NFC East: Pre-Preseason Record Predictions

(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

I was tempted to say they go 11-5, but, without Burress, defenses can put more focus on stopping the run. Without Derrick Ward, doing so is going to be much easier.

Washington Redskins: 10-6

The Redskins with a winning record? Noooo!

Whatever. I'm always optimistic, but never ridiculous. 

See, what sucks about record predictions is all the variables.  "Well, if this rookie does this or if this offseason addition does this..."

But, the truth is, that's how it works in the National Football League, and that's why almost everyone is dead wrong when making predictions. 

DEFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 4; PASSING: 7; RUSHING: 8

For most, I assume, it would be very difficult to predict this defense gets worse after this offseason. 

Sure, linebacker Marcus Washington was released (like he did anything for them in '08).  Sure, defensive end Jason Taylor was released (like he did anything for them in '08 either).  Sure, cornerback Shawn Springs was released (Okay, he contributed amply, but he was out nearly half the season.)

BUT...

Albert Haynesworth.

You see, the Redskins had the fourth best defense last year while putting up an NFC-low 24 sacks.

Yes, 24. 

Now, add the best defensive tackle in the league to the mix, and the pass rush, and therefore the secondary, get an instant boost. 

The variable, as I mentioned earlier, is rookie defensive end Brian Orakpo.

Is he this year's version of Dwight Freeney (who posted 13.0 sacks his rookie year), or will it be a year or two before the sacks start piling up?

IF Orakpo does start off with a bang, Pittsburgh's defense may be the only one in front of Washington's. 

If Orakpo doesn't have such a start, I can't see why number four isn't feasible once again. 

The thing about Orakpo is that he fills two needs at once—defensive end and outside linebacker. Even if he doesn't play at an elite level at either position in 2009, he still fills a void.

OFFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 19; PASSING: 23; RUSHING: 8

It seems the question every year for the Redskins is offense. Aging line, questions at quarterback, no true number one receiver, yada yada yada...

I certainly can't argue, but the optimism is coming out in me again. Jason Campbell has a year of the West Coast Offense under his belt, Devin Thomas understands the offense now, and some new linemen have been signed recently. 

So, the offense is a variable—A big one. 

Really, though, it could go either way.  It depends on the performance of last year's second round picks and the growth of Jason Campbell.

Frankly, if the defense is as good as I expect it to be, the offense won't need to be superb.

Dallas Cowboys: 9-7

Forget the mountains of Pro-Bowlers and all that. I see a team that had it's chance two years ago and couldn't seize it.  Now, I feel, the Superbowl is out of reach. 

DEFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 8; PASSING: 5; RUSHING: 12

Safety Roy Williams is gone, Chris Canty is gone, Tank Johnson is gone, Adam Jones is gone, and Zach Thomas is gone. None of these guys made huge contributions, but that is certainly a lot of losses.

I'm not up to date on all the additions the Cowboys have made on defense, but I expect at least some drop-off from last year.

And, of course, who thinks DeMarcus Ware is going to put up 20.0 sacks again?

I don't.

OFFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 13; PASSING: 9; RUSHING: 21

Face it: Roy Williams is overrated. 

I'm sure most Cowboys fans are optimistic about Williams but know he isn't going to be what Owens was for them. 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Cowboys did not address the wide receiver position (at least not efficiently) in the draft or in free agency, so I see trouble here. 

As for the ground game, I see no problems.

Marion Barber III + Felix Jones is as good as it gets. 

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