Who Will be the Beast of the East?

Hey all, I know it's been awhile since my last post but I've been under the weather and haven't felt up to writing anything. But I do want to invite you all to check out my friend Steve Pugh's website compughterratings.com where I am also currently posting blog entries covering major issues in the NFL. To go directly to my blog go to compughterratingsnfl.blogspot.com. I'll give you guys a sneak peak with my most recent post.

Well I think Brett Favre answered any critics and doubters (including me) after his four touchdown, no interception performance in Lambeau. Not only did he get his redemption, he has all but secured an NFC North title, given the Vikings a good chance for home field advantage and is one of the top MVP candidates. But the Packers fans still should be able to see that the organization made the right decision with Aaron Rodgers who had a great game and leads the NFL in passer rating. The only worry is whether he'll be able to stand on his own two feet after this season with all the hits he's taken.

But let's move on and talk about the NFC East

Just three weeks ago it looked as if we wouldn't have any question as to who would win this division. The 5-0 Giants didn't just look like the best team in the division...they appeared to be the class of the league. The Eagles were 3-1 at this point but hadn't beat anyone. The Cowboys were in crisis mode after losing in Denver and barely escaping Kansas City. But this is the NFL you know and NFL stands for Not For Long.

After three consecutive losses, it's the Giants who are now in crisis mode. In the three losses, the Giants have been outscored 112-61, with their secondary being absolutely torched. The once flawless Eli has thrown 6 INTs over this span and has many questioning whether the planter fasciitis in his foot is affecting his play. After an alarming loss to Oakland, the Eagles have rebounded with two good wins, including the 40-17 trouncing of the G-men last week. Donovan McNabb finally has the weaponry around him to dominate opposing defenses and DeSean Jackson is maybe the most dangerous player in the NFL. And now Tony Romo and the Cowboys are beginning to roll with their third consecutive win to tie Philly for the division lead as the two get ready to face each other Sunday night. The Giants...well they are in third place now and have a tough upcoming matchup with the Chargers. How quickly things have changed.

So things should be very interesting in the division that has been the most competitive in football over the past few years. Of course everyone wants to grill the Giants right now. In a "what have you done for me lately" league, three straight losses results in immense criticism and panic among the team's fans. But I'm not writing off the Giants just yet. Yes they have played poorly on both sides of the ball the past few weeks. They've given up too many big plays and don't seem to be getting as much pressure from their front four as they used to. But the injuries of Aaron Ross and Michael Boley have really handcuffed the Giants. The loss of Ross has especially hurt against three of the best passing teams in the league (New Orleans, Arizona, Philadelphia). But Boley should be back this week and Ross after next week's bye so the defense should be close to full strength.

As far as the offensive side is concerned, Eli always has these stretches of games where he's turnover-prone. I don't believe it's because of his foot injury. The Giants have fallen way behind early in two of the past three games (Philly, New Orleans), forcing the Giants to abandon the run. Not to mention the fact that in these two games, Eli had to deal with very smart, ball-hawking defenses as well as hostile crowds. I'm not trying to make excuses for Eli. He usually does well in these situations, But when things start going against him, they sometimes have a snowball effect and make him look really bad in certain games. I expect him to rebound at home against the Chargers and the Giants will still make the playoffs.

I really like the way the Eagles are playing right now and think they'll continue their success on offense. It's such a weapon when a team has the ability to score from anywhere on the field like the Eagles can. Jackson and rookie Jeremy Maclin are probably the most explosive duo of wideouts in the league. My only concern is that Andy Reid will be too pass happy (as he always is) and when he faces strong secondaries he'll stray away from the run too much. If this happens, those big plays could turn into turnovers. The Eagles need to prove that they can run the ball and not be so reliant on big plays to win games. Running the ball is the best way to protect leads anyway. But I like this Eagles team which has a great defense and special teams as well. They have a very good mix of experience and youth. I think it's between them and the Giants for the division title.

Then there's the Cowboys, who have flown under the radar the past couple weeks with impressive wins over the Falcons and Seahawks. All of a sudden the spotlight is back on them as they fight for the division lead with the Eagles this week. And there's even more media attention to America's team after Roy Williams makes some bone-headed comments about how the passes intended for him are always off target. He's just jealous of Miles Austin's success and realizes he isn't the #1 receiver anymore. But we know how Dallas usually does when they get the world's attention...they fold. I think it starts in Philly this week. Dallas is a team that is susceptible to the big play. I think down the stretch of this season, the team's lack of discipline and poor coaching will cost them a shot at winning the East. But I won't count them out of a wildcard spot. The NFC East has put three teams in the playoffs  two of the past three years. The two other teams with the best chance at a wildcard spot are Atlanta and Green Bay. But Dallas has already beat Atlanta and has a matchup with Green Bay next week in Lambeau. If they win that one they'd have the tiebreaker over the two and a good shot at stealing a wildcard spot.

It should be a showdown between the Giants and Eagles in this division race. Both have played all their easy games early on and have extremely tough remaining schedules. I like the Giants to squeak  it out for a few reasons. I think they will get revenge at home over Philly in Week 14 when their defense will be healthier. With Dallas coming to the Meadowlands and a road game against the pathetic Skins, the Giants should sweep the remainder of their divisional  schedule. And I think the Giants' ability to run the ball (if they stick with it) will give them the edge over Philly.

So despite what you've seen in recent weeks, don't count the Giants out. You know what NFL stands for.