On Tuesdays throughout the regular season, NBC New York will assess how the Giants stack up with their divisional rivals. Here’s our first edition of our NFC East power rankings:
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 1-0
Week One result: 33-27 victory at Washington on Monday night.
Next game: Sunday vs. San Diego, 1 p.m. EST.
Assessment: The Eagles were dominant early, then held on down the stretch to prevail at Washington in Chip Kelly’s debut as head coach. The Eagles’ pace and creativity on offense shape up as real problems for opposing defenses. The Eagles get an ideal matchup in Week Two against the Chargers, a non-division opponent traveling cross-country off a draining Monday-night loss to Houston, which has a much different offense. The Eagles have a very good opportunity to begin the season 2-0.
2. Dallas Cowboys
Record: 1-0
Week One result: 36-31 victory vs. the Giants on Sunday night.
Next game: Sunday at Kansas City, 1 p.m. EST.
Assessment: The Cowboys capitalized on a half-dozen Giants turnovers to secure a season-opening win. However, Dallas allowed nearly 500 yards to New York. The Cowboys’ defense should have considerable familiarity with the Chiefs’ offense, what with former Eagles coach Andy Reid now leading Kansas City. Also, the Cowboys’ offense presents a stern test for the Chiefs’ defense. While Kansas City didn’t have much trouble against Jacksonville in a 28-2 Week One rout, Dallas is a much better club. This could be one of the more interesting games of Week Two — and it’s one the Cowboys can win if they are sharper on defense.
3. New York Giants
Record: 0-1
Week One result: 36-31 defeat at Dallas on Sunday night.
Next game: Sunday vs. Denver, 4:25 p.m. EST.
Assessment: Set the six turnovers aside and there was plenty to like about what the Giants did on Sunday night. That said, New York draws a tough matchup as it tries to avoid starting 0-2. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning threw for 462 yards and seven touchdowns in the season-opening win vs. Baltimore, with tight end Julius Thomas, wideout Demaryius Thomas and slot receiver Wes Welker each catching a pair of scores. If the Giants can recapture some of their best form from Week One and not make a bushel of mistakes, they can compete with Denver. A victory would be a tremendous save for Tom Coughlin’s club considering the big missed opportunity in the opener — and it would be no small accomplishment, given the quality of the opponent.
4. Washington Redskins
Record: 0-1
Week One result: 33-27 defeat vs. Philadelphia on Monday night.
Next game: Sunday at Green Bay, 1 p.m. EST.
Assessment: Washington could not overcome a slow start on Monday night, and it resulted in a loss to divisional rival Philadelphia. Knocked back early on defense and punchless for more than half of the game on offense, Washington didn’t get into gear until it was too late. Quarterback Robert Griffin III threw for 329 yards in his return from a January knee injury, but he wasn’t as sharp as he can be. Also, running back Alfred Morris lost a fumble and fell on a mishandled pitch for a safety. Washington’s defense, which allowed 322 first-half yards to Philadelphia’s fast-paced, run-heavy offense, has to regroup to face Green Bay’s exceptional passing attack in Week Two. Washington could be hard-pressed to avoid 0-2.
