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October 8, 2006
NFC East takes the spotlight
Key clashes come early as tough division takes shape
At the start of the 2006 NFL season, the NFC East was thought to be the deepest, most talented and toughest to win of any of the divisions. While the Redskins and Giants started out poorly, the Cowboys and Eagles have played well. On Sunday, Dallas visits Philadelphia and New York will host Washington.
The Redskins have rebounded from their poor start to get back to 2-2, while the Giants are coming off a bye week and sit in last place in the division at 1-2. If a must-win could ever be declared in October, this is it for New York. Eli Manning and the offense have sputtered and the defense doesn’t look as if they could stop the Ohio State Buckeyes right now.
The Eagles have soared behind quarterback Donovan McNabb. Much was made of the lack of weapons around him, but McNabb has excelled while throwing nine touchdown passes en route to establishing the NFL’s best offense at the season’s quarter-pole. Philadelphia leads the NFC East at 3-1, and welcomes Dallas on Sunday with the Cowboys coming off a big-time win over the hapless Tennessee Titans by a 45-14 count last week. The Cowboys have built a 2-1 early-season record with a stingy defense, allowing just 48 points in their first three games.
Terrell Owens is getting most of the press, but the Eagles’ defense will have to contend with a lot more than just T.O. While some critics like to focus on QB Drew Bledsoe’s inability to scramble, his quick release could well prove troublesome for Philadelphia especially in blitzing situations. Wideout Terry Glenn and tight end Jason Whitten are skilled receivers and will challenge a banged-up secondary vertically throughout the game. The Dallas ground game will also be a significant challenge for Jim Johnson’s unit. The two-pronged attack of Julius Jones and Marion Barber have speed and power to move the chains and keep McNabb and the Eagles’ offense off the field.
Oddsmakers at BetJamaica have made Philly a slight 1.5-point home favorite with the total set at 43.5.
At Giants Stadium, Washington will have success if they can get the ball in the hands of WR Santana Moss. Moss abused the Jacksonville defense last week to the tune of three touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime. Skins’ quarterback Mark Brunell has been surprisingly effective lately after his slow start to the ’06 campaign. In Washington’s first two games, Brunell failed to throw a touchdown while throwing one interception. Since then he has turned it around by tossing four scores to just one pick.
The bottom line for the Giants is the defense needs to make stops. They were badly exposed against the Eagles and Seahawks, and in the team’s first three games New York has allowed a total of 92 points. And it’s not like they need to pitch shutouts. With Eli Manning, Tiki Barber, Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey, the offense can produce. They simply need time on the field to do so. They way the Redskins’ offense is rolling, they will get points, but if the Giants can come up with some key stops and possibly force a turnover or two, they will allow the offense the opportunity to go out and attempt to win the game.
The Giants are a 5-point home chalk with the total set at 46.
25017 - Copyright 2006, BetJamaica.com, The Player's Paradise
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