This season is full of interesting plots with old faces in new places, the Brett Favre saga, and off-season hold outs. These story lines will most certainly have an effect on the outcome of certain teams season's. Injuries have ravaged certain teams, and might open some doors for some clubs to pass the teams that are considered superior in rankings. This post is about the NFC East.
NFC EAST:
1. Dallas Cowboys-
Offense: There has been so much hype around this team all offseason. Dez Bryant this and Felix Jones that. I think that the Cowboys offense be will good, no question about it. I don't think it will as good as people say it will be though. It starts with the offensive line, which has looked pitiful so far this preseason. If they can get Tony Romo time to throw it to Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Jason Witten, if they can make Felix Jones and Marion Barber some holes to work with, this will be an offense to be reckoned with.
Defense: A talented team all around, the Cowboys D will look for another monster year from DeMarcus Ware rushing the passer. MLBs Keith Brooking and Bradie James provide some stability against the run with Jay Ratliff in the trenches. The 'Boys have a strong secondary that will need to take advantage of the pressure that the front 7 will provide, and get turnovers.
Season Result: The pressure is on for the Cowboys to be the first team to win the Superbowl in their own stadium. First they have win a tough division. If their O-line can perform just well enough, they should come out on top 11-5.
2. New York Giants-
Offense: This offense had a major boost when Ahmad Bradshaw was named the starting running back. Brandon Jacobs is good, but has slowed down. Despite reports saying that the Giants will be moving to more balanced offense, I can't see them not throwing the ball all over the place to their star receivers in Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith. This team could have one of the more impressive passing attacks if they really tried. The offensive line has to stay healthy all the way through the season.
Defense: This defense was terrible last year. They gave up way to many points, and a revamped secondary should help fix that. The Giants do possess one of the best groups of D-Lineman with Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, Osi, and rookie John Pierre-Paul. Their linebackers, including free agent Keith Bullock and Micheal Boley will have to step up their game so this defense can once again be one of the better ones in the league.
Season Results: Its tough really for me to say the order of these teams in the NFC East. I think Eli and the Giants will be in the hunt come season's end at 9-7.
3. Philadelphia Eagles-
Offense: Personally, I think that letting go of McNabb was a stupid decision for the Eagles. I am not a believer in the Kevin Kolb hype. In an offense where there are play makers everywhere you look (even at fullback) Kolb has no reason to do poorly except inexperience. This will be an offense that grows together, and will eventually be one of the tops in the league, but not this year. The offensive line remains a question in health and talent, especially on the right side. The Eagles will need to run the ball more effectively too, especially in short yardage and goal line situations.
Defense: I'm not going to say that this is a great defense, but it is solid. Asante Samuel is a ball hawking cornerback and a game changer. Ellis Hobbs, on the other side is solid. The linebackers of this group are young and have good potential. Stewart Bradley is looking to make a strong comeback after losing all of last year to injury. On the line, Trent Cole remains a young, perennial Pro-Bowler at defensive end, but the Eagles will need another pass rusher to emerge so opposing offenses can't focus on Cole. It remains a unit to watch through out the year.
Season Results: Kolb will have his moments every other game, but it won't be enough to get them to the playoffs. Eagles finish 8-8.
4. Washington Redskins-
Offense: One of the big stories for the 'Skins this year is the arrival of former rival QB Donovan McNabb. A bigger story might be his health. If McNabb can stay on the field all season, the Redskins move up on this list. Unfortunately, we all know he won't. With only a couple proven playmakers on offense, the Skins do not look too explosive. They did address their biggest problem this offseason, the offensive line. Even without G Mike Williams (lost to injury), the 'Skins line was dramatically improved by adding 4th overall pick LT Trent Williams and trading for RT Jamaal Brown. Washington's running game still remains a big question mark.
Defense: The switch to the 3-4, while not better for Fat Albert Haynesworth, will be better for this team as a whole. Star linebacker Brian Orakpo is better suited for the 3-4, and will likely duplicate his outstanding numbers from a year ago. Adding 3-4 personnel like DE Adam Carriker and DT Ma'ake Kemoeatu will do wonders for this team. Star safety La'ron Landry switched back to the strong safety position, which better suits his ability, while the free safety spot is up in the air between Kareem Moore and Reed Doughty. The 'Skins cover corners in Deangelo Hall and Carlos Rodgers will be impressive this year. Don't forget about London Fletcher-Baker at MLB and his impact on this defense
Season Results: The Redskins will be better under Shanahan and could be higher on this list, but it mostly depends on their offensive production. I know their defense will be stellar. 7-9 for the 'Skins.
Stay tuned, next post will be on the AFC West!
Redskins 16-0!!!! :) Good writing Ryan!
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