Giants get no help, NFC East sweeps the board

Nov 3, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dwayne Harris (17) dives for the game winning touchdown in the fourth quarter against Minnesota Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels (35) at AT

If considering the New York Giants playoff hopes remains a part of your weekly routine, then Sunday afternoon was a painful shot to the solar plexus. At 2-6, the Jints will need plenty of help from their inconsistent division rivals, and they almost got a pair of reprieves on Sunday afternoon at approximately four o’clock. But it was not to be.

The Vikings held a 23-20 lead in Dallas at the 4:29 mark of the 4th quarter; with possession in Cowboy territory following a Romo interception. Instead of trying to “win” the game as 10-point underdogs, Minnesota chose to protect itself from its own quarterback, Christian Ponder, and went three and out on a critical drive. Moments later, Romo drove the Cowboys 90 yards in a shade over two minutes for the game winning touchdown. The good news and bad news are both the same, depending on how you choose to view the glass: The Cowboys deserved an L against a pitiful football team — at home.

Almost simultaneously, the Redskins were casually entering into full choke mode versus San Diego. At 24-14, the Chargers nearly scored two touchdowns in the final 6:59 to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.  They needed 92 yards in the final 2:10 and ended up with 91. Only an overturned Danny Woodhead score saved Washington’s bacon and forced overtime. Griffin drove the Skins for a game-winning TD on the first possession of extra time.

The Eagles, who entered Oakland Coliseum as underdogs, once again proved their unpredictability. As I’m sure you could surmise from the score on the ticker, the outcome was never in doubt. Recently concussed quarterback Nick Foles tied the NFL record for touchdown passes in a game with seven; just two weeks earlier Foles had completed 11 of 29 passes for 80 yards against Dallas. The key? Pressure. Foles is immobile, but throws a beautiful ball when afforded a clean pocket.

After nine weeks of action, the Giants trail third-place Washington by 1 game, second-place Philadelphia by 1.5 games and first-place Dallas by 2.5 games. Divisional game remaining include Dallas on 11/24 and Washington twice (12/1 & 12/29). A home tilt with Oakland will be first up following the bye week.