The NFC East is far from boring. The Philadelphia Eagles outlasted Washington Redskins in a wild 37-34 affair that included a little bit of everything. Here's what we learned:
- This matchup has extra juice after DeSean Jackson changed teams. The tone was set early in this game when DeSean Jacksontook a late hit, and then started a small fracas by shoving safety Malcolm Jenkins in the neck. Jackson was in the middle of the action all day: He caught an 81-yard touchdown and then did Philly's trademark "Fly, Eagles, Fly" celebration.
Later in the contest, Washington's Chris Baker and Philadelphia's Jason Peters were ejected after a brawl broke out. The fracas was caused by a cheap shot by Baker on Nick Foles during an interception return. (The pick was ultimately overturned and was a huge turning point in the game.)
- Foles missed a few throws in the second half that could have ended the game, but he played much better than the first two weeks. He took a lot of big shots and kept getting up. He was nearly flawless with his throws in the first half, including a beautiful touchdown to Jordan Matthews right before half.
- Kirk Cousins is going to be Washington's starter for a while if he keeps playing like this: 427 yards, three scores, and a fourth-quarter interception. Cousins didn't close the game out strong but he put on a show for most of the contest. His deep throws aren't pretty, but they are nearly always on point. He made terrific decisions on third down.
- The Redskins' offense dominated all day to the tune of 511 yards. But Washington's special teams cost them yet again after giving up a kickoff for a touchdown and missing a 33-yard field goal. That was the biggest difference in the game.
- Washington lost cornerback DeAngelo Hall (leg), guard Shawn Lauvao (right knee), defensive tackle Jason Hatcher (hamstring) and safety Duke Ihenacho to injury. Hall says he tore his Achilles tendon, which will diminish an already-shaky secondary.
- Eagles center Jason Kelce left with an abdominal injury and was quickly ruled out. Philly's banged up offensive line is going to reach the point of no return soon.
- Washington is only 1-2 on the season, but they look like a vastly improved team. Don't hand the NFC East to Philadelphia just yet.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps all of the Week 3 action and picks the top team in the AFC.
