So I understand that this column is supposed to be about the NFC East, and trust me, it’s not often that I find much pleasure watching NFL games that involve teams outside the division. But this past weekend, it dawned on me that we are in the middle of one of the most interesting NFL seasons in years. In fact, I don’t think anyone’s Super Bowl predictions can be taken seriously at this point – even Chris Berman’s 49ers and Bills.
This past weekend we witnessed a virtual reenactment of the greatest Super Bowl of all-time, with Eli Manning piecing together another spectacular game winning TD drive vs. New England, and much of the country took note - with the game scoring an 18.6 overnight rating. Less than two hours later, we got to experience the NFL’s fiercest rivalry’s latest edition, with Baltimore topping Pittsburgh on a late-game scoring drive led by QB Joe Flacco. Then on Monday Night Football, the Chicago Bears knocked off the virtual-consensus preseason Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles. If the “Dream Team’s” 3-5 record doesn’t prove the sheer unpredictability of today’s NFL, just ask Jimmy Johnson – his record is worse than comedian Frank Caliendo’s on FOX NFL Sunday.
With that being said, the Packers are still undefeated, yet they’re nowhere near locking up the NFC North. In fact, former Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said the Packers are “vulnerable,” especially in the playoffs, citing their sketchy pass defense. At this point, the only safe bet is that the San Francisco 49ers will win the NFC West. Sure the Niners have had an easy schedule so far, but come on, they have virtually no competition in their division.
In the rest of the league, three divisions boast three-way ties for the division lead (the AFC East, AFC North, and AFC West), and the other four divisions are still wide open. I’d make predictions, but I’d have about as good of a shot as the children who were in The NFL Today’s Halloween skit two weeks ago.
As far as the NFC East is concerned, the Giants are clearly in control. With a two game lead over Dallas, Philadelphia fading fast, and Washington desperately trying to get a ticket for the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, the G-Men are in the prime position to shine. The problem? They’ve been here before, and just ask their fans – it typically doesn’t end well. This year is different, however. New York began the year with the injury bug and their players are starting to heal, Eli Manning is playing the best football of his life, and this team has proven again and again that everyone is capable of stepping up and making that clutch play.
But, don’t get too confident, Giants’ fans – the season is barely halfway over, and New York has a tough road ahead. This week they’re at San Francisco (yes, the 7-1, NFC West leading 49ers), then they’re back at home to take on Philadelphia (who they beat for the first time in years back in September), before heading to New Orleans to take on the Saints (6-3), and finally returning home for the undefeated Green Bay Packers. Oh, and don’t forget – the Giants also have two games vs. Dallas in the final four weeks of the season. Happy Holidays.
Speaking of the Cowboys, don’t count them out either. I mean seriously, Jerry Jones isn’t going to put up with this losing crap for much longer. Without a winning season, a playoff berth, and a playoff win, heads are going to roll - starting with head coach Jason Garrett and quarterback Tony Romo. But don’t blame these guys, they aren’t the ones who injure Felix Jones and Miles Austin every third game. In fact, the scariest thing about the Cowboys is that they might have a worse case of the injury bug than the Giants. If they can find the antidote, it’ll be a heck of a finish in the NFC East – and who knows, maybe Jones won’t have to rely on college games to fill “Jerry World” to capacity.
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