Monday Morning Quarterbacking the NFC East

The Eagles roll over Ryan and the Falcons 31-17.  Jeremy Maclin filled in nicely for an injured DeSean Jackson, who started the game, but was knocked out (literally) by a crushing hit from Dunta Robinson, who was also injured on the hit.  Jackson, who was described as severely concussed started the game fast and furious, rushing for 44 yards and a TD, and catching one pass for 34 yards and a TD.  Maclin filled in for Jackson catching all 7 passes thrown his way for 159 yards and 2 TDs.  Kolb looked like a pro-bowler was 23/29 for 326 yards, 3 scores, and 1 INT, for a 133.6 QB rating.  The Falcons fell behind 21-0 in the early goings, and even though they outscored the Eagles 17-10 from late 2nd quarter, their comeback fell short as Matt Ryan lost a fumble and threw a pick. 
What the Eagles need to work on- The Eagles looked great for the most part, but if you're looking for something to be negative about, it has to be their kicker, Akers, who is normally very reliable, but was only 1/4 in FG opportunities.
What the Falcons need to work on- They didn't dominate in any facet of this game.  Ryan had an average game, as did Turner, but their defense gave up to many big plays.  The defense needs to work on defending against the "home run" plays.

The Giants looked average against a bad team, beating the Lions 28-20.  The Lions, while much improved, are still a bad team.  Coming into this game, the Lions were actually ranked as the #1 offensive team in the NFC.  The Giants did a great job of stuffing the run.  Jahvid Best rushed 12 times for only 16 yards.  On the other hand, the Giants couldn't defend the pass all that well.  Lion quarterbacks were 28/49 for 302 yards and two scores and an INT.  The Giants sacked the QB only twice, but did knock out starter Shaun Hill.  Offensively the Giants were mediocre in the passing game with Eli completing 20 of 30 passes for 177 yards and two scores with no picks.  Amhad Bradshaw is becoming one of the best running backs in the NFC.  He rushed 19 times for 133 yards and no scores.  Jacobs took care of the scoring, rushing 9 times for 35 yards with two TDs. 
What the Lions need to work on- The offensive line didn't play well at all.  They gave up two sacks, giving up a fumble.  The run game suffered because the Giants penetration was too much on run plays.  They need to create bigger holes, and protect their quarterback better.
What the Giants need to work on-  Special teams.  Matt Dodge fumbled another punt for no reason that I can see, setting up the Lions for their first score in Giants territory.  Coverage team needs to be re-hauled again.  3 kickoffs returned by the Lions went for 104 yards. The Giants will get exposed playing a good team when they give up good field position.

The Cowboys are easily the most disappointing team in football.  They lost another close game yesterday afternoon in Minnesota, 24-21.  The Cowboys played sloppily yet again.  They won in almost every facet of this game from time of possession to total yards, but turned the ball over twice, were penalized 11 times for 91 yards, and gave up a 95 yard kick return for a TD.  That is not the recipe for success.  They limited Brett Favre to 118 yards and a score, and Adrian Peterson to 73 yards on 24 carries and a TD.  Romo threw for 220 yards, three TDs, but threw two costly INTs.  Both turnovers led to points for Minnesota and that was the difference in the game. 
What the Cowboys need to work on-  The defense is playing well for the Cowboys, but the offense keeps shooting itself in the foot.  They cannot turn the ball over twice deep in their own territory, and they can't be penalized 11 times for 91 yards.  Just keep out of your own way, and good things will happen.  With the talent on this team, it must be very aggravating for the Cowboys to be at the bottom of the division.  Is it too late for the Cowboys?
What Minnesota needs to work on- The Favre to Moss connection.  With a week of practicing under their belt, I thought that this hookup would prove to be deadly vs Dallas. 

The Redskins fought hard, but came up short against the Colts, losing 27-24.  Peyton Manning threw for 307 yards and two TDs with a fumble lost.  McNabb wasn't as good throwing for 246 yards, one TD, and two INTs.  Before getting injured, Addai was having a very productive game, rushing for 128 yards on 17 carries with a TD.  Washington got a nice effort from Ryan Torrain, who rushed for 100 yards on 20 carries, but McNabb's mistakes proved to much.  One interception led to 7 points for the Colts, while the other was a nice grab that ended the game.  This game though was a game in which the Colts made some mistakes in the form of three fumbles lost, but still wound up winning.  The Colts are still a top tier team in this league, so the Redskins can take some positive things from this game. 
 What the Colts can work on-  Hold on to the ball.  While they won this game on nice balanced attack, but Addai or Manning can't put the ball on the carpet.  Special teamer, Kenny Moore fumbled twice, losing it once.  He needs to be torn into or replaced.
What the Redskins need to work on-  They played pretty well except for the two big turnovers.  McNabb is a good quarterback, who will bounce back from this one.  They're 1 game behind the the Giants and Eagles, but if they can end up in a tie, they have the tiebreaker for now.