The NFC East has been a punchline this season for good reason. It's the worst division in football. After seven weeks, however, we now have a clear favorite to finish the season on top.
The Dallas Cowboys are 3-0 in the division after a thorough 17-3 dismantling of the Eagles in Philadelphia on Sunday. The win puts the Cowboys at 4-3 overall, but they have dispatched all three division opponents with relative ease.
This game went exactly against expectations. There were 13 punts in the first half alone. Nick Foles, who appeared to be playing with an injured groin for three quarters, eventually left the game to be evaluated for a head injury.
Here's what else we learned in this game:
- The quarterback controversy is over in Philadelphia. Foles might not be ready to play next week, and he struggled badly in all facets of his game against the Cowboys. It was clear that he entered the game at less than 100 percent despite not being listed on the injury report. He struggled to move in the pocket and avoided running.
- Cowboys defensive tackle Jason Hatcher continues to be one of the NFL's most valuable defensive players. He disrupted Philadelphia's running game all day and picked up his sixth sack.
- This was the first time a Chip Kelly team has ever been held scoreless in a half. That's 59 games, for those scoring at home. The Eagles fell to 3-4; their offense struggles against press man coverage.
- Terrance Williams continues to be a huge difference-maker for the Cowboys' offense. He caught one touchdown pass and kept a number of drives going. With Miles Austin a total non-factor (0 catches), and a mediocre running game, the Cowboys need Williams.
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