Two things stand out when observing the NFC East thus far in regards to the Redskins: 1) The Skins are the only undefeated team, and 2) The Skins are by far the healthiest team in the division. It was certainly an eventful weekend for our rivals, so let’s take you around the division.
Dallas Cowboys: The Pokes were down by fourteen points at one point to the 49ers but came back for a 27-24 overtime victory. You would think that the "W" would be the primary headline, but it was more about what the Cowboys lost in this game than their collective win. Miles Austin will definitely miss the upcoming Monday night showdown with the Skins with a hamstring issue. Felix Jones was also banged up, but the Cowboys said they were "optimistic" about his return for Monday. Furthermore Tony Romo played the second half with a collapsed lung and his status is yet unknown. I’m not a doctor, but the outlook does not sound great for Romo in regards to Monday night. If he is unable to go then it’ll be Jon Kitna at the helm, who went 6 for 10 Sunday with a touchdown and two interceptions.
The Cowboys offense has looked good through the air in their first two games, but their run game was limited this past weekend by the Niners. One thing that stands out, is the fact a sputtering 49ers offense was able to put up 24 points on Rob Ryan's defense. Though Alex Smith and Frank Gore were limited in Sunday's matchup, the Redskins need to come out with a balanced air and ground attack to come out victorious on Monday. The Cowboys primary weakness is still their secondary.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles went into a hostile environment in the Georgia Dome this past Sunday night and fell to the Falcons 35-31, despite having a two score lead going into the 4th quarter. Michael Vick was knocked out of the game with a concussion and replaced by Mike Kafka who went seven for nine with 72 yards. The Eagles were shred by Michael Turner, 114 yards on 21 carries, and tight end Tony Gonzalez who had seven catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Jeremy Maclin lead the Eagles offensively with 13 catches for 181 yards and two touchdowns.
This week the Eagles will host the Giants in a divisional clash. So far the Eagles have been through two VERY physical games and Michael Vick's status for Week 3 is up in the air. This should be another tough divisional battle and it will tell us a lot about where both teams are at this point in the season.
New York Giants: The Giants were able to beat a bruised and battered Rams team on Monday Night Football this past week 28-16. With an injury to Steven Jackson the Rams were forced to throw the ball 46 times and the Giants held Sam Bradford to just a 48% completion percentage. They were also able to hold Rams running backs to just 44 yards on the ground. Eli Manning passed for 200 yards and was able to get the ball to eight different receivers, including touchdown passes to Hakeem Nicks and Domenik Hixon. Justin Tuck looked good in his debut registering four solo tackles and one and a half sacks