Five Bold NFC East Predictions for 2010

As much as I hate my division rivals, I must say I am proud to root for a team that is a part of the NFC East.

Not only has the NFC East been one of the better divisions in the National Football League over the past several seasons, but there is a level of ferocity among its teams that I'm not sure exists in many other divisions.

I swear I say this every year, but things will be very interesting in 2010 for this division. In fact, I find myself more pumped for this season than for any in recent history, and not just because of the new look of my Washington Redskins.

Here are five bold yet, in my humble opinion, rational predictions for the upcoming season.

Kevin Kolb will play well

I must give credit to Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles for having such a young yet somehow talented team.

Typically, when one refers to a young team, one also is referring to a, well, bad team. But the Eagles are not bad, especially on offense.

Most think Kolb will have a shaky first year, and he very well may. But after having two starts with 300-plus yards (one of which was 350-plus), I am beginning to question that, even if his opponents had questionable defenses.

DeSean Jackson will be entering his third year, the so-called "breakout" year for receivers. Yet he had over 1,000 yards in his second year. Talented newbie Jeremy Maclin will enter his second, as will running back LeSean McCoy.

Kolb has had time to develop and learn under a respectable quarterback just like Aaron Rodgers did. He knows the game; he knows the offense.

The Cowboys' offense will struggle

Why? Injuries.

You might be thinking it's a little presumptive and perhaps malevolent to predict injuries, but this prediction comes from experience.

The Cowboys released longtime left tackle Flozell Adams this offseason. That leaves former sixth-round pick Doug Free to take over.

Free struggled when he played left tackle in 2009, and the Cowboys drafted only one tackle in this year's draft—Sam Young. Young is apparently expected to begin his career at right tackle.

In 2009, the Washington Redskins had two early injuries on the offensive line (LT Chris Samuels, RG Randy Thomas). After that, backups starting falling like dominoes.

By the end of the season, the Redskins were on their fifth or sixth starting right guard. The number of changes on the offensive line was ridiculous because of so many injuries.

Was it pure bad luck that led to these injuries? I don't think so. Inexperienced and less talented players probably are more likely to be injured. Perhaps they lack ideal size or athleticism, or perhaps defensive linemen and pass rushers are owning them so badly that injuries are bound to happen.

If Free doesn't get injured, good for him. That may still lead to problems on offense because of his inexperience. After all, he will be facing the likes of Justin Tuck, Jared Allen, Mario Williams, Dwight Freeney, and Brian Orakpo in 2010.

If he doesn't get injured—which I think he will—not only do the Cowboys lack an even remotely adequate replacement, but we may also begin to see a similar domino effect of injuries at left tackle and perhaps at other positions.

Frankly, I find it odd how so many analysts on ESPN and NFL Network completely overlook the hole at left tackle.

Brian Orakpo will record 15 or more sacks

Brian Orakpo, a Pro Bowler as a rookie, recorded 11 sacks in 2009, including four in a game against the Oakland Raiders.

One can only laugh at the Buffalo Bills for passing on him for DE/OLB Aaron Maybin, who many think is already looking like a bust.

Orakpo was switched to weak side linebacker, a position he was not familiar with in college at Texas. One could tell the transition was a work in progress when he struggled and looked out of place in coverage. It was when he put his hand in the dirt that he dominated.

New defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, in a recent interview, said that Orakpo rushed the passer on approximately 250 of 1,000 snaps last year.

In Haslett's new 3-4 scheme, Orakpo will line up as an outside linebacker with the primary—not secondary—role of going after the quarterback. Haslett anticipates Orakpo rushing on 750 of 1,000 snaps in 2010.

Now, obviously Orakpo won't triple his sack total, but if he can grab 11 in his rookie season while rushing the passer only 25 percent of the time, 15 sacks is nothing.

The Giants won't need to fill their hole at middle linebacker

The middle linebacker position in a 4-3 defense is crucial. In most cases, this player leads the team in tackles and often is its unquestioned leader.

The Giants have a serious hole there. Antonio Pierce was released at the end of last season with a neck injury.

Had Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain been available in the first round to the Giants, one can bet they would have handed their pick in immediately. Unfortunately, the Raiders took him early.

The Giants did not address the position adequately in the rest of the draft, so I'm sure many fans are a little apprehensive.

But with the look of this secondary, I'm not so sure apprehension is necessary.

The Giants had quite a few injuries in the secondary last year. Kenny Phillips, their very promising safety, went down with a knee injury, for instance.

Add safety Antrel Rolle, the talented former Cardinal, and the Giants have one of the best safety tandems in the game. Throw in already talented cornerbacks, and I really like the look of this secondary.

A replacement at MLB would be nice, but I think the talent in the backfield should make up for the hole.

Devin Thomas will rake in over 1,000 receiving yards

Devin Thomas, a second-round pick two years ago, has begun to show promise.

He had his first 100-yard (plus two touchdowns) game near the end of last season despite playing with a terrible, injury-riddled offensive line and boring running game.

The Redskins released receiver Antwaan Randle El this offseason, leaving more room for Thomas to take over.

Throw in a better and healthy offensive line. Throw in a better running game with Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, and Willie Parker. Throw in a better quarterback in Donovan McNabb. Throw in play-calling that isn't completely inane. Throw in that this will be Thomas' third year in the NFL.

Look for 1,000 to 1,150 yards from Thomas.