NFC East power rankings: Cowboys continue to slide, Commanders make big statement

We're already heading into Week 4 of the NFL Season, and so far this is what we have: The Dallas Cowboys are disappointing, the Philadelphia Eagles find ways to win, the New York Giants have two bright spots, and the Washington Commanders are developing faster than expected.

As much as folks like to look at the NFL as scripted, Week 3 proved that you never know what's going to happen. Some head-scratching plays were made, young players stepped up, and injuries were overcome.

The NFC East has been an entertaining division thus far. Without further ado, let's power rank the division after three games.

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

It took three weeks, but the Giants' pass rush finally showed up. They sacked Deshaun Watson eight times and hit him 17 times. Nine players recorded at least a half-sack, which previously happened only three times since 1982. In coverage, no Browns player exceeded 40 yards other than Amari Cooper.

Quarterback Daniel Jones was more decisive, throwing to receivers and tucking the ball and running when it was called upon. He made some questionable throws but was bailed out, like when rookie Malik Nabers ripped away an interception to Martin Emerson for a 28-yard gain.

Wan'Dale Robinson played a crucial role in racking up yards after the catch. Running back Devin Singletary was running wild, totaling 108 total yards. He was a threat in the run game and pass game, and helped hold Myles Garrett away from Jones.

3. Dallas Cowboys (Last Week: 2nd)

Things are heading in the wrong direction for the Dallas Cowboys with another loss in the books. The game was unofficially over in the second quarter, with the Ravens leading 21-3 and in convincing fashion. The Cowboys bounced back late, finishing the game 28-25, but it was far too late.

The rushing threat of Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens was too much for the Cowboys to handle, especially on option plays. While in 22 personnel, the Ravens averaged 7.5 yards per play and had a 53.8 percent win rate despite not throwing once. The one positive on defense was only allowing seven points in the second half.

Making tackles is a basic part of a defense and one the Cowboys failed to do. Henry alone forced 12 missed tackles, and the Ravens together forced 17 missed tackles. That is an ingredient for failure, not success.

Offensively, you want your receivers to get open so a ball thrown their way can be caught, and there's open space to run after. The Cowboys' wideouts were all horrid, except for tight end Jake Ferguson, who was the only one to have above the league average of 2.96 yards.

For Dallas to climb higher in the power rankings, they need to make a statement against the Giants on Thursday night.

2. Washington Commanders (Last Week: 3rd)

The Jayden Daniels show is officially here. In a 38-33 win over the Bengals, the rookie finished with a +20.8 completion percentage over expected, the most among all passers in a game this season. That's highlighted by his 27-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin, which had a 10.3 percent completion probability, the lowest by a Washington passer since 2016.

The run game wasn't efficient, but effective. Daniels and running backs Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler each had a rushing score, but as a team averaged only 3.4 yards per carry. Considering how dominant the passing attack was, and the lack of it in the first two games, this is a huge plus for the Commanders.

This matchup marked the first game since 1940's without a turnover or punt. That meant that defensively, Washington could not do much. They gave up a ton of chunk plays in the run and passing game.

The Commanders' offense looks legit with Jayden Daniels being a true dual-threat quarterback. We had a tough time ranking them over the Cowboys, but considering how bad Dallas' losses were, Washington's offensive growth, and their better record, they deserve the second spot.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (Last Week: 1st)

Injuries have piled up for the Philadelphia Eagles, but they still managed to come out of Caesars Superdome with a win. It was not conventional, but a win is a win.

The New Orleans Saints fielded one of the top offenses in the NFL with a resurgent Derek Carr at the helm. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio countered that with extra defensive linemen up front, and safeties sitting high. After scoring over 40 points in the first two games, the Saints were held to three points heading into the fourth quarter against Philly

Offensively, Philadelphia struggled to convert yet again. They were 1-of-3 on fourth downs, turned the ball over twice, missed a 60-yard field goal, and had one punt blocked. Despite not scoring any points until the fourth quarter, their offensive weapons stepped up when it mattered most, scoring all 15 points in the fourth quarter.

Running back Saquon Barkley ran for 147 yards and for two scores. Tight end Dallas Goedert had a career game with 10 catches for 170 yards. DeVonta Smith caught seven passes for 79 yards before being injured in the fourth quarter. Their depth showed up despite A.J. Brown sitting out with an injury.

The Eagles might be an average team, but they have a propensity for winning games they otherwise shouldn't. There is something to be said for that.

Week 4 look ahead

Dallas lost their second spot to a young Commanders team, and the Eagles hang onto the top spot with their offensive depth. The Giants remain at the bottom with few answers other than two star players on their team. It's a shift from last week's rankings, but how long will it hold?

The Cowboys and Giants play each other in New York, with the latter looking not to be the worst team in the division, and Dallas looking to fight back into competition as a top NFC team. It's a primetime matchup on Thursday Night Football.

The Eagles play a stout Buccaneers defense in Tampa Bay in the early slot on Sunday. The Commanders could play another shootout game in Arizona against the Cardinals later in the afternoon.

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