The Scramble that Is the NFC East - Mparas1432's Blog

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Mparas1432's Blog

The Scramble that Is the NFC East Stuck

Posted on December 5, 2012 at 09:29 AM.

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Suddenly, the NFC East is interesting again.

This time there was no Eli Manning fourth quarter comeback as were accustomed to seeing. Instead on a national stage on Monday Night, the Redskins put in a workman-like performance to become one game back from the lead in the division.

Oh, and the Cowboys are 6-6 too.

The NFC East is once again a log jam. For the first half of the season, the Giants appeared to have all the right tools despite a murderous schedule. They had the pass rush. They had the passing attack. The Giants looked ready to contend for another superbowl.

However, there�s a reason why teams play out the games. RG3 has elevated the level of the Redskins. His mobility in and out of the pocket gives Mike Shanahan an option he hasn�t had since Jake �the Snake� Plummer.

Mike Shanahan also has something he hasn�t had since 2006 � a defense. The amount of Giants� penalties, 9, were in large part due to Jim Haslett�s defense disguising coverage and causing the Giants to either hold or jump before the snap. The season ending injuries to Brian Orakpo, Ryan Carriker, and Brandon Merriweather didn�t ruin the Redskins.

While the Redskins rank 29th in total defensive yards allowed, the Redskins are fourth in rushing defense (only 91.5 yards per game) and 3rd in giveaway/takeaways. The Redskins have hit their stride defensively.

Now, the Redskins could even make the playoffs. With four games left, the toughest game on their schedule is next week against Balitmore. The rest of their three games are winnable (Browns, Eagles, Cowboys) and the Giants still have to play the Ravens and the Falcons.

More importantly as long as Robert Griffin keeps playing at the level he�s playing at, the Redskins have a chance to win any game.

Regardless of the Redskins� recent success, it�s important to not ignore the other teams in contention for the NFC East, including the division leader the New York Giants. The Giants have proven they can compete at a high level. They just need to be consistent.

Even the Dallas Cowboys suddenly seem different. The Tony Romo-Dez Bryant connection is finally clicking. Bryant has averaged 118.75 yards a game in his last four games.

If Demarco Murray returns to 2011 form, the Cowboys could surprise.
It�s possible two NFC East teams could land in the playoffs as well. A few weeks ago, it seemed laughable to think that.

In the NFC East, any outcome, outside of the Eagles winning the division, is now possible.

Who do you think will win the NFC East? Let us know in the replies.

Comments

# 1 Layoneil @ Dec 5

Eli missed on two passes that would have been touchdowns, the Redskins defense is still not that good, but they will probably win the division because the Giant's schedule is still really rough.