NFC East: Pre-Preseason Record Predictions

(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

I am bound to be dead wrong in the following predictions for the NFC East for the upcoming 2009 season, especially since it's only May. But hey, fans always thoroughly enjoy observing analysts and experts and writers fail at being prophets. 

I find this season for the Birds, 'Boys, 'Skins, and Giants—who, unlike the other three teams, don't have an abbreviated nickname (I suppose you could call them the 'Ants, but that's just stupid.)—particularly difficult to anticipate.

Predictions for Washington and Dallas are particularly challenging. Was Dallas' disappointing 9-7 record last year a fluke? Has Washington's West Coast Offense made enough strides to push them over the edge?

Regardless, I believe there is going to be fierce competition for the division title.

But, then again, I predicted this last year and I was nothing short of completely wrong.  My forecast division winner, I believe, will not win by any long shot.

But, who does win the division? As a Redskins fan, you might be thinking I'm just a biased and irrational dolt living in Fantasy (no pun intended) Land. 

Well, the truth is, I am such a person, but I haven't picked Washington to win the division.

Philadelphia Eagles: 10-6 or 11-5

DEFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 3; PASSING: 3; RUSHING: 4

I expect these numbers to remain relatively the same. 

The losses of safety Brian Dawkins and cornerback Lito Sheppard might hurt, so, fine, we'll say their passing defense is ranked at six or seven rather than three.

Big whoop. 

OFFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 9; PASSING: 6; RUSHING: 22

The offensive line is good with the addition of tackle Jason Peters, so that is not a problem. Then again, didn't they lose two linemen as well this offseason?

So, the success of this offense trickles down to rookies making impacts. With Brian Westbrook turning thirty in September, second round pick LeSean McCoy is going to have to provide some support.

I really wish Philadelphia took a power back instead of a Westbrook-like back in McCoy.  Sure, they are probably looking to the future, but with a one-two punch of versatile and explosive Westbrook plus a third-down, punch-it-in-the-endzone back, the Eagles would be a force to reckon with.

Instead, defenses now get to face two of the same type of runner, which really doesn't force them to make an extra effort to contain Philly's ground game. 

The Eagles' passing game could take a big step up this year.

DeSean Jackson had a successful rookie campaign, and now Jeremy Maclin is added to the mix. If Maclin can have a similar rookie performance to what Jackson had, this offense is going to do some serious damage. 

Unfortunately, I'm sure fans really wish their team had the opportunity for Michael Crabtree. At 6'0", Maclin is taller than DeSean Jackson (5'10"), but he's not the 6'3" that Terrell Owens was for them.

Two speedy receivers is nice, but we all know quarterback Donovan McNabb wants someone who can reach out and make the acrobatic grab. 

New York Giants: 10-6, maybe 11-5

DEFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 5; PASSING: 8; RUSHING: 9

I don't really have much to say about the Giants' defense. It should improve with the return of Osi Umenyiora. Safety Kenny Phillips should see significantly more time. 

Should be top five once again.

OFFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 7; PASSING: 18; RUSHING: 1

The offense is the reason I have the Giants dropping to 10-6. Their offensive line is still fantastic, but the questions lie in the skill positions.

Derrick Ward is gone. He had over one thousand yards last year.

Brandon Jacobs should have even more this year, but he isn't going to get two thousand. That number one ranking up there in the rushing category likely will be filled by another team. 

And, of course, the horse in the room (Or should I say the dumb*** in the room?): Plaxico Burress.

We all saw what the loss of Burress did to the Giants at the conclusion of the season and into the postseason. New York did address wide receiver in the draft, but not high enough. Manning is going to wish he had Burress back. 

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