NFC East Blog: What we've learned so far

by Bill Young

Dallas Cowboys: This is a team that has consistently underperformed. While a lot of this is coaching related, no amount of coaching can fix the lack of talent on the Cowboys offensive line. Lack of attention to this part of the team the last several years is starting to catch up to the Cowboys. At 1-4, their playoff chances are slim to none.

New York Giants: By beating the Texans and Bears the last few weeks, the Giants have earned a share of first place with the Philadelphia Eagles. Defense is essential for the Giants when the running game isn't working. As always, when Eli Manning needs to shoulder the load, its a bad sign of things to come.

Washington Redskins: At 3-3, the Redskins have been very inconsistent. One week, the Redskins beat the Eagles. Another week, they lose to the Rams. This week they put in a great effort without Albert Haynesworth before falling to the Colts 27-24. One thing you can say for sure about the Redskins is that they hurt people. They hit hard and play the game right. The Colts lost Dallas Clark and Pierre Garcon to injury during sunday's game. Unfortunately for Redskins fans, the Redskins could not take advantage of this golden opportunity. When talent catches up to the effort expended by Redskin players, this will be a dangerous team.

Philadelphia Eagles: Kevin Kolb answered his critics with an excellent game against the Falcons last week. Michael Vick was nowhere to be found. The controversy is there, but not a factor. Like the Cowboys, the Eagles have something that has to be going wrong or it wouldn't be the Eagles. The Eagles' QBs have handled the situation well but the coach hasn't. Changing your mind mid-week doesn't really inspire confidence when he went to Vick. When will the next change happen? Will one of them get traded? Too many questions and no answers. Until the team has an identity on offense, the team will really suffer, especially after the injury to Desean Jackson.