NFC East power rankings show just how far the Cowboys have fallen

The game is not over until the final whistle. All four NFC East teams took part in games involving an early lead by two scores, and a late comeback attempt that fell just short. All three games were lost by one score, making it quite an entertaining week for the division.

The Philadelphia Eagles were saved by forcing an interception in their endzone, and the Washington Commanders patiently ran out the clock to limit chances for a New York Giants miracle. The Dallas Cowboys came up close despite turning to their backup Cooper Rush for the fourth quarter.

With the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, there may be some changes to each team's roster. Front offices portray three buyers and one seller, although some would argue only two are in position to be buyers.

Heading into Week 10 and before the trade deadline, here are your latest NFC East power rankings.

4. Dallas Cowboys (Last Week: 3rd)

Things are gloomy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as the Cowboys registered yet another loss. Adding salt to that wound is the loss of quarterback Dak Prescott, which forced backup Cooper Rush in for the fourth quarter.

Before Dak's injury, he played decent. He completed 18 of 24 passes for 133 yards and a score. On that lone touchdown, he avoided pressure from all five Falcons pass rushers and floated the ball to running back Rico Dowdle.

There are only three trusted weapons on offense: Dowdle, tight end Jake Ferguson and wideout CeeDee Lamb. The latter played well as a safety net option, but Ferguson had a great game, making plays with the ball in his hands. Dowdle had his fair share of impressive runs as well when he was offered some open space. The offensive line was very disappointing all game.

The defense had a couple of bright spots despite a horrid performance. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown showed his athleticism, wrapping up the Falcons' backs three times for a loss of yards. Pass rusher Carl Lawson made the most of his opportunities, sacking Kirk Cousins twice. It wasn't enough to stop the many Atlanta playmakers, even after Drake London left with a hip injury.

3. New York Giants (Last Week: 4th)

The New York Giants played a rivalry game against the Washington Commanders. While it resulted in a loss, it was one of their best offensive performances of the season. They played balanced, and quarterback Daniel Jones used his legs as a weapon.

The Giants play best when they rely on Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary, their dynamic running backs. That threat is increased when Jones runs the ball, keeping linebackers on their toes. All averaged more than four yards per carry.

The passing attack opened with the defense looking to defend the run. Jones completed 20 of 26 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns. His 76.9 completion percentage is his most in a game this season. Ironically, the Giants entered halftime with one touchdown pass and zero passing yards due to a failed screen and a sack.

New York's defense failed the team with bad tackling and not generating enough pass rush. Quarterback Jayden Daniels did not get sacked once, giving him the time to do as he pleased. The Giants had a hard time controlling the run game. When they covered star wideout Terry McLaurin, Daniels found another open option with ease.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (Last Week: 2nd)

The Philadelphia Eagles are flying high, but there was some turbulence during this win. They dominated the first half, being up 16-0, and lost the second half 23-12; however, the early lead was too much for the Jacksonville Jaguars to overcome.

In the first half, Philly's defense allowed only 16 passing yards, and the Jags had more turnovers (two) than first downs (one). Throughout the game, the Eagles showed off their improved pass defense, racking up nine passes defended. They were not as successful at the line of scrimmage, but the rest of the team stepped up.

Running back Saquon Barkley is a menace, finishing with 199 total yards and two touchdowns. His 115.6 rushing yards per game is the third-most by a running back in their first season with a team. His dominance is opening the way for his teammates to succeed as well.

The main beneficiary is quarterback Jalen Hurts. After starting the season slowly, the quarterback appears to have reassured himself as one of the best in the league. He finished with an 11.1 completion percentage over expected, joining only Jared Goff with four games over ten percent this season.

That adds to his stellar performance during the Eagles' four-game win streak. In that time he completed 69 percent of his passes for 500 yards, five touchdowns, and no picks on throws of 10+ air yards. Hurts has also used his legs as a threat, rushing for 159 yards and six touchdowns during that span.

1. Washington Commanders (Last Week: 1st)

Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders displayed their ability to control a game and hold a lead. In the second half, the Commanders held onto the ball for 14:17, running 33 plays on three drives. They also forced the Giants to short plays, making them run 40 plays on three drives.

The Commanders were without running back Brian Robinson, but Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez proved more than able to fill in together, with a splash of Jeremy McNichols. Terry McLaurin showed his hands are among the best in the NFL, and is the trusted look despite only having three targets this game.

Other receivers stepped up, including noted former Dallas Cowboy Noah Brown with 60 yards and a touchdown. Ekeler also pitched in, picking up 41 yards through the air. Daniels deserves his credit for some amazing throws, like the 18-yard touchdown to McLaurin. His accuracy with the ball is among the best in the NFL already.

The defense was solid, but nothing to rave about. They forced the Giants to take underneath options, limiting them to one play of 30+ yards and three of 20+ yards. The tackling was questionable at times, but good enough to finish the game with a win.

The Commanders and Eagles are neck-and-neck for the top of the NFC East. That's while the Giants and Cowboys are in the same situation but at the bottom of the division. The injury plague in Dallas opens the door for New York to slip out from the bottom for the first time this season.

Week 10 look ahead

The Eagles head to Dallas to play the Cowboys, who look to improve from their -29.6 EPA on offense, which is their third-worst in the past 20 years. That's while backup Cooper Rush leads the offense, as Prescott nurses his hamstring injury for multiple weeks.

The Giants head to Munich, Germany to play the Carolina Panthers, the worst team in the NFL regarding point differential by a whopping 63 points. The Commanders return home to play the Pittsburg Steelers and their rejuvenated offense.

Considering Philadelphia's weak opponent, and Washington's strong opponent, the Eagles are in an opportunistic position to reclaim the top spot in the NFC East.

Either way, two former Dallas coordinators, Kellen Moore in Philly and Dan Quinn in Washington, are enjoying success with the Cowboys' division rivals.

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