New York Giants
-
The Giants were handed their fourth straight defeat on Sunday, and are now 0-4 for the first time since 1987. The convincing 31-7 loss to the Chiefs entailed every struggle the Giants had displayed in the first three games, including not converting key third downs, giving up big plays on special teams and turning the ball over three times.
- After the game, wide receiver Victor Cruz questioned Tom Coughlin's decision to punt on fourth-and-inches from the team's 30 yard line with the Giants trailing 10-7 in the third quarter. The ensuing punt was returned for a touchdown by Dexter McCluster and the game unraveled from there. Justin Tuck has since defended Coughlin by saying "if anyone turns on coach, I would be the first one to punch him in the mouth. And put that in print. It better not happen, I know that." However, Cruz questioning Coughlin's decision doesn't necessarily mean he is "turning" on his coach.
- The silver lining, and just about the only silver lining to the Giants' horrid start is that they are just 0-1 in the NFC East and two games behind the first-place Cowboys. There is still plenty of time for them to turn it around, but whether they can or will is an entirely different subject.
Philadelphia Eagles (by: Sean Patterson)
- The Eagles lost to the Broncos 52-20, and played horribly in all aspects of the game. They gave up two special teams touchdowns, had eight penalties for 62 yards, and were 8-for-16 on third downs. Peyton Manning is tearing teams apart lately and the Eagles defense was just his latest victim. The Broncos also sacked Michael Vick three times.
- Bleeding Green Nation evaluates the Eagles players' performances against the Broncos. They look at the individual player grades from Pro Football Focus. As expected, the grades for the players are not great, especially on defense.
- Eagles fans may want some players to be benched, but do not expect Chip Kelly to bench any players performing poorly. Coach Kelly spoke about how many of the 46 players that were active for the Eagles on Sunday did in fact play against the Broncos. Do not expect any lineup changes for the Eagles anytime soon.
Dallas Cowboys (by: Mike Harar)
- In a game in which the Cowboys led 21-13 at halftime, they had no answer for Phillip Rivers and the Chargers in the second half and lost 30-21. Rivers threw for 401 yards and three touchdowns and Antonio Gates had 10 catches for 136 yards and a touchdown. Dallas linebacker Sean Lee, who had 15 solo tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown in the first half, said "they are a great offensive football team," and "they made some big plays in the second half that hurt us."
- Following the game, there were questions raised as to whether starting weak-side linebacker Bruce Carter had been benched, as he did not play for most of the second half. Backup Ernie Sims came in for him early in the third quarter and Carter did not see the field again until late in the fourth quarter. Carter had given up touchdowns to Antonio Gates and Danny Woodhead before he was replaced. Coach Jason Garrett would not say that he had been benched, but did say he "was in and out throughout the game" and not injured.
- Defensive end DeMarcus Ware left the game with a back strain, but returned shortly after. Ware finished with only two tackles and was frustrated throughout the day by the Chargers' short passing attack. Cornerback Morris Claiborne continued to play with a sore shoulder and struggled in coverage. Claiborne stated "Any time you give up that many catches, it's a hard day." Wide receiver Miles Austin also sat out due to a hamstring injury.