Billed for years as the most competitive division in the league, the NFC East looks on its way back to fulfilling that claim this season with four legitimate playoff contenders. I throw my predictions into the crazy mix!
Washington Redskins
After struggling under first time head coach Jim Zorn, the Redskins turned to Mike Shanahan to revamp their image and bring success back to D.C. They acquired Donovan McNabb in a trade with the division-rival Eagles to lead Kyle Shanahan's offense. After a competition of elder running backs, Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson will share carries with Keiland Williams out of the backfield. Santana Moss is still the speedy outside threat, but it gets thin beyond him at receiver. Devin Thomas has shown flashes but little else. Mike Furrey is dependable but not intimidating. Joey Galloway is old. I mean, seriously old. The 'Skins also drafted Trent Williams fourth overall to be their left tackle for years to come and traded for Jammal Brown from New Orleans, giving some stability to a wavering offensive line.
Using a new 3-4 defensive scheme, the Redskins are shuffling their personnel in order to execute. That means former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth will have to play in the middle of that three man front or even some defensive end, something he was rather... reluctant to do. It's still uncertain whether Haynesworth will be active for the opener, but if the Skins' defense will succeed, he must be on the field. Washington has a stout linebacking unit featuring Rocky McIntosh, London Fletcher, Andre Carter and Brian Orakpo. Their secondary is formidable, if somewhat depleted. DeAngelo Hall and Carlos Rogers helm the corner positions while LaRon Landry lays the wood from his strong safety spot.
Last year's record: 4-12
2010 prediction: 8-8
"Why can't I get the money AND get traded? That's dumb."
I won't deny that Washington will be a far different team than last year's trash heap, I don't believe in them the way other pundits do. They're not a better team than the Cowboys and they don't have the same talent as the Eagles on offense. They'll be respectable, but wait a year or two before Shanahan makes miracles happen. In all likelihood, he'll trade Haynesworth before the deadline.
New York Giants
Only a few years removed from their magical Super Bowl win, the New York Giants have lost their grip on the NFC East. Eli Manning is a good quarterback but isn't likely to ever be a great one. Bruising RB Brandon Jacobs doesn't have the same speed anymore and has trouble staying healthy. He's partnered with Ahmad Bradshaw, who without question still has the jets. If only their offensive line was as durable as it used to be. Injuries across the line are cause for concern for a Tom Coughlin coached squad, as the man likes his football ran. Fortunately, he does have a nice core of young receivers that can make plays down the field. Hakeem Nicks is an up-and-comer in his second season and Steve Smith moves the chains. That's not even mentioning Mario Manningham and tight end Kevin Boss, who caught 57 and 42 passes last year, respectively.
After playing form defense early last season, the Giants fell apart late, giving up touchdowns at will. To create more pressure on the quarterback they drafted Jason Pierre-Paul in the first round to help Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Mathias Kiwanuka. On the next level, their linebackers are extraordinarily pedestrian. Adding veteran Keith Bulluck should replace the leadership lost when Antonio Pierce was let go, but Bulluck's best days are far behind him. Their secondary couldn't stay healthy last season, but even when together the group of Aaron Ross, Terrell Thomas and Corey Webster can't cover for a poor pas rush. Adding Antrel Rolle at safety was a great move, even if they had to overpay.
Last year's record: 8-8
2010 prediction: 7-9
I've seen all sorts of wacky predictions for these Giants, but I'm not sold on them just yet. They appear average on both sides of the ball and it starts up front. If the lines play well, so do the Giants.
Philadelphia Eagles
Undergoing one of the most publicized quarterback changes in recent history, Andy Reid and the Eagles have taken 2007 second round pick Kevin Kolb and made him a starting QB in the NFL, whether he's ready or not. Rumors of his superior accuracy and fitting the system better need to be proven on the field. With Brian Westbrook released, LeSean McCoy will be the full-time starter, backed up by Mike Bell. The Eagle wide-outs are young but talented, starting with deep threat DeSean Jackson. If Jeremy Maclin improves on his 56-catch rookie season, watch out for this offense. Brent Celek will catch at least 80 balls this season from the tight end spot, as Kolb's main safety valve. The offensive line doesn't have many holes with veteran center Jamaal Jackson and tackle Jason Peters, but they've never really excelled at run-blocking, and I doubt that will change.
Drafting Brandon Graham (who at 6'2" is apparently undersized at the defensive end spot) will give Philly another pass-rusher that fits their 4-3 mold. Trading for linebacker Ernie Sims was a solid move, partnering him with Stewart Bradley. Asante Samuel and Ellis Hobbs start on the outside, with Nate Allen and Quintin Mikell rounding out an above average secondary. If Samuel gets another 9 picks this season, I'm sure the Eagles will love it.
Last year's record: 11-5
2010 prediction: 9-7
It's funny that 9-7 is essentially a rebuilding year for the Eagles. St. Louis is having one of those as well, but they can barely hope to win half as many games. They're obviously taking a step backwards, but this young core of offensive talents will keep the Eagles in the thick of the NFC East for years to come.
He just doesn't look like an NFL QB. More like an ex-adult film actor who works as a bank teller so he can tell women he works in "finance."
Dallas Cowboys
It's Tony Romo time y'all! The Dallas QB returns after his best season in the pro's to a passing offense that ranked 6th overall. Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice are probably the best trio of running backs in the league, each bringing a different wrinkle to the offense. Unfortunately they'll be running behind a line that has been decimated with injuries. Keep an eye on Doug Free at left tackle to see if he makes through the switch from right to left tackle. Receiver Miles Austin had a break-out season, firmly supplanting Roy Williams as the number one wide-out. Now Williams could be ousted by rookie Dez Bryant, who after missing almost a year of football looks poised for a big year.
There aren't many pass-rushers better than DeMarcus Ware. The man simply eats quarterbacks from his outside linebacker spot. End Marcus Spears come on down the stretch last season, giving teams a reason to worry on the side opposite Ware. With Anthony Spencer, Bradie James and Keith Brooking alongside Ware, the Dallas linebackers are to be feared. Dallas' secondary isn't a slouch either, as Terrence Newman and Mike Jenkins are dependable corners.
Last year's record: 11-5
2010 prediction: 11-5
How 'bout them Cowboys? While I'm not in love with them, it's not a question of whether or not they'll win the division. I only wonder how far they'll go in the playoffs after finally winning a postseason game last year. Tony Romo has to continue building on last season's success to be considered an elite quarterback.
Cowboy cheerleaders. An American institution.
