Cowboys beat Seahawks in Seattle, Eagles dominant, and all of NFL Week 6—the Monday Morning Realist

Every Monday morning, Section 215’s Akiem Bailum gives an in-depth and unfiltered look at all of the latest sports news in The Monday Morning Realist. You can follow Akiem on Twitter @AkiemBailum.

If you’re an NFC East fan, you will love this one. The NFC East theme will be easily noticeable.

Tied(y) Cats

Oct 12, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) hugs Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) after their game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals and the Panthers tie in overtime 37-37. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Cat-on-cat violence. What a concept, Realists.

Last week was a much better week if you were a cat wearing blue and black from Carolina than if you were wearing the orange and black of the Cincinnati Bengals. The Panthers managed to defeat the Chicago Bears by a final score of 31-24 at Soldier Field in the Windy City.

What happened to the Bengals tells a less rosy story if you are the Cincinnati team. They couldn’t have faced the New England Patriots last week at a more opportune time with everyone questioning if Tom Brady was indeed still Tom Brady.

Then, the Pats went on the field at Foxboro and Brady proved that he was still indeed Brady as he and his team dominated the Bengals 43-17.

If it’s anything one needs after getting beat down badly like that, sometimes, it’s the comforts of home, Realists. Cincinnati was in luck because their Week Six matchup was in the confines of Paul Brown Stadium. But, it was against a Panthers team that once again looks like a favorite to win the NFC South.

Carolina’s opening drive of this game began at its own 14. And it lasted 15 plays, 86 yards for over nine minutes. It resulted in a short pass from Cam Newton to Kelvin Benjamin for what would be the first of a plenty of touchdowns scored this game. Graham Gano’s extra point was good contributing to an early 7-0 Panthers advantage.

Both opening drives lasted so long that each team only possessed the ball once in the first quarter.

Cincinnati responded on its home turf with a 14 play, 69 yard drive lasting six minutes and twenty-four seconds that ended when Andy Dalton connected with Brandon Tate for a five yard touchdown pass. The ensuing field goal from Mike Nugent was good and we were tied at seven apiece.

Hold that thought….

A Carolina three and out would be followed up on the first play of the ensuing Bengals series when Giovani Bernard would turn a 1st and 10 from the 11 into an 89 yard big play for a TD. That increased Cincinnati’s advantage to 14-7.

Anytime I think of the name Fozzy, Realists, my attention immediately turns to Chris Jericho’s rock band in Canada. Carolina also has a Fozzy on their team by the name of Fozzy Whitaker. Newton connected with Whitaker for 23 yards on the following Panthers drive. The Panthers were able to advance the football on that drive into the Bengals’ red zone, but on 4th and 11 had to settle for a 39 yard field goal off the cleat of Graham Gano to bring Carolina to within 14-10.

The next drive would be similar to the last couple of possessions on offense for the Bengals—a scoring drive. This included Dalton finding Jermaine Gresham for 23 yards. Cincinnati only notched 7 yards on a 3rd and 12 from the Panthers’ 33, and had to kick a field goal off the foot of Nugent to expand their lead back out to 17-10. This would be the game’s halftime score.

Big plays on offense would continue to be made as the second half commenced. If you were into offense, this was your game. Andy Dalton is not exactly known as a running quarterback, but if you’re a QB in this league in 2014, how you are not mobile is beyond me.

Dalton was able to find 20 yards on a 1st and 15 from the Carolina 47. It appeared as if the table was being set for another Nugent field goal or maybe even a touchdown from the Bengals. But, instead, Dalton connected with someone in a Panthers jersey—Antoine Cason. Not only did he pick off the Dalton pass, but nearly converted it into a Pick Six as he went 80 yards to the Bengals’ 10 yard line.

Two plays and four yards later, that same Fozzy Whitaker even the tally again at 17 apiece.

Cincinnati punted on their next drive in a game that made players and fans temporarily forget that there was a such thing as punts in football. Newton on a third and seven from the Bengals’ 45 found former Jet Jerricho Cotchery for 26 yards to move the chains and bring their offense to within the Carolina red zone again.

Newton would hit paydirt on a 3rd and 3 from the 12 yard line to put the Panthers back in front by a score of 24-17.
The Bengals got one first down on their next drive, then were halted in their paw tracks by a penalty, and then, an interception on a pass intended for Gresham.

Newton found Cotchery for a 22 yard pass before being pushed out of bounds. It appeared as if Carolina would extend its lead out to 31-17 on a Newton pass to Benjamin for 17 yards, but Benjamin was flagged for offensive pass interference.

On top of that, when a 3rd and 13 play from the 20 yard line was incomplete, Carolina had to attempt a field goal that was eventually wide right.

Cincinnati would get four first downs on their following drive that culminated when Dalton found Mohamed Sanu for 34 yards and a score. Carolina’s lead became nil as the score was tied again at 24.

The defenses this game must’ve been enjoying a retreat somewhere along the Ohio River because they were not at Paul Brown Stadium. The next Panthers’ drive would last 12 plays and 80 yards, resulting in a 13 yard touchdown pass from Newton to Olsen. This, along with a Gano PAT, made the score 31-24.

Cincinnati’s special teams then assisted in their cause when the man formerly known as Pacman (Adam Jones) returned a Graham Gano kick 97 yards the other way. As one of the NFL Network analysts said in the postgame coverage, Pacman would have taken it to the house.

Pacman didn’t, but Jeremy Hill did from 3 yards out for a touchdown and another tie at 31-31.

Three plays into the following Panthers’ drive, Newton was picked off again, this time by Reggie Nelson at the Bengals’ 45, who returned the football 31 yards the other way.

Hill ran 22 yards two plays into the next Bengals’ possession, but it came back as Cincy was flagged for offensive holding. Cincy would only advance the football to the edge of the red zone at the 20 yard line, and it resulted in another field goal from Nugent to give them a 3 point lead at 34-31.

Carolina had one more shot to either tie or win the game. Given the title of this Realist piece, what did you expect…
Time was running out and the Panthers did not have enough time to attempt a touchdown since it was not a guaranteed. Three points were a larger certainty and they kicked a field goal from Gano with time expiring from 44 yards out to send this one into overtime.

The Bengals had possession first and only needed a touchdown to win, but a 13 play, 56 yard drive lasting six minutes and twenty five seconds would end in only a Nugent field goal from 42 yards out.

The Panthers also scored only a field goal during the overtime period as was evidenced on their following possession. A 12 play, 60 yard drive lasting over six minutes ended in a 36 yard field goal from Graham Gano to tie it again at 37.

Cincinnati had one more chance to win this game on their home turf. Dalton’ pass on 2nd and 10 to James Wright that moved the chains to the Panthers’ 16 yard line had Cincinnati in perfect position.

Except, Nugent hooked what would have been a game winning field goal with time expiring to the right, and this one ended in a tie.

• Newton: 29/46, 282 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
• Newton: 17 carries, 107 yards, 1 TD
• Olsen, 6 receptions, 62 yards, 1 TD

• Dalton: 33/43, 323 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
• Bernard: 18 carries, 137 yards, 1 TD
• Sanu: 10 receptions, 120 yards, 1 TD

Week 7: CIN at IND, CAR at GB

Under Five…and Alive

Oct 12, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Andrew Quarless (81) celebrates after catching the winning touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Green Bay defeated Miami 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Enjoy that bye week, Miami? How can anyone not enjoy a week off when you play for a South Florida football team?
Even though, as we know, the South Florida lifestyle has got many a footballer into trouble.

As for Green Bay’s football team, they once again appear to be one of the premier forces in the NFC. This was evidenced last week when the Packers unloaded on the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium by a final score of 42-10.

See what happens when the Packers are playing football with a healthy Aaron Rodgers? They look like worldbeaters.
This week, Green Bay would travel on the road to Miami, which is not exactly close to Green Bay. But, it is not exactly the time of the year yet when we begin projecting snowy weather in Wisconsin, so the climate of the two cities hasn’t made that much of a difference.

Yet. Lambeau is referred to as the Frozen Tundra for a reason…because it has been said to snow there sometimes in August (or so we think).

This one would begin with Green Bay on offense first. The two largest plays of the first series were the two last plays of the first series. Rodgers completed a 28 yard touchdown pass to Randall Cobb from the Dolphins’ 37 yard line.

The Rodgers to Cobb combination is still one that gives Chicago Bears fans nightmares from last season.
Then, Rodgers found Jordy Nelson from nine yards out for a touchdown and an early 7-0 advantage along with the extra point attempt from Mason Crosby.

Miami would begin its first scoring drive in excellent field position at the Packers’ 49 yard line after Jarvis Landry returned a kickoff 54 yards. The Dolphins would only tack on three on their opening drive as it stalled out at the 34 (then the 29 after a neutral zone infraction flag on Green Bay). Caleb Sturgis’ 48 yard field goal try was good for a 7-3 score.

The Pack would not move the football very far on its ensuing offensive possession, which also served as a credit to Miami’s defense. Green Bay punted, but its punt was blocked. Chris McCain recovered the punt, giving the Dolphins an excellent opportunity to assume their first lead of the game.

The Dolphins had first and goal at the four, and second and goal at the one yard line. Three plays later, including going for it on fourth down netted nothing for Miami.

The next series for Green Bay resulted in a punt. The next one for Miami ended in a turnover when a Ryan Tannehill pass intended for Jarvis Landy instead found the green jersey of Casey Hayard to give the Packers the football at the Green Bay’ 32 yard line.

Instead of converting it into points, Green Bay could only punt as they only were able to advance the football to midfield.

The Dolphins only got two first downs on their ensuing series as the first half expired and had to punt. They would begin the second half with possession, though.

They knew this well, and converted. A major play of the opening second half series for Miami would be a 40 yard run from Tannehill himself. The scoring play would be on a 3rd and 7 from the Packers’ 11 yard line when Tannehill found Landry for a TD and a tie game at 10.

That lead would last only eight minutes, because eight minutes, 13 plays and 80 yards later (including a 24 yard pass from Rodgers to Davante Adams), as #12 threw to #18 for a five yard score. This made the game 17-10.

Five minutes, 10 plays and 80 yards later, we were tied again. The closer for that drive would be Lamar Miller’s five yard TD run along with the PAT from Sturgis. Once again we were tied, and it appeared that Miami’s momentum translated to its defense.

A Packers three and out would be the result of the ensuing drive.

The Dolphins would not go three and out on their following drive. Tannehill threw to Mike Wallace for 25 on a 1st and 10 from the 21. Then, he found Miller for 20 yards at the Packers’ 46 and 1st and 10, then connected with Landry for 21 yards on 1st and 10 from the 26. Tannehill passed to Wallace again for five yards and six points on the following play to give the Dolphins a 24-17 advantage.

The longest play of the next Packers drive would be when Rodgers threw for 22 yards to Jordy Nelson on 3rd and 9 at the 21 yard line. It would last 11 plays and 68 yards, culminating in a 30 yard field goal from Crosby to bring Green Bay back to within 24-20 with under five minutes left to play.

Despite getting a pair of first downs, the Packers used their remaining two timeouts during the Dolphins’ next drive. Miami had to punt after 4th and 8 from their own 37 yard line.

The final Packers’ drive lasted 11 plays and 60 yards and just over two minutes. Andrew Quarless was on the receiving end of a Rodgers 4 yard touchdown pass to make the score 27-24 with three seconds left.

At the end, there would be no Miracle or band on the field for Miami, as their last play which included a few laterals resulted in a fumble and a recovery by Julius Peppers as well as the Packers’ 4th win of the year.

• Rodgers: 24/42, 264 yards, 3 TDs
• Lacy: 14 carries, 40 yards
• Nelson: 9 receptions, 107 yards, 1 TD

• Tannehill: 20/31, 244, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
• Miller: 14 carries, 53 yards, 1 TD
• Landry: 6 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD

Week 7: CAR at GB, MIA at CHI

We ‘Dem Boys

Oct 12, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Rolando McClain (55) intercepts the ball intended for Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Willson (82) during the last minute of the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Dallas defeated Seattle 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

And at 4-1 going into Week 6, they’re making noise.

Raise your hand if you predicted that going into Week 6 of the season that the Cowboys would look like, arguably, the best team in the NFC if not all of football.

Put your hand down if you happen to be from the state of Texas.

*half of the hands raised are Houstonians*

…in Cowboys territory.

No hands remain raised.

Wasn’t this supposed to be a team that was supposed to play second fiddle by a long shot to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East? Wasn’t this supposed to be a team that was supposed to go through another season as they have had with many of their previous years?

With a lot of promise, but ultimately ending in mediocre fashion.

This season seems to be different. It is unbelievable how everyone seems to be viewing Tony Romo after Jerry Jones wanted Johnny Manziel so badly in the Draft that it serves as the football equivalent of lust.

Honestly…how ‘bout these Cowboys? They actually appear to be deserving of press coverage because they’re actually good. Plus, DeMarco Murray appears to be a frontrunner for the MVP this year as he is hitting on the possibility of a 2,000 yard season.

But in Week six, Dallas would without a doubt face its toughest test of the young season. That would be facing the Seahawks in CenturyLink Field in Seattle in the midst of the 12th Man. If it’s one thing we know about the defending champions is that it has been almost impossible to defeat them in the Emerald City over the past year or so.

Even though some had questions with how the Seahawks themselves looked despite a 27-17 victory over the Washington Redskins. Dare I say that the state of Washington defeat the city of Washington last week….

*not much applause for that one* Must’ve been too easy.

Oh, well…

This one began with Seattle on offense. A huge occasion this drive would be when Jermaine Kearse was pushed out of bounds after a 53 yard gain on a pass from Russell Wilson. The 10 play, 64 yard drive that lasted nearly five minutes resulted in the game’s first points. This would be a Steven Hauschka 33 yard field goal to give Seattle an early lead of 3-0.

That became 10-0 after the first Cowboys’ drive ended with them only picking up one first down and only advancing 18 yards. A Chris Jones punt was blocked by the Seahawks and recovered by Mike Morgan at the Dallas 25 yard line. 25 yards later, Morgan’s cleats made contact with the end zone as it and an extra point from Hauschka extended the Seattle advantage to 10-0.

The Cowboys would regroup on their following offensive series. Joseph Randle went 38 yards on 1st and 10 from their 33 yard line. After that, the ball ended up at the 29 yard line of the Seahawks. It would end in a two yard Tony Romo throw to Greg Escobar for a touchdown and his only reception of the game. Along with Dan Bailey’s extra point attempt, his got the Cowboys on the board at 10-7.

Seattle then punted on its next drive, but pinned the Cowboys at their own 5 yard line. Unfortunately for the Seahawks, their defense could not get off the field for the next ten minutes. 15 plays and 71 yards later, a 42 yard field goal courtesy of Bailey tied this game up at 10 apiece.

The Seahawks punted again which was followed up by another efficient drive from Dallas. They took two of their timeouts plus had the two minute warning on their side. Lance Dunbar was the recipient of a Romo pass for 21 yards as the drive was in its beginning stages. In its ending stages, Jason Witten was on the receiving end of a short Romo pass for a touchdown and a 17-10 lead going into the half.

Dallas would also have possession of the football coming out of the halftime period, but would punt on their first series. The Seahawks would do the same. But when Seattle punted, Dwyane Harris was back to receive the punt, but muffed it. Mike Morgan recovered at the Cowboys’ 14 yard line, almost guaranteeing the Seahawks three points, at least.

Two plays later, Wilson went nine yards on a QB keeper for a touchdown. This brought the tally to 17 apiece.

Three plays into the next Dallas drive, Romo fumbled (he’s used to bobbling footballs in Seattle) where the Seahawks’ Jordan Hill was on the recovery. Luckily for Dallas, that miscue only cost them three points as a 33 yard field goal from Hauschka went through the uprights. The Seahawks assumed a 20-17 advantage.

After a 68 yard kickoff from Hauschka, the Cowboys would get 47 of those yards back on their first play of their ensuing drive when Romo connected with Terrance Williams for 47 yards. The drive stalled at the Seattle 38, setting the stage for a 56 yard field goal attempt from Dan Bailey. The FG was good for a 20-20 tie.

The next two series for both teams resulted in punts. With just under eleven minutes left, the Seahawks began their following drive at the Cowboys’ 42 yard line. Incompletions stymied the drive, but Seattle did regain the lead again with a 48 yard Hauschka field goal. This made the score 23-20.

A nine play 80 yard drive that lasted for exactly five minutes included DeMarco Murray adding to his yard total with a 25 yard play. It was capped off with Murray going 15 more yards across the plane and into the end zone for a touchdown and a 27-23 lead for the Cowboys.

With just over three minutes left to play, the Seahawks were in four down territory. But their following offensive possession only took them four yards, including an incompletion on 4th and 6 from the 23 yard line. The turnover on downs allowed the Cowboys to regain possession near the Seattle red zone.

Dallas kept the ball on the ground with Murray and sealed the drive with another Bailey field goal (31 yards) for a 30-23 lead.

The Seahawks had one more chance to tie the game, even though it was a long shot. On a 1st and 10 play from the 25, Wilson attempted to throw to Luke Willson. He was picked off by Rolando McClain at the 48 yard line of the Cowboys. One kneel down later, Dallas clinched their biggest win of the season. 30-23 over the Seahawks in Seattle.

• Romo: 21/32, 250 yards, 2 TDs
• Murray: 29 carries, 115 yards, 1 TD
• Williams: 2 receptions, 70 yards

• Wilson: 14/28, 126 yards, 1 INT
• Lynch: 10 carries, 61 yards
• Kearse, 3 receptions, 62 yards

Week 7: SEA at STL, NYG at DAL

‘Zona in the Zone

Oct 12, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers (25) celebrates with outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (97) and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) after making an interception during the second half against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Realists, it is easy to get carried away by all of the great teams in the NFC. The Seattle Seahawks in the NFC are the defending Super Bowl champions. There’s the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, and Philadelphia Eagles.

But…do not overlook the Arizona Cardinals of all teams.

Yes, it is easy to overlook the Cardinals since they’re…the Cardinals in the same division with the ‘Hawks and Niners, but how easily do we forget…

The Cardinals finished the season last year at 10-6. If this Cardinals team was in the AFC last season, it would have been good enough to win a division.

On top of that, this is a team that this season is undefeated at home. So much for Seattle’s home field advantage. Arizona seems to be developing one as well, at least based on this young season.

This is a team that started off a season 4-0 a few years ago, then fell off. They went 10-6 last year and would have made the playoffs if they were in the AFC.

The Washington Redskins do not possess such lofty playoff aspirations. At this point with the Eagles and Cowboys in their division, playoffs are not in the cards for the team from Landover, MD. The top on-field headline regarding this team, of course, stems from the idea that Kirk Cousins may or may not be the team’s starting quarterback going forward even with Robert Griffin III as this team’s franchise.

Other than that, there’s the spat about the team name and the ongoing debate in the DMV over whether Dan Snyder will get a new stadium. Both of those storylines are much more interesting, in this Realist’s opinion than anything occurring on the field involving the Redskins.

The initial two offensive series for both teams resulted in punts. The Cardinals up to that point had the most efficient drive as they went 39 yards to midfield but gave the ball back to Washington. On Arizona’s third offensive possession, Michael Floyd was on the receiving end of a 20 yard Carson Palmer pass for a touchdown. Chandler Catanzaro’s extra point was good for a 7-0 lead for the Cardinals.

The Redskins following drive also resulted in six points. It seemed set up for a punt after a 2nd and 20 had the Redskins at their own 36 yard line. But Cousins connected with DeSean Jackson for 64 yards and a Washington touchdown. This made the score tied at seven apiece.

After a three and out from Arizona, Washington was on the move again. Their next possession included 3rd and 10 from their 30 in which a Cousins pass to Jordan Reed was originally ruled a first down after he gained nine yards then was pushed out of bounds. The ruling was challenged and it became a 4th and short.

No problem for Cousins here as he threw for 7 yards on the next play to Niles Paul. The ten play, 60 yard drive that lasted slightly over four minutes resulted in a 28 yard field goal from the cleat of Kai Forbath for a 10-7 Redskins lead.

Palmer threw to Floyd to begin the following possession for the Cardinals, but he fumbled. Arizona did recover. The Cardinals only had one first down on that drive along with a pair of penalties. That contributed to a drive that only advanced the football 18 yards for four plays. Result: another punt.

Washington’s next drive also resulted in a punt, despite being aided by two more flags against the Cardinals. It appeared as if Arizona would get nothing out of its next offensive drive as well after a 3rd and 8 from their 17. But a defensive pass interference flag against Washington moved the ball all the way up to the Redskins’ 47 yard line. A few plays later, Palmer found Larry Fitzgerald for 24 yards and a TD for a 14-10 advantage.

The Redskins would have an opportunity to at least get more points on the scoreboard prior to the end of the half. What helped out with this? A 33 yard strike from Cousins to Roy Helu. They took a timeout with seven seconds left after one more play to set the stage for a Forbath field goal from 43 yards out. This made the score 14-13.

After the Redskins began the second half with a punt, the Cardinals got possession of the ball again. Palmer connected with Fitzgerald on a 22 yard pass on a 2nd and 8 play from the Cards’ 29 yard line. The 14 play, 69 yard drive lasting over seven minutes culminated in a 33 yard field goal off the foot of Catanzaro for a 17-13 lead for Arizona.

On the heels of another Redskins punt, the next possession for the Cardinals would begin in the third quarter and would span into the fourth as it began. It would stall out at the Washington 31, but would translate into another Catanzaro field goal, this time from 49 yards away. 20-13 Arizona.

The first play of the next Redskins drive would see a Cousins throw to Andre Roberts, but he would put the ball on the turf as Jerraud Powers caused the turnover and Tyrann Mathieu was on the recovery to the 27 yard line of the Skins for 9 yards. The ruling was challenged and it stood.

That turnover would become points after the turnover when the Cards sent the field goal unit onto the field again for Catanzaro’s third field goal of the game to mtake the score 23-13 Cards.

Cousins, five plays into Washington’s next series on offense, threw to someone in an Arizona jersey. He attempted to find Andre Roberts, but instead threw to Rashad Johnson for a 30 yard return to the Redskins 46 yard line.

Arizona would punt on its next offensive series before Washington had the ball again. After a drive that saw the Redskins advance the football past midfield, it was squandered when Cousins instead threw to Powers on a play intended for Jackson.

But, Arizona would punt again back to Washington.

This time, there weren’t any turnovers on the Redskins’ side. Cousins threw to Roberts for 22 yards, then to Reed for 20. The scoring drive was capped off by a Cousins pass to Pierre Thomas for five yards and a touchdown.

Now this had become interesting with plenty of time left on the clock and the Redskins only needing a stop and a field goal to force overtime in a game that they probably had no business having an opportunity to win.

Kai Forbath attempted an onside kick, but the Cardinals would still recover at the Washington 42 yard line. The drive would net zero points, ending in a punt back to Washington.

On the first play of the Redskins drive with a chance to tie or win, Cousins tried to find Garcon, but instead connected with Johnson for a Pick Six. 28 yards later and an extra point, the Cards had a 30-20 lead en route to a 30-20 victory.

One short Redskins return later, it was over.

What did I say about sleeping on the Cardinals just because they’re the Cards? Exactly.

• Palmer: 28/44, 250 yards, 2 TDs
• Ellington: 19 carries, 67 yards
• Fitzgerald: 6 receptions, 98 yards, 1 TD

• Cousins: 24/38, 354 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs
• Morris: 13 carries, 41 yards
• Jackson: 3 receptions, 115 yards, 1 TD

Week 7: TEN at WAS, ARI at OAK

All Black Everything

Oct 12, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) celebrates his 15-yard touchdown with quarterback Nick Foles (9) against the New York Giants during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

There can be different shades of 4-1. Yes, 4-1 is 4-1 ultimately when you look at the record. A good 4-1 is the same as a “less than stellar” 4-1. But, it’s all the same in the end in terms of a team’s playoff picture.
Except, it may not be the same in terms of a team’s outlook as far as beating other upper echelon teams are concerned.

Let’s take into consideration the way this season has unfolded in the first five games for the Philadelphia Eagles. Up to their Sunday Night Football tilt vs. the New York Giants, LeSean “Shady” McCoy was having a down season and Nick Foles was looking slightly less than the quarterbacking prodigy he was last year when he threw 27 touchdowns and only two picks. Foles said himself that it was impossible for him to live up to those expectations this year.

Plus, the team had a terrible loss earlier in the season to the San Francisco 49ers in which the team’s offense looked like it was nowhere within the vicinity of a football field that game. Not to mention, last week, the Eagles did win 34-28 over the St. Louis Rams, but they nearly blew that game. If that was against the Green Bay Packers or Dallas Cowboys, that’s a game that they probably do gag away.

Meanwhile, the New York Giants have gone from the lobby to the penthouse of a high-rise Manhattan hotel. After dropping their first two games, they have won their last three (including a 45-14 blowout of the Redskins) and last week’s 30-20 victory at MetLife Stadium over the Atlanta Falcons.

So, the Giants and Eagles are both looking good. They’re division rivals separated by only the state of New Jersey (though the Giants officially play in Jersey) and in an NFC East that early on appears to be one of the best divisions in football along with the NFC West.

Only fitting to stick them on Sunday Night Football, right?

Oh, and in addition, the Eagles were in their black uniforms after a bunch of midweek trash talk going on between the teams and fans. This included a Bradley Cooper narrated video clip taunting Big Blue as well as a cartoon featuring caricatures of Eagles defensive linemen giving Eli Manning nightmares.

Giants fans responded with jerseys saying “Super Bowl victories 0”.

On the black unis, why don’t the Eagles just alternate between these and the Kelly Greens at home?

The nightmares Manning would get from the Eagles defense were much worse than what were in those short toon clips.
Philadelphia began this game on offense and began the game with a 10 play, 67 yard drive capped off by a Cody Parkey 31 yard field goal for an early 3-0 lead.

The first New York drive ended in a punt, which would be a way of life this night in South Philly for the Giants.

The ensuing Eagles drive included Nick Foles connecting with Zach Ertz for 23 yards before being pushed out of bounds. After a pair of Shady carries, Foles connected with Ertz again for a 15 yard score for a touchdown. Parkey’s extra point was good and the Eagles went ahead 10-0.

The next Giants drive was stymied by three sacks of Eli Manning along with an offensive holding flag and a delay of game penalty. New York was penalized again for the formation on its punt after facing 4th and 30 from the 38. Needless to say that Philadelphia’s defense was doing its job all game.

Three and outs would see the next pair of offensive series for both teams.

The drive after that for the Eagles would only last 3 plays, but would span less than a minute for 47yards ending in a Foles pass to James Casey for 26 yards. 17-0 Philadelphia.

The Giants would only get one first down on their following offensive possession before punting to the Eagles again. Darren Sproles returned the punt 43 yards to the Giants’ end of the field.

Sixteen yards later (along with six plays and a little over two minutes), a 45 yard field goal try from Parkey was in the ball park (ey) and Philly went ahead 20-0.

Another three and out from New York translated in the Eagles getting the football again. After getting three first downs and advancing the football into the Giants’ red zone, Foles then attempted to throw to Sproles, but instead threw to Antrel Rolle at the Giants 18 yard line.

Thanks to two New York penalties and another sack on Manning, the Giants’ drive went backwards instead of forwards. This led to another punt. The half ended with an Eagles three and out and a 20-0 advantage for Philadelphia.

The first Giants possession of the third quarter was also a three and out, and Philly’s first drive ended in a Foles pick. Zack Bowman was responsible for the interception this time, but was pushed out of bounds at the Eagles’ 21 yard line.

Manning, on a 3rd and 4 from the 15 yard line threw to, Larry Donnell for 15 yards for a touchdown, but it was nullified thanks to yellow on the field. The Giants were flagged for offensive holding and the TD was called back. The Giants would gain another first down, but would not come away with any points.

On 4th and goal, Manning threw incomplete to Victor Cruz who was injured on the play. Cruz’s knee injury will now keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season. This produced a rather insensitive tweet from Mike Missanelli of WPEN-FM 97.5 the Fanatic in Philadelphia.

So much for class on his part. The countdown to his job ouster appears to be underway.

The next drive included a Foles pass to Jordan Matthews for 26 yards. McCoy then ran 28 yards to bring the Eagles possession into Giants territory. Two plays later, Sproles found the end zone from 15 out to make the score 27-0 along with the extra point from Parkey.

The next three drives each for both teams ended in punts. With the game being virtually out of reach and late into the fourth quarter, Manning would throw to Daniel Fells on a 1st and 10 play from the 42 yard line. Bradley Fletcher would cause a fumble of Fells as his ball fell to the ground.

A Casey Matthews recovery later would give the Eagles the ball back once again. A three and out for the Eagles was followed by one more possession on offense for the Giants.

This time, #10 would not be the one taking the snaps. Ryan Nassib had an opportunity to get in the game. He did complete a few passes, including a 29 yard completion to Adrien Robinson. That would be his only reception of the game.

He was then sacked for a loss of 10 yards, then fumbled after being sacked by Brandon Graham. He would recover the football, though.

He would be sacked, but Philadelphia was flagged for roughing the passer on a drive that saw the Giants burn all three of their timeouts. The drive would stall out at the 26 yard line of Philadelphia after a 1st and 10 play at the 24 resulted in another sack for a loss of two yards. Eagles won emphatically 27-0.

I guess we have an idea of what the NFC East is going to look like this year…or do we?

• Foles: 21/34, 248 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs,
• McCoy: 22 carries, 149 yards
• Cooper: 5 receptions, 59 yards

• Manning: 13/23, 151 yards, 6 sacks
• Williams: 16 carries, 58 yards
• Randle: 5 receptions, 58 yards

Week 7: NYG at DAL, PHI bye

Other Games

Oct 12, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; A general view of a ball used during a game between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots October for breast cancer awareness month at Ralph Wilson Stadium. New England beats Buffalo 37 to 22. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Colts beat Texans 33-28

Titans beat Jaguars 16-14

Ravens beat Buccaneers 48-17

Broncos beat Jets 31-17

Lions beat Vikings 17-3

Patriots beat Bills 37-22

Browns beat Steelers 31-10

Chargers beat Raiders 31-28

Bears beat Falcons 27-13

49ers at Rams (8:30, Monday Night Football)