NFC East Updated Standings Week 5: New York Giants Take Over First

By Kenneth Teape | Oct 13, 2015

For the first time this season in the NFC East, we see a new team atop the standings that isn’t the Dallas Cowboys. That is because the New York Giants have begun getting things on track, courtesy of a three-game winning streak while the Cowboys have struggled mightily without Tony Romo and Dez Bryant, losing three straight. The Philadelphia Eagles are beginning to look dangerous offensively, and the Washington Redskins are causing more problems for opposing teams than people originally thought that they would.

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The Giants have taken over the top spot in the NFC East because of a winning streak that was extended with a victory over the San Francisco 49ers in thrilling fashion on Sunday Night Football. The Giants struggled at times against the 49ers as they were missing a lot of key pieces defensively in Robert Ayers, Devon Kennard, George Selvie and Jonathan Casillas were unable to suit up. Things got tougher when Jon Beason was forced out with a concussion, but they were able to still pick up the victory.

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The biggest question marks could be offensively, where the Giants could be without Odell Beckham Jr. and Rueben Randle. Both players missed time with a hamstring injury, as Eli Manning was forced to make that game winning drive with backups and recently signed practice squad players. Beckham Jr. was able to return to the field, but Randle was not, making some concerns for the Giants this week heading into Week 6.

The Eagles were the other NFC East team to pick up a win in Week 5. Their offense is beginning to look like Chip Kelly envisioned, as the Eagles racked up 39 points and 519 total yards against the New Orleans Saints. The running game finally got going, as DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews got whatever they wanted in the running game. This game could have been even more of a blowout had Sam Bradford not thrown two interceptions deep into the Saints.

The Redskins gave the Atlanta Falcons much more than they were ready for, but ultimately came up short. The Falcons were able to pull off the NFC East sweep, but it was not easy as the Redskins went into the Georgia Dome and almost pulled off the upset. The game went into overtime, but a pick-six thrown by Kirk Cousins sealed the game for the Falcons.

Oct 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Redskins 25-19 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The defense was able to keep Matt Ryan off balance all afternoon, as he threw two interceptions and zero touchdowns. But, their normally stout run defense got destroyed by Devonta Freeman, who is having a monster breakout season. Freeman has seven touchdowns in his last three games since taking over as the starter when Tevin Coleman got hurt and looks to have the job locked up now.

The Cowboys lost their third straight game with Brandon Weeden at the helm, and this was the worst performance. Unlike the first two games he started, when they scored 28 points in the first half against the Falcons and battled with the Saints into overtime, this one was never close. The New England Patriots, coming off a bye, destroyed the Cowboys right from the start en route to a 30-6 victory.

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The Cowboys have not been able to overcome the losses of Romo and Bryant offensively as they just do not have the firepower to keep up. No one has stepped up, and the running game, outside of Joseph Randle’s first half against the Falcons, has left a lot to be desired. Without a defense to carry them, the Cowboys season has unraveled in the last three weeks.

There has been talks that Matt Cassel will take over for the Cowboys at quarterback following their Week 6 bye. It could happen, but the only thing that will help get them back on track is their players returning from injury. No matter who is under center, the talent is lacking at the skill position players with Bryant in the lineup. The loss of Lance Dunbar, their receiving back, will also hurt a lot.

In Week 6, we will see the first NFC East member on bye, as the Cowboys do not have a game this week. We will see a major matchup in the division though, as the Giants will travel to take on the Eagles in a game with major division implications. The Redskins will be traveling to a familiar face in MetLife Stadium, but to face an unfamiliar opponent in the New York Jets.

Here are the current standings for the NFC East as we head into Week 6:

New York Giants: 3-2
Dallas Cowboys: 2-3
Washington Redskins: 2-3
Philadelphia Eagles: 2-3

Next: Where Are The Giants In Our NFL Power Rankings?

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