NFC East gets Tighter as the 'Skins Hold up the Cowboys

The NFC East proved yet again that it is without question the most competitive division in the NFL. Last Sunday’s contest between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins made for great drama as well as great confusion. Dallas is no longer the best team in that division, with the champs in New York sitting at 3-0. Even further, they might not even be the second best team, as Washington made a statement by handing Dallas its first loss by a score of 26-24.

Looking at the way the game played out, one has to wonder why Marion Barber wasn’t utilized more often. He is one of the best running backs in the league and excels in close games where he can pound the ball at the opposing defense twenty to thirty times. He wasn’t called on for anywhere close to that amount against the ‘Skins, only carrying the rock 8 times for 26 yards. That is inexcusable play-calling from offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. What is also appalling is throwing to T.O. seventeen times out of about sixty offensive plays. Most of those throws by Romo were forced into the fantastic coverage of corner Shawn Springs. Owens voiced his displeasure after the game, complaining about either not getting enough touches or the manner in which he was being targeted. Maybe he should have gotten a little separation on those ten passes he didn’t manage to catch! This may be a small roadblock for the Cowboys, or it could turn into a larger obstacle if Owens continues to complain. This story isn’t over by a long shot.

Washington has recovered nicely from a poor showing in the season opener against the Giants to win three straight thanks to a quickly improving offense. Clinton Portis emerged on Sunday, gaining 121 yards on the ground, returning to the All-Pro form we’re accustomed to seeing from him. The ‘Skins put up seventeen points in the second quarter, which allowed their defense to sit back and play with a lead, something they’re not used to this season. It was obvious that Jason Taylor’s absence hindered their ability to rush the passer, but they were able to impose their will on the Dallas offense by taking away the running game. So late in the game when Tony Romo tried to zip passes into T.O. on three straight plays, Washington’s defense was prepared and stopped them for three straight incompletions, ending a key drive. It will be imperative that quarterback Jason Campbell leads his team to touchdowns early to keep the pressure off an injured defensive unit.

Despite the offensive troubles, Dallas was in a position to win this game with an onside kick late in the fourth. Nick Folk did a tremendous job of giving the ball a long hang time while putting it past the required ten yards, where it hit receiver Sam Hurd in the hands. But he couldn’t hang on and the ball bounced off his fingertips and went out of bounds, giving Washington possession. It was a great game that saw the Redskins come out on top to head to 3-1. These NFC East divisional games have typically been coming down to a few plays that decide the outcome as no team exerts itself over the other. This division race will surely go down to the final weeks as each of its four teams has what it takes to make it to the playoffs.