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The NFL regular season is more volatile on a week-to-week basis than the Stock Market. One team that lost by several touchdowns the week before can follow up with a blowout victory. Players who are responsible for the blame one week could be responsible for a game-winning play the next.
With Week 3 in the books, let's take a look at three NFC East players who saw their stock rise, and three NFC East players who saw it fall.
Three Up
Sean Lee, linebacker, Dallas
With Tony Romo and Dez Bryant out for another several weeks, the Cowboys will need the defense to step up big, and Sean Lee can lead the way. After flashing signs of his former All-Pro self in Week 2, Lee was at it again in Week 3 against the Falcons. He finished with a team-high 10 tackles (seven solo), one sack, a quarterback hit and one tackle for loss. He also allowed one reception for six yards in coverage.
Eli Manning, quarterback, New York Giants
For the first time in his career, Eli Manning has not thrown an interception through his first three games of the regular season. Since stepping into Ben McAdoo's scheme, Manning has thrown 14 interceptions in 19 games. After taking flack for his decision making in Week 1, and the Giants' second straight blown lead in Week 2, Manning responded big in Week 3 -- he finished 23-of-32 for 279 yards passing and two touchdowns against Washington.
Walter Thurmond, safety, Philadelphia
When the Eagles signed defensive back Walter Thurmond this offseason, many expected he would take over as their slot cornerback. Spring practices opened up, and Chip Kelly revealed his plan to use Thurmond at safety. Thurmond looks like a natural at safety -- he has already racked up two interceptions -- including another in Week 3 -- and he has also made an impact in the run game.
Three Down
Terrance Williams, wide receiver, Dallas
With Bryant down, the Cowboys need Terrance Williams to step up and be their top playmaker on offense. In Week 3, Williams was nowhere -- he was targeted on two of quarterback Brandon Weeden's 26 pass attempts, and came away with zero receptions.
Bashaud Breeland, cornerback, Washington
In his second game back after serving a one-game suspension, things couldn't have gone much worse for cornerback Bashaud Breeland. Per Pro Football Focus, Breeland allowed eight receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns on 10 targets in primary coverage during the Week 3 game against the Giants. He allowed touchdowns of 30 and 41 yards to wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Rueben Randle.
Kirk Cousins, quarterback, Washington
When opposing defenses shut down the run, Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins has struggled to protect the football. This happened in Week 1 in their loss to the Miami Dolphins, and again in Week 3 against the Giants. Cousins threw two interceptions before the game got out of hand. He has to clean up the turnovers fast if he wants to hang on to his starting job.
