The View Back East: Eagles & Giants Both Lay Eggs
The Cowboys and the Redskins were both on bye weeks, but things could not have gone any better for both teams. The Giants lost to the lowly Seattle Seahawks and the Eagles lost to the very impressive Buffalo Bills. The Giants blew a late lead, but the Eagles could never catch the Bills. These teams could not gain ground on the first-place Redskins and blew a big opportunity to do so. Here's a recap of these games and a preview of next week's games.
Seahwaks 36 Giants 25
Eli Manning had a good game statistically, but also threw three costly interceptions. Manning threw for 420 yards and three touchdowns. The Giants were sloppy on both sides of the ball as they also lost two fumbles. The defense gave up 424 yards to the Seahawks, who don't move the ball very well offensively most weeks. The Seahawks also lost their starting quarterback, Tarvaris Jackson, to an injury and back-up Charlie Whitehurst came through with 149 yards and a touchdown. Running-back Marshawn Lynch, a.k.a "Beast Mode", ran for 98 yards and a touchdown, but also lost a fumble.
The Giants must be kicking themselves that they lost to a team that rarely wins on the road or on the East Coast and lost their starting quarterback. They let the Seahawks pass-rush get to Eli and they had some costly turnovers. Many people were ready to anoint this team as one of the best in the NFC, but not after this clunker. The Giants play the Bills at home this weekend. Can they stop the Bills explosive offense? Can their offense stay consistent and avoid turnovers? The prediction is that the Giants will recover from last week's loss and win the game, 24-21.
Bills 31 Eagles 24
The Eagles were actually favored in this game, but continued their sloppiness and poor play. Quarterback Michael Vick threw four interceptions and was harassed all day by the Bills pass-rush. The offensive-line couldn't protect once again and the defense gave up 331 total yards. Vick threw two touchdowns and ran for 90 yards, but could not take control and win this game. Vick now has seven interceptions and three fumbles lost through five games. That is not going to get it done and he must turn things around if the Eagles want to make the playoffs.
The defense was awful once again. Running-back Fred Jackson shredded this defense for 196 total yards and a touchdown. This defense is one of the worst in the NFL at stopping the run and things didn't change this week. All those big name free agents they have signed have not panned out and one has to question Andy Reid's decision to go with his offensive-line coach, Juan Castillo, as his defensive coordinator. Will Castillo last the season? Will Andy Reid last the season?
The Eagles play the Redskins this week. This is a pivotal game for them and has turned into a must-win. The Redskins are coming off the bye and look healthy. The Eagles number one assignment has to be stopping the run. Whether it's Ryan Torain, Tim Hightower or Roy Helu, the Eagles have to come up with an answer to stopping them. The prediction is that the Eagles will outscore the Redskins and Michael Vick has a huge game in a 27-21 victory.
The Cowboys were sitting back and loving every minute of the Giants and Eagles' losses last week. They sit at 2-2 and play the powerful Patriots next, but gained some ground after both teams lost. This division is up for grabs but who will step up and take control of first-place?
