Football: 2008 NFC East Predictions

An article predicting the records of the four NFC East NFL teams was just recently published, but I thought I would toss out one of my own to see what others think.

Let me first preface this by saying I believe the 2008 NFC East will have massive competition for wild card spots.  Dallas remains far ahead, but New York, Washington, and Philly will have their hands full.

DALLAS COWBOYS

All over the place, I see people predicting the last year's NFC East winner falling short of its franchise record tying 13-3 season. Perhaps this is because of choking issues. 

As much as the Cowboys make my blood boil (although their uniforms are nice), I don't see them dropping a level or two in 2008.  Actually, I don't see any reason for such a thing to happen.  I believe the team has learned a bit since losing last year in the Playoffs.

Defense:

Well, looks like their backfield may be the one of the best in the NFL.  Their collection of cornerbacks is ridiculous.  Terrence Newman is already fabulous, and with first-round pick Mike Jenkins, fifth-round pick Orlando Scandrick, and a friendly trade for Adam "Pacman" Jones, it will be difficult to throw the ball against this team.

I also look for linebacker DeMarcus Ware to potentially take the crown of Defensive Player of the Year. He may be overstepped by defensive end Jared Allen, however.

I see a top ten or top fifteen defense for the Cowboys in 2008.

Offense:

This team doesn't go wrong much on offense, either.  Tony Romo, despite having a poor performance in the playoffs, proved to be an elite quarterback.  If Tom Brady didn't exist, he would have led the league in Fantasy points in 2007. 

Now, sure, Marion Barber III doesn't look to be the best man to be a premier back, but Felix Jones may have an opportunity to step in if he must.  Regardless, I see Barber pushing beyond the 1,000-yard mark in total yards in 2008.

As for receivers, there is a little confusion, but it's nitpicky.  Sure, Owens and Glenn are aging, but, at least for this year, they're solid. I would be surprised, however, if Dallas doesn't spend their 2009 first round pick on a wideout. 

Prediction: 13-3 once again

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Wow! Going out and giving the DEADSKINS second place in the elite NFC East??? What could he possibly be thinking? Well, I'll tell ya...

It's not so much that the Redskins are going to be fabulous; it's more that the other two teams in the division are going to be a little worse.

Defense:

The front four did a fantastic job in 2007 stopping the run.  The team held running back Adrian Peterson, who had an NFL-high 296 yards in a single game, to a mere twenty-seven at Vikings Stadium.  I will, of course, remind everyone of the microscopic one yard allowed from Julius Jones and Marion Barber III in week seventeen.

The defensive line just needs to up its ability to rush the pass.  They weren't horrible last year...just average.  Hopefully the rising Chris Wilson and the question mark called Erasmus James (both defensive ends) will help things a bit.

NEW: Well, with the addition of Jason Taylor, that pass rushing problem may be fixed...

The linebacker corp, led by London Fletcher, is still great.  No changes were made to this unit, and I expect another solid performance from them. Not to mention that Rocky McIntosh, who was put on IR midway through the season, will return.

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