Week 2 NFC East Power Rankings

NFC East Power Rankings

After week one, the NFC East looked to be a pretty tough division. All four teams engaged in inner-division battles with the Dallas Cowboys defeating the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the Washington Redskins in two games that went down as classics for different reasons. In week two ,we saw a totally different NFC East.

Simply put, they didn’t look that tough. As a division, they were 0-4 and it wasn’t exactly pretty. The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles lost to the San Diego Chargers, the New York Giants lost to the Denver Broncos and the Redskins fell mightily to the Green Bay Packers.

For the Redskins, it was a disgusting beatdown that they never stood a chance in. In New York, where the annual “Manning Bowl” took place, the Giants were dropped pretty hard by Peyton Manning and the Broncos. For the Eagles and Cowboys, they both lost in very close contests.

With this being the first ever NFC East power rankings, I’ll take into account both Weeks 1 and 2. Other factors that go into this ranking will be who they beat or lost to, how they won or lost that game and how they played in that game in general. The final score is not always a sign of how the game really went. At the end, we’ll take a quick look to Week 3 of the NFL season and see what’s in store for the division.

Do you think I got it wrong? Should your team have been higher? Let me know about it and start the debate in the comment box below!

Brian Skinnell is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, Like him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.

4. Washington Redskins - Lost at Green Bay Packers 38-20 (Season Record: 0-2)

It's been a difficult start to the season for the Redskins. After an ugly loss at home to the Eagles, Washington then traveled north and got blown out in Green Bay, allowing strong>Aaron Rodgers to throw for 480 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, running back James Starks rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown. Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III hasn't been crisp this year and has vowed that the Redskins will turn it around. If they want to move up in the rankings and avoid an early-season hole, they'll need to find some organization on offense and the secondary will have to improve.

3. Dallas Cowboys - Lost at Kansas City Chiefs 17-16 (Season Record: 1-1)

Isn't interesting how the Cowboys, who are 1-1, are ranked below the Giants, who are 0-2? Especially since the Cowboys defeated the Giants in Week 1? When you break it down, it isn't. The Giants turned the ball over six times in Week 1 and still nearly beat the Cowboys after their near-devastating second-half collapse.

Against the Chiefs, we got a taste of the same thing from Dallas. The Cowboys got off to a hot start and were leading after the first quarter, 10-7. Receiver Dez Bryant already had over 100 yards receiving with a touchdown, and it looked like they would roll. The Chiefs fought back and eventually won after costly second half turnovers plagued the Cowboys. If they want to move up the rankings, they'll need to figure out a way to finish games and put teams away.

2. New York Giants - Lost to Denver Broncos 41-23 (Season Record: 0-2)

It's not panic time for the Giants. While they have started off 0-2 and haven't looked good doing it, they still always find a way to get to the postseason. With that in mind, that's why their so high on this list. Also, they've have shown that they could be a force by seasons end.

Against the Broncos, New York started well and were only down 10-9 at the half. In the second half, the Broncos became the Broncos and put up 31 points in the third and fourth quarters. It also didn't help the Giants case that Eli Manning threw four interceptions.

The Giants have a lot of potential, but they also have a lot of turnovers. If they can clean things up and take care of the football, they'll be tough to beat and could likely jump to the top of the list.

1. Philadelphia Eagles - Lost to San Diego Chargers 33-30 (Season Record: 1-1)

The Eagles have the potential to be an offensive juggernaut in the NFL. As they displayed against the Redskins in Week 1, it's a very potent offense and has all the right pieces in place. All the Eagles need is a little defense and they could be a power in the NFL, not just the division.

In two straight weeks, the Eagles have scored at least 30 points. Against the Chargers in Week 2, Nick Novak kicked a field goal with seven seconds left to win the game. Michael Vick was still solid, throwing for 428 yards and two touchdowns, and DeSean Jackson racked up 193 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions. They struggled defensively, giving up over 400 yards passing and 100 yards rushing.

If they want to stay at the top of the division power rankings, they'll need to find some defense. They currently rank 31st in the NFL in pass defense and 19th in rush defense.

Week 3 Division Outlook

In week three, the division will once again be tested.

The Redskins will return home to take on the Detroit Lions. If the secondary doesn't improve, Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford could have a field day. Also, they offense could struggle against a very stout defensive front for the Lions.

The Cowboys will head home to play the St. Louis Rams. This is a game that Dallas should be able to win if they don't have a late-game collapse.

The Giants will have a tough test as they head south to play the Carolina Panthers. Eli Manning has had a bit of an issue turning the ball over. Should the Giants fix their turnover problem, they could likely pick up their first win of the season.

The Eagles will play the Chiefs on Thursday night. After defeating the Cowboys, the Chiefs will roll into Philadelphia looking to continue their magic. This Thursday night's game is highlighted by Chiefs' head coach Andy Reid's return to Philly. I think that the Chiefs will give the Eagles a good run, and it will be a classic game to watch.