NFC East Roundup: Latest on Cowboys, Eagles, Washington

As the first quarter of the season wraps up this weekend, the NFC East remains a tightly-packed division. The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington are both 2-1, while the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys are 1-2. There’s no clear class of the division, which means even the smallest things can have a great impact on how the season plays out. So, here’s what’s happening this week with the Giants’ most intimate rivals.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles have been awaiting official word on the knee injury suffered by safety Rodney McLeod in Sunday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts. Bleeding Green Nation’s Brandon Lee Gowton reported late on Wednesday that there was no update pending further testing. On Thursday, Gowton reports that it appears McLeod’s injury is a torn MCL, which will likely end his season.

In other Eagles injury news, receiver Alshon Jeffery was cleared for contact this week, though it does not guarantee that he plays on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Running backs Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles were still both sidelined.

Washington

Hogs Haven is focusing on Washington’s offense this week. Jamual Forrest provides an offensive progress report through the team’s first three games, while Kennedy Paynter breaks down how that side of the ball performed in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers.

Mark Tyler also drills down Washington’s Week 3 performance, identifying the studs and duds of the game. Tight end Jordan Reed and his improved blocking stood out in a good way, while receiver Josh Doctson and his zero catches was among the players who struggled.

Dallas Cowboys

There are a number of problems in Dallas this season, and one is that the offense cannot consistently move the ball down the field and into the end zone. Blogging the Boys’ RJ Ochoa has found a disturbing trend that further illustrates how ineffective the offense has been this year: The Cowboys haven’t scored a second- or third-quarter touchdown all season.

Michael Sisemore takes things a step further and argues that the problem isn’t just Dak Prescott, or any one thing that’s hurting the Cowboys, but rather the entire offense. From the line’s inability to protect, to no clear plan at wide receiver, the quarterback and thus the team are being set up for failure. Meanwhile, Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett’s solution at wide receiver is to use a committee approach and to make no changes to the coaching staff at this time.