Eagles clinging to slim NFC East lead over Dallas

The NFC East nearly ended the fourth week of the NFL season back in a three-way tie for first place. For now Philadelphia sits alone on top.

A rare conservative call by Washington Commanders’ Head Coach Ron Rivera allowed the Eagles to escape with a victory.

After scoring with no time left on the clock, “Riverboat” Ron decided to settle for the game-tying point after kick.

Had Washington gone for, and converted, a two-point try there would be a three-way tie today. But Rivera chose overtime and the Eagles won the game.

Rivera explained that he chose not to go for the win because his offense was “gassed” after a 10-play drive.

But so was the Eagles’ defense so Rivera’s explanation seems off. It remains to be seen if Rivera’s decision comes back to haunt him later in the year.

But a chance to win the game on the last play of regulation seems preferable to risking never seeing the ball in overtime.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys rebounded from last week’s embarrassing effort in Arizona in fine fashion.

Dallas’ defense scored two more touchdowns – a DaRon Bland Pick Six and a Leighton Vander Esch fumble recovery return.

They hounded Patriots’ quarterback Mac Jones completely out of the game. Ezekiel Elliott was rendered a non-factor in his return to Texas.

The Cowboys’ offense is still struggling inside the 20.

Dallas scored two touchdowns after reaching the Patriots’ 20 on Sunday. They kicked three field goals after getting inside the 20.

The win was still impressive – especially following the performance against the Cardinals.

But Sunday night’s game in San Francisco will be the true test of how good this team really is.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles remain one of only two undefeated teams in the NFL. Barely.

The 49ers are the only other 4-0 team.

San Francisco is stomping all over its opponents – with the exception of a seven-point win over the Rams. The 49ers have scored 125 points and only yielded 58.

The Eagles have a 118-90 scoring advantage over their opponents so far. Three of Philadelphia’s win have been by less than a touchdown.

Their defense is giving up 22.5 points per game and is getting bailed out by the offense so far.

What happens when the Eagles run into a quality defense?

Losses. The Eagles have nine games coming soon against teams with solid defenses.

Philadelphia travels west to play the Rams on Sunday – of those nine good defenses they will contend with.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders (2-2) rebounded well after getting blown out the week before by Buffalo.

The let a victory get away from them against the Eagles in more ways than one. But the game gave them some confidence going forward.

Washington has a short week, hosting the 0-4 Bears on Thursday night football.

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New York Giants

The Giants (1-3) came into the season expecting to return to the playoffs.

Aside from an improbable second-half comeback against the Cardinals, the Giants are struggling.

Right now they’d have trouble against most college teams. Part of New York’s woes stem from Saquon Barkley’s struggle to get on the field.

Daniel Jones simply cannot get it done when the passing game is the primary option.

The Giants’ defense is good, but not good enough to win games by 3-0 scores either.

It is looking like a long season for the Giants as they remain all alone in the NFC East’s basement. The Giants travel to Miami this week.