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| (AP Photo/Tim Sharp) |
The NFC East is typically one of the most competitive in the league, and this year, fans can expect all four teams to compete for the division crown.
Only three weeks into the season, all four teams have already had their fair share of injuries. The Giants lost CB Terrell Thomas-the team’s leading tackler in 2010-in the preseason to a torn ACL. The defensive line and secondary have been decimated and the team lost WR Steve Smith and TE Kevin Boss during free-agency.
In Dallas, half the offense is hurt. WR Dez Bryant (thigh), WR Miles Austin (hamstring), QB Tony Romo (ribs), and RB Felix Jones (shoulder) are all battling injuries.
For the Eagles, Michael Vick has been taken out of two consecutive games because of a concussion and an injury to his hand. The Redskins have had a slew of less serious injuries to worry about, but TE Chris Cooley has seen limited action.
In the end, injuries are no excuse. With that being said, here are the Week 3 NFC East Power Rankings:
1. Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
Anyone who ever doubted Tony Romo needs to take a look at this guy’s last two games. After breaking a rib and puncturing a lung in San Francisco, he came back in to lead the team to victory. Then, on Monday against Washington, he battled through snap mishaps and wide receiver woes to single-handedly put his team in scoring positions. Give Romo some weapons, and this team could be deadly.
2. New York Giants (2-1)
The Giants breathed a sigh of relief after finally beating the Eagles, and they did so in a way that showed a confident, comfortable Eli Manning throw 4 TDs against a stout Philly defense. In fact, the Giants were able to score so rapidly throughout the game that their defense was forced to stay on the field for over 36 minutes. The defense responded by forcing 3 turnovers and 2 sacks – without Osi Umenyiora. Oh, and did I mention a guy named Victor Cruz?!
3. Washington Redskins (2-1)
After opening the season with a big home win against the Giants (their first in six years) the Redskins have successfully proven that the team is still shrouded in mediocrity. In Week 2, the ‘Skins pulled off a one point victory over the hapless Arizona Cardinals, scoring a mere 22 points despite holding the ball for over 38 minutes. Monday, in Dallas, the team only mustered one TD. The Redskins need to head back to the drawing board before their 2011 season heads back down the wrong path.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (1-2)
Ah yes, Vince Young’s “Dream Team.” Well, it may only be Week 3, but the Eagles find themselves alone in the cellar of one of the league’s toughest divisions. Their defense gave up several big plays to Eli Manning and the Giants on Sunday, and their offense has yet to have one. In fact, their only win this season was against the winless St. Louis Rams. If the offensive line can’t find a way to keep Vick protected and give him a chance to make a play, this team can keep on dreaming.
Only three weeks into the season, all four teams have already had their fair share of injuries. The Giants lost CB Terrell Thomas-the team’s leading tackler in 2010-in the preseason to a torn ACL. The defensive line and secondary have been decimated and the team lost WR Steve Smith and TE Kevin Boss during free-agency.
In Dallas, half the offense is hurt. WR Dez Bryant (thigh), WR Miles Austin (hamstring), QB Tony Romo (ribs), and RB Felix Jones (shoulder) are all battling injuries.
For the Eagles, Michael Vick has been taken out of two consecutive games because of a concussion and an injury to his hand. The Redskins have had a slew of less serious injuries to worry about, but TE Chris Cooley has seen limited action.
In the end, injuries are no excuse. With that being said, here are the Week 3 NFC East Power Rankings:
1. Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
Anyone who ever doubted Tony Romo needs to take a look at this guy’s last two games. After breaking a rib and puncturing a lung in San Francisco, he came back in to lead the team to victory. Then, on Monday against Washington, he battled through snap mishaps and wide receiver woes to single-handedly put his team in scoring positions. Give Romo some weapons, and this team could be deadly.
2. New York Giants (2-1)
The Giants breathed a sigh of relief after finally beating the Eagles, and they did so in a way that showed a confident, comfortable Eli Manning throw 4 TDs against a stout Philly defense. In fact, the Giants were able to score so rapidly throughout the game that their defense was forced to stay on the field for over 36 minutes. The defense responded by forcing 3 turnovers and 2 sacks – without Osi Umenyiora. Oh, and did I mention a guy named Victor Cruz?!
3. Washington Redskins (2-1)
After opening the season with a big home win against the Giants (their first in six years) the Redskins have successfully proven that the team is still shrouded in mediocrity. In Week 2, the ‘Skins pulled off a one point victory over the hapless Arizona Cardinals, scoring a mere 22 points despite holding the ball for over 38 minutes. Monday, in Dallas, the team only mustered one TD. The Redskins need to head back to the drawing board before their 2011 season heads back down the wrong path.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (1-2)
Ah yes, Vince Young’s “Dream Team.” Well, it may only be Week 3, but the Eagles find themselves alone in the cellar of one of the league’s toughest divisions. Their defense gave up several big plays to Eli Manning and the Giants on Sunday, and their offense has yet to have one. In fact, their only win this season was against the winless St. Louis Rams. If the offensive line can’t find a way to keep Vick protected and give him a chance to make a play, this team can keep on dreaming.
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