October is here, and we’re four weeks into the 2024 NFL season. While there’s still plenty of football left to play, this quarter-mark gives us a better idea of which teams are determined for a deep run and which are struggling to find their footing. And when it comes to unpredictable divisions, the NFC East takes the place. It hasn’t had a repeat champion in 20 years, and the race is wide open once again. So, where exactly do the NFC East teams stand after the first four games? Let’s look at how the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders are shaping up.
Dallas Cowboys: Consistency Issues
Record: 2-2 | Offense Rank: 13th | Defense Rank: 26th
The Cowboys entered the season with high expectations, but through four games, their performance has been up and down. Dak Prescott has been steady, especially with CeeDee Lamb continuing to be a reliable target. However, their offense has been one-dimensional, relying too heavily on the passing game. The ground attack hasn’t posed much of a threat, and without balance, the offense has struggled to put away teams.
Defensively, the Cowboys have been equally inconsistent. New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has had a rocky start, particularly in defending the run. While Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence have been crucial in applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks, both players have already been injured. The Cowboys’ chances of staying in playoff contention could take a hit if they miss more time.
Also Read: Which Are the 5 Most Hated NFL Teams In 2024, Including The Kansas City Chiefs And Dallas Cowboys?
New York Giants: A Struggling Offense
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Record: 1-3 | Offense Rank: 22nd | Defense Rank: 13th
For the New York Giants, this season has been a tough one so far. Despite hopes that head coach Brian Daboll could reignite Daniel Jones’ career for a second time, the offense has been sluggish. They’ve averaged just 15 points per game, ranking among the worst in the NFL. A bright spot has been rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who has shown impressive playmaking ability with his speed and acrobatic catches, but he hasn’t been enough to turn the offense around.
On the defensive side, coordinator Shane Bowen’s unit has been the team’s saving grace. They’ve played scrappy football, but even the highly touted pass rushers, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, have been inconsistent. While the defense has been respectable, it hasn’t been enough to carry an offense that has struggled to put points on the board.
Philadelphia Eagles: Looking for Answers in NFC East
Record: 2-2 | Offense Rank: 6th | Defense Rank: 29th
The Eagles sit at .500 after four games, but the path has been rocky. Injuries to key players like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Lane Johnson have made things difficult, but even when healthy, the Eagles haven’t looked like the team that nearly won the Super Bowl in 2023. Jalen Hurts has put up yards, but the offense lacks consistency and the ability to execute in crucial moments. Head coach Nick Sirianni is feeling the pressure to get his team more disciplined and creative on both sides of the ball.
The defense, which was once a cornerstone of this team, has been a major liability. Ranking 29th in the league, the Eagles need to make serious improvements if they want to keep pace in the division. Despite the talent on this roster, the Eagles have been underwhelming through four weeks.
Also Read: Is Jalen Hurts Taking The Blame For Another Turnover In The Philadelphia Eagles’ Latest Defeat?
Washington Commanders: NFC East Surprising Contenders
Record: 3-1 | Offense Rank: 5th | Defense Rank: 27th
The Washington Commanders are the surprise team of the NFC East, sitting at 3-1 after four weeks. Despite concerns about the defense under new coordinator Dan Quinn, the offense has been thriving. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has been impressive, playing conservative but smart football. His accuracy and mobility have allowed the Commanders to spread the ball around effectively. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has built an offense that involves multiple players, and it’s paying off.
However, the defense, especially the secondary, remains a concern. Ranked 27th in the league, the Commanders will need to shore up their pass defense if they want to continue their success. Still, the offense has been good enough to make Washington a legitimate contender and potential spoiler in the NFC East.
At the quarter mark of the 2024 NFL season, the NFC East is once again living up to its unpredictable nature. The Commanders have exceeded expectations, while the Cowboys and Eagles are struggling to find consistency. As for the Giants, they’re still searching for answers. The next few weeks will be crucial for all four teams as they look to either solidify their status as contenders or turn their seasons around.
