With the benefit of a divisional game between the Cowboys and Giants, the NFC East picked up its fourth win of the season in Week 5, a number that is still half as many as the next worst division, the AFC East. Every other division in the NFC has at least nine wins, so the NFC East is off the pace in a pretty dramatic way. Still, somebody has to win this thing, so here's the state of things after Week 5.
Dallas Cowboys (2-3)
The Cowboys had the benefit of playing the Giants in Week 5 and were able to take advantage with a 37-34 victory. At this point, any team in the division will take any win it can get, but this victory was far from encouraging for Dallas.
The Cowboys trailed 14-3, they allowed 34 points to one of the worst offenses in the league, and the win required a pair of field goals in the last two minutes, including the game-winner as time expired. Oh, and the Cowboys lost starting quarterback Dak Prescott to a terrible ankle injury. Sure, a win is a win, and this one catapulted the Cowboys to the top of the division standings, but there wasn't anything particularly encouraging about it nor did it do anything to signal the team had turned a corner.
Next: Cardinals
Philadelphia Eagles (1-3-1)
The Eagles were unable to build on Week 4's win against the 49ers, suffering a frustrating day in Pittsburgh. The Birds showed some great resiliency and had their chances to win the game, but were unable to get over the hump. The defense had a terrible day, led, once again, by Nate Gerry, and the team was haunted by its inability to get off the field on 3rd down. Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz was once again ineffective at making adjustments or using his personnel correctly and a 29-point showing from the offense was wasted. There were some encouraging signs from the team, but there is no time left for moral victories after the poor showings in the first three weeks of the season. The good news is the struggles in the rest of the division will keep the Eagles in contention. The bad news is that things don't get any easier in Week 6 with a visit from the Ravens looming, and the team's margin for error continues to rapidly shrink.
Next: Ravens
Washington Football Team (1-4)
Washington was beaten soundly by the Rams, 30-10. The team benched Dwayne Haskins prior to the game, his replacement Kyle Allen was injured in the game, and Washington was forced to turn to Alex Smith, who saw the field for the first time since his gruesome injury that almost cost him his leg. Smith proceded to be sacked six times, not something you want to see for a guy in his position. Still, Smith's perseverance and return to the field will likely end up being the most positive story for the team all season. Meanwhile, the Eagles loss to Washington grows more frustrating each time we watch Washington play.
Next: @Giants
New York Giants (0-5)
Look, the Giants stink. When Saquon Barkley went down, so too did the team's hopes of any significant impact in the win column, a hope that was already low to begin with. They had a golden opportunity to steal a win from the Cowboys and they messed it up. Despite scoring 34 points, the offense was not good. Daniel Jones threw for just 222 yards and no touchdowns. The Giants rushed for 89 yards. One touchdown was produced by the defense, and one on a run by their tight end. 14 of the points came off the foot of kicker Graham Gano. Week 5 was another letdown for the Giants and a missed opportunity.
Next: Washington Football Team
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