Cowboys:
Week 4: L 12-10 @ New Orleans Saints
Sunday night ended the Cowboys dream of a perfect 16-0 undefeated regular season. The Cowboys lost 12-10 to the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome without Drew Brees. The biggest takeaways from their Week 4 performance:
Their defense, who allowed only 6 points in their Week 3 match up against the Miami Dolphins, held a lethal Saints offense to 12 points, 266 total yards and forced an interception. The aggressive defense also added 5 sacks to the table.
On the other hand, their offense struggled tremendously. Zeke couldn’t seem to break the line of scrimmage and Dak couldn’t find any open receivers thanks to the hungry New Orleans secondary. Dak passed for 233 completing 22 of his passes and throwing an interception. While Elliot, looking to rush for another consecutive 100 yard game, only rushed for 35 and fumbled despite still founding the end zone.
Dak can’t be blamed for the turnovers but blame him for the lack of success that the offense had all night. Dak and the young receivers couldn’t find the same page all night. Dak forced the ball downfield to Cooper on their last possession even though four Saint defenders covered him.
The question surrounding Dallas this morning, is whether the early success was because of the easy scheduling (Giants, Redskins, Dolphins combine for 2 wins) or are the Cowboys, a true contender?
Next up the Cowboys look to host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. I expect the Cowboys’ offense to move the ball better against the Packer but fall short and end up 3-2 on the season.
Game Prediction: L 34-30 vs Green Bay Packers
Philadelphia Eagles:
Week 4: W 34-27 @ Green Bay Packers
Despite giving up over 420 passing yards to Aaron Rodgers, the defense stepped up late picking off Rodgers in the end zone with 20 seconds left. The Eagles left Green Bay on Thursday night ending a 2 game losing streak and a season changing win. Here’s a few takeaways from the game:
Jordan Howard is slowly emerging as the feature back. Howard gashed the Packers defense for a career night, scoring 3 touchdowns. He finished the game with 87 rushing yards on 15 carries and 2 rushing touchdowns, while recording 1 in the air as well.
Carson Wentz had his big moment game. Although he only threw the ball for 160 yards, Wentz completely controlled the game from start to finish. He threw 3 passing touches, was 5 out of 9 on 3rd downs, committed 0 turnovers, and carried his team to a win despite all the injuries this team has overcome in a short week. I believe other than the Rams game we’re Wentz got hurt, this was his best Philadelphia Eagles performance all time.
The offensive line completely controlled the line of scrimmage. Carson Wentz was not sacked on Thursday night until the past 2 weeks when Wentz was sacked a total of 6 times. The running backs combined for over 170 yards on the ground, thanks to the holes created by the offense line. The Eagles easily won the battle in the trenches on Thursday night.
Zach Ertz lead the team in catches with 7 for 65 yards while wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who missed the previous 2 games, had 3 catches for 38 yards and a touchdown.
Up next for the Eagles they host the depleted New York Jets (0-3). I expect the Eagles to use this moment and the full week of preparation to blow out the Jets at home. Let’s see if Pederson continues to use the rushing attack or switch the air attack.
Game Prediction: W 32-14 vs New York Jets
New York Giants
Week 4: W 24-3 vs Washington Redskins
Nobody expected the Giants to be a .500 a quarter of the way through the season. Almost every analyst had them 1-3 or 0-4. Saquon Barkley is out, but Danny “Dimes” Jones is absolutely going off. Dave Gettleman is on the highest possible horse right now, as when he took Daniel Jones, it was one of the most criticized moves of the draft. His other options, Drew Lock and Dwayne Haskins, aren’t looking good. Lock is on IR, and in Haskin’s only game he threw 3 interceptions and 107 yards with no touchdowns. Here’s what we learned on Sunday.
Daniel Jones didn’t have his best game. Everyone remembers his first preseason game where he tore up the Jets. During his first regular season start, he played the Buccaneers close, tossing two touchdowns, and winning. In last Sunday's blowout against division rival Washington Redskins, he threw 1 touchdown but 2 interceptions. Despite this, Giants fans still have faith. It's completely normal for a rookie QB to step back. As long as he steps up against a tough Vikings defense, there shouldn’t be talks of Jones being a bust in New York.
The defense isn’t bad. Before last week, they let up at least 28 points in each game. Against the Redskins however, they held them to a field goal, and hauled in four interceptions. They’ll be facing a Vikings team that could only muster one rushing touchdown last week.
Saquon Barkley is looking to come back sooner than his original timetable, and it’s needed. The Vikings haven’t let up more than 16 points, and Daniel Jones won’t have much support from the run game, as Wayne Gallman only had 63 rushing yards on 18 attempts. Daniel Jones has 10 attempts, 66 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite needing Saquon, the Giants will survive without him for the time needed.
Pat Shurmur is looking at keeping his job. Despite 2 interceptions, last week was a dominant win. With many people saying Pat Shurmur is coaching for his job, he’s doing it well. Some said a losing season would put him out of work, there’s a good chance he won’t have to face that possibility.
Up next for the New York Giants look to host Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. This will be Daniel Jones first real test of his short career. The Vikings present an active and aggressive defensive front with an experienced secondary. Look for Cousins to air the ball out against a weak Giants secondary.
Game Prediction: L 13-28 vs Minnesota Vikings
Washington Redskins
Week 4: L 3-24 @ New York Giants
Not much has gone well for the Redskins in the early stages of the season. The team is now 0-4 with 3 of those losses against division opponents. Is head coach Jay Gruden on the hot seat yet? We saw the first look at rookie quarterback D’Wayne Haskins on Sunday after Case Keenum left the game in the 2nd quarter with a right foot injury. Haskins threw 3 interceptions and looked lost out their against the Giants. It may be early but looks as though the Redskins season has ended early.
“Better days are ahead” a quote from rookie quarterback D’Wayne Haskins after the rough loss on his first debut. Haskins, who originally didn’t expect to play, replaced Keenum in the 2nd quarter following his foot injury. Haskins threw for 107 yards with 3 interceptions against the Giants on Sunday. Following the game, head coach Jay Gruden made comments saying there's a question mark as to who the starting quarterback will be moving forward.
The Redskins entered the game with injuries to 4 members of their starting offense including their leading receiver Terry McLaurin. Rookie, Wes Martin saw his first NFL start as well at guard.
Quinton Dunbar recorded 2 interceptions off Daniel Jones.
Up next for the Redskins, they host the New England Patriots. I don’t expect much of a fight from the Redskins here, as they will get blown out at home.
Game Prediction: L 3-45 vs Patriots