Sep 17, 2013
(AP Photo/Tom Lynn)
Week 2: NFC East Review
Packers 38 Redskins 20
Chiefs 17 Cowboys 16
Chargers 33 Eagles 30
Broncos 41 Giants 23
Wow. Week two could not have been more disappointing for the NFC East with every team losing. Dallas and Philadelphia remain at the top of the division at 1-1 while Washington and New York will go into week three still looking for their first win. My goal is to review the NFC East games each week.
Redskins
In a carbon copy of their first game, the Redskins were mauled in the first half, and then closed the gap in the second to make the loss appear less embarrassing. Rodgers rebounded after a tough week one by posting 34/42 for 480 yards and four touchdowns. He looked awesome. James Jones, who failed to record a reception in week one went off with 11 catches for 178 yards. Rookie running back Eddie Lacy hoped to establish himself in the NFL but had to leave in the first quarter with a concussion. Similar to week one the Redskins again struggled to stop the run. James Starks, who replaced Lacy, finished with 20 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown.
It was not all bad news for the Redskins. Alfred Morris managed to record 107 yards rushing on 13 carries. Griffin threw for 320 yards on 26/40 with three touchdowns and one interception. Pierre Garcon was predictably the favorite target totaling 8 catches for 143 yards. The Redskins also finished with 4 sacks including 2 by stud linebacker Ryan Kerrigan. These numbers, along with the score, are very deceptive. The Redskins were shut out in the first half trailing 24-0 at the half. The first score did not occur until 4:05 remained in the third quarter. The outcome was never in doubt. The Packers do not have a very good secondary when full strength and are currently without starting safety Morgan Burnett. The Redskins struggles had more to do with Griffin missing targets than the defense on the field.
Washington returns home still looking for the first win against the Detroit Lions (1-1) next Sunday.
Cowboys
The Cowboys travelled to Arrowhead to face Andy Reid on Sunday. Chiefs fans had Arrowhead rocking for the home opener. After winning the toss, the Chiefs elected to receive and took the opening drive straight down the field for 7. Alex Smith showed good running ability on the opening drive rushing for 40 yards on 5 attempts. He finished with 57 yards and led all players in rushing. The game was very even and could have gone either way. At the end of the day the Chiefs prevailed 17-16 mostly because they won the turnover battle 2-0. Lance Dunbar fumbled at mid field near the end of the third quarter which resulted in a field goal for the Chiefs. On the very next Dallas drive, Tony Romo was sacked and fumbled for the second Cowboy turnover of the game. After forcing six turnovers the week before the Cowboys defense was not able to create any turnovers.
Romo finished the day 30/42 for 298 yards and one touchdown. 9 completions, 141/298 yards, and the touchdown pass went to emerging star Dez Bryant who torched the Chiefs in the first half. A large part of the reason the Chiefs prevailed in this contest was their ability to make halftime adjustments to help slow Dez. Most of the second half he received double-coverage. DeMarco Murray never really got anything going on the ground finishing with 12 runs for 25 yards. Dontari Poe had a big game recording two sacks on Romo and stuffing the run all day long. Alex Smith was not spectacular finishing 21/36 for 223 yards. Most importantly he avoided making mistakes and threw for two touchdowns; one to Jamaal Charles and one to Dwayne Bowe.
Dallas next game is at home against the St. Louis Rams (1-1) on Sunday.
Eagles
The high flying Eagles returned to action against the Chargers on Sunday. After an impressive opening game which resulted in 33 points in week one, the Eagles posted 30 in week two. Philadelphia finished the game with 511 yards of offense in a shootout. This was not good enough to win however as the Chargers finished with 539 yards of offense and won the game 33-30. If Chip Kelly wants to have a long career in the NFL he will need to fix the defensive issues plaguing the Eagles. He can start anywhere because the Eagles made about every mistake possible. Missed tackles, blown coverage, cornerbacks giving way too much space, poor play calling, and lack of adjustments to name a few.
Philip Rivers looked great finishing 36/47 for 419 yards and three touchdowns. Antonio Gates finished with 124 yards through the air. Eddie Royal caught all three touchdowns and added 90 more. Chargers fans got a scare when DeMeco Ryans vicious hit forced Malcolm Floyd to leave on a stretcher for neck injury precautions. Prognosis seems to be good according to official statements released by the Chargers. This game had an exciting fourth quarter with teams going back and forth scoring at will. Michael Vick finished 23/36 for 428 yards and three touchdowns. Desean Jackson was the go-to receiver logging an incredible 193 yards on nine catches and a touchdown.
The Eagles host the Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) in Andy Reid’s return to Philadelphia on the NFL Network Thursday night game.
Giants
One of the most hyped games of the week was the Giants-Broncos show down. The Manning bowl was close for three quarters but in the fourth Peyton’s Broncos pulled away. This was the third and most likely final game played between brothers Eli and Peyton Manning unless they meet in the Super bowl. Peyton won all three contests. Peyton finished 30/43 with 307 yards and two touchdowns. Eli in comparison was 28/49 with 362 and one touchdown. The Broncos won 41-23 after outscoring the Giants 21-7 in the final quarter. Victor Cruz led all receivers with 8 catches for 118 yards. Knowshon Moreno split carries with Montee Ball. Moreno ran for 93 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns while Ball added 16 yards on 12 carries and one fumble.
The Giants head to Carolina (0-2) in search of their first win on Sunday.
