2019 NFL power rankings, Week 7: 49ers jump, Cowboys slump
3-3. Previous: . Philadelphia Eagles. 18. team. 54.
Recap: The Eagles were in Minnesota for the second time in three years, only this time around it would be to face the Vikings and not the Patriots in the Super Bowl. And Philadelphia’s much-maligned pass defense had no answers for Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins and most notably wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The Birds didn’t mount much of a pass rush and wound up sacking the Vikings’ signal-caller only once as he riddled the Eagles for 333 yards and four scores. Perhaps even more concerning for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was the fact that the NFL’s top-ranked run defense entering Week 6 allowed 122 yards on the ground. Carson Wentz had his moments in the loss.
Next Week: The Birds head to the Lone Star State looking to avenge last year’s two losses to the rival Dallas Cowboys. A year ago, the Birds were in swept in this always-entertaining series for the first time since 2012. But it’s also worth noting that despite an overtime road loss last season, the Eagles are 6-3 at Dallas since 2010.
Playoff hopes: For the second straight week, the Philadelphia offense appeared sporadic. The Birds rang up their share of yards against Minnesota’s heralded defense but wound up reaching the end zone just twice. But the saving grace on Sunday was the fact that the rival Cowboys lost again. Suddenly the NFC East is very muddled.
Oakland Raiders. 17. team. 28. . 3-2. Previous:
Recap: Give credit it where it’s due. After being humbled by the Chiefs and Vikings on consecutive Sundays, Jon Gruden’s club responded with tough victories over the Colts and Bears – both of those wins coming away from the friendly confines of Oakland. Rookie running back Josh Jacobs has already racked up 430 yards and four scores via the ground, a positive sign for a Raiders’ team that finished 25th in the NFL in rushing in each of the previous two years. Gruden’s defense is still looking for a consistent pass rush but the unit overall has played better, especially against the run. Now if quarterback Derek Carr, with five turnovers in as many outings, can avoid the miscues.
Next Week: Gruden’s team will be back in Week 7 and will make the trip to Lambeau Field for the first time since 2011 and will face a Packers’ team coming off a short week. But has been quite some time since the Raiders tasted success in the series. The Silver and Black has dropped seven consecutive games to Green Bay dating back to 1990.
Playoff hopes: Considering the drama of the month leading up to the start of the regular season and you may be hard-pressed to find a lot of people believing that the Raiders would be above .500 after five games. The offense may be just starting to find its groove and the Silver and Black is one win away from matching its 2018 victory total.
Next: Nos. 16 and 15