NFC East power rankings: Cowboys and Eagles should be embarrassed after Week 2

Week 1 is overreaction week, and Week 2 is the reality check week. Now, we will start to get a better view of how teams are, and that includes the NFC East. The Dallas Cowboys got a swift reality check via the sneaky-good New Orleans Saints, while the Eagles blew another lead in the final minute to fall to 1-1.

The NFC East could deliver another wacky season. Each week we will analyze each team's performance and develop a mini power ranking to see how the four rivals stack up against on another. Let's not waste any more time.

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

The Giants played the Commanders hoping to spark their offense against Dan Quinn's patchwork secondary. They did just that, as running back Devin Singletary and rookie wideout Malik Nabers had strong games.

Nabers logged over a 60% target share from Daniel Jones and Washington had zero answers. However, it was a drop from Nabers on a fourth down late in the game that put the Commanders in the driver's seat.

Even though they gave up a ton of yards, the Giants' defense deserves some credit as well. They made some big plays and turned up in the red zone, not allowing Washington to score a single touchdown.

New York still found a way to lose despite that, but Jones looked more comfortable after a brutal Week 1. If he and Nabers continue to develop their chemistry, the Giants will be competitive in more games than not.

3. Washington Commanders (Last week: 3rd)

The Commanders' defense was solid, if not unspectacular limiting the Giants' weapons not named Malik Nabers and Devin Singletary and only giving up three touchdowns. Their pass rush remains a concern after they traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young last season.

On offense, running back Brian Robinson Jr. finished with 136 yards from scrimmage and Austin Ekeler tacked on 85 total yards. Both RBs ran with conviction and bounced off tackles.

No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels had an efficient afternoon, completing 23-of-29 passes for 226 yards (7.3 YPA) and a 99.1 passer rating. However, he was sacked five times, which forced him to scramble 10 times for 44 yards - probably too much for Dan Quinn's liking.

The Commanders are a scrappy team, but their offensive line and secondary are among the worst in football.

2. Dallas Cowboys (Last week: 1st)

The Dallas Cowboys played terribly. Giving up six touchdowns in any game is a lot. It is even worse that they came on consecutive possessions.

Whether it was running the ball down Dallas' throat, finding gaping holes in the middle of the field or connecting on deep shots, the Saints did anything they wanted. It was one of the worst defenses performances in recent Cowboys history, maybe worse than the playoff loss in January.

Offensively, the Cowboys did enough to make it a ballgame. They scored on five of their first six drives, although only one ended with a touchdown. With the Saints scoring early, the script shifted to primarily passing. That proved how short Dallas is on playmakers behind CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson. The front office needs to find a new running back and receiver in short order.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (Last week: 2nd)

The Philadelphia Eagles fell to the Atlanta Falcons in a whirlwind primetime affair on Monday Night Football. The Eagles' defense seems to have reverted back to last season's group. They gave up 385 yards of offense and gave Kirk Cousins all the time in the world in the pocket.

Not only was Philly's pass rush non-existent, but they couldn't stop the run. Bijan Robinson rushed for 95 yards on 6.9 yards per carry while backup Tyler Allgeier totaled 59 yards on the ground on 5.9 yards per attempt. The performance culminated by allowing Cousins to march down the field with 38 seconds left in regulation to throw the game-winning touchdown.

The Eagles' offense was powered by a rejuvenated Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith, who proved he could handle a WR1 role in A.J. Brown's absence. Some costly game management from Nick Sirianni, failed execution in the red zone and more turnovers from Jalen Hurts ultimately doomed Philly.

All that said, the beatdown of the Cowboys was significantly worse than the Eagles' meltdown. It's still early in the season, but both teams have shown their volatility. The Eagles take on the red-hot New Orleans Saints this week, while the Cowboys face the struggling Baltimore Ravens. The results could change the top of the division.

Week 3 look ahead

The Eagles didn't take the top spot in the NFC East, but rather, the Cowboys gave it away. Washington and New York don't have the roster to compete, but their young stars can give the team hope to narrow the gap. It's not much of a change from last week, but still a notable one.

The Commanders and Giants have much to prove before being in the conversation as the top team in the NFC East. Washington will play in Cincinnati, who has not looked like the dominant team in recent years, and the Giants play the Browns who have more questions than answers.

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