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NFC East: Giants and Redskins Ramp Up Chase of Eagles

By Erik Lambert

EVANSTON, IL- SEPTEMBER 03: Clayton Thorson #18 of the Northwestern Wildcats is tackled by Sam Beal #18 of the Western Michigan Broncos during the second half on September 3, 2016 at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. the Western Michigan Broncos won 22-21. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL- SEPTEMBER 03: Clayton Thorson #18 of the Northwestern Wildcats is tackled by Sam Beal #18 of the Western Michigan Broncos during the second half on September 3, 2016 at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. the Western Michigan Broncos won 22-21. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /
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The NFC East is probably the most bitterly contested division in NFL history. Sure other divisions may be stronger at times, but none have more Super Bowls.

With the Philadelphia Eagles claiming their first in franchise history, the total number in the division now stands at 13 with five for the Dallas Cowboys, four for the New York Giants, and three for the Washington Redskins. One of the reasons it’s been like this forever is because of the rivalries. It doesn’t seem to matter where one looks, the teams have bad blood with each other.

The Cowboys and Redskins hate each other. The Giants and Eagles might be the best all-around rivalry in history just for the sheer number of memorable moments. These rivalries run deep and urge each organization to always seek an advantage, wherever and whenever they can find them. Oh, this team dominated last year because of their offensive line, then we’re making the defensive line our focus this year.

Don’t think it’s a real thing? Just look at what happened on Wednesday.

Both moves are a clear counterpunch to the Eagles

Philadelphia is on the mountaintop. The Giants and Redskins know this. How did they get there? Having a great team sure, but one of their aces was a diverse passing attack that was hard to stop. It ranked 13th in the league in yards and first in scoring touchdowns. It didn’t seem to matter if Carson Wentz or Nick Foles were the quarterbacks. Defenses just had a hard time stopping it. Even the mighty Patriots in the Super Bowl.

What’s the best way to counter a top passing game? A top pass defense. For that a team needs good cornerbacks. It’s not a coincidence that New York and Washington, two NFC East teams were quick to scoop up the two best players in the supplemental draft who happened to be corners. They’re chasing the Eagles and aren’t even trying to hide that reality. The sooner they can diminish that advantage, the higher their chances go of dethroning them from atop the division.

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No division attacks this reality with more fervor than the East. It’s a cutthroat division that has no room for mercy or prisoners. It’s kill or be killed. Perhaps that’s why it breeds so many champions.

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