Fansided

Cowboys roll, AFC West is best and Eagles crash

By Matt Williamson

Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 16, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Things are also really heating up in the NFC East. After an atrocious few weeks, the Giants got a much-needed win to stay competitive in this division. Odell Beckham was injured but returned to have a fantastic game while playing hurt. Beckham had the play of the game with under two minutes remaining on the decisive fourth down, taking a slant to the house.

Tavon Young had a particularly rough day in coverage. Beckham was the difference in this game and took the game over in the second half (211 yards in second half!), but the Giants warts (running game, pass rush) don’t seem to be going away. As great as Beckham is, asking him to put the team on his back every week is just too stiff of a chore. The Giants mustered only 38 rushing yards (2.2 ypc) in Week 6 and only two sacks against a Ravens’ offensive line that was missing three starters, including Marshal Yanda, although they did pressure Joe Flacco a fair amount.

Despite throwing two interceptions, Eli Manning’s play improved dramatically from his last three outings. Obviously, that is promising.

Within the division, Washington dealt the Eagles their second consecutive defeat. For Washington, the most encouraging takeaway from this game is a vastly improved offensive line. The Redskins just may have a running game, as Matt Jones ran for 135 yards on 16 carries. In total, Washington run for 230 yards on what was thought to be an excellent Eagles’ defense that was on the field far too long in Week 6. The running game has been a huge missing piece for this organization and it is a must for them to contend. Kirk Cousins by no means is able to be the lone focal point of the offense.

Still, Cousins played quite well against Philadelphia, leading several demoralizing drives even without the ultra-important Jordan Reed in the lineup. Led by Trent Williams, the Redskins’ offensive line also didn’t allow a sack against an excellent pass-rushing Philadelphia front four.

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