Fansided

2019 NFL power rankings, Week 2: Ravens roll, Eagles rally

By Russell S. Baxter

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 08: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins attempts a pass in the first quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium on September 8, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 08: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins attempts a pass in the first quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium on September 8, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 16
Next
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants carries the ball in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at AT&T Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants carries the ball in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at AT&T Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Previous: . New York Giants. 28. team. 31. . 0-1

Recap: For the sixth time in eight seasons dating back to 2012, the Giants clashed with their NFC East rivals from the Lone Star State. And things got off to a tremendous start when second-year running back Saquon Barkley ripped off a 59-yard run the first time he touched the ball. Pat Shurmur’s club owned a 7-0 lead thanks to a seven-play, 91-yard drive. But it was all Cowboys after that as the much-maligned Giants’ defense was pushed around to the tune of 494 yards and five touchdowns. James Bettcher’s unit failed to force a turnover and did not come up with a sack as the Dallas’ offensive line was the dominant factor. Tight end Evan Engram had a big afternoon.

Next Week: Shurmur’s squad heads home and hosts the Buffalo Bills for the first time since 2011. New York has won three consecutive meetings in this series dating back to 2007, including a 24-10 victory four years ago at Orchard Park. As for the teams’ last meeting at MetLife Stadium, Big Blue came away with a 27-24 win in ’11.

Playoff hopes: Since reaching the postseason in 2016 with an 11-5 mark, this franchise owns a dismal 8-25 win-loss record. That includes a 2-11 record within the division, five of those losses to the Cowboys. If Shurmur and the Giants have any playoff aspirations, learning how to beat the teams in the NFC East needs to be the first priority.

Recap: Journeyman Case Keenum became the Redskins’ fifth different starting quarterback in their last eight games dating back to Week 11 of 2018 as the team looked to snap a four-game losing streak to the Eagles. And with the help of tight end Vernon Davis and rookie wideout Terry McLaurin, Washington jumped out to a stunning 17-0 lead at Philadelphia. But with roughly five minutes left in the third quarter, the ‘Skins had squandered their advantage. Keenum would throw for 380 yards and his third touchdown with six seconds to play made the final score respectable. Washington’s ground attack, minus Adrian Peterson, managed only 28 yards on 12 attempts.

Next Week: It’s a second straight divisional contest as the Redskins host the rival Cowboys and look to knock off their longtime NFC East adversaries for the second straight year at FedExField. In Week 7 of 2018, Gruden’s team held off Dallas, 20-17. Despite the victory, Washington owns a 1-5 record in this storied series dating back to 2016.

Playoff hopes: The ‘Skins have now dropped five straight to the Eagles and are just 3-10 vs. NFC East rivals dating back to 2017. That’s no way to make your way up the standings. Gruden’s team had a chance to steal a road win and couldn’t close the deal. And Washington’s defensive unit couldn’t get the job done in the second half.

Next: Nos. 26 and 25

Home/NFL Power Rankings