A little depth may be needed at cornerback, but the group is still solid. Despite Shawn Springs' age, he is still a more-than-worthy corner, and Fred Smoot, while lacking fabulous tackling skills, is a great pass defender. Carlos Rogers, who was also put on IR, will be returning, as well.
The safety position is more than solid, even without Sean Taylor. LaRon Landry is looking to be a multi-Pro Bowl player, and Reed Doughty was solid after taking Taylor's place in late November.
Offense:
The offensive line was largely filled by backups in 2007 due to serious injuries. The line is fully intact for this season. Expect excellent pass protection for quarterback Jason Campbell, and expect career numbers for running back Clinton Portis.
Tight end Chris Cooley has finished as a top eight tight end two seasons in a row. Jim Zorn's offense will be friendly to tight ends, so expect another great season from Cooley, who also happens to be Jason Campbell's favorite target.
Wide receivers Moss and Randle El had mediocre years last year. But hamstring and heel injuries plagued both of them. With addition of rookies Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, Campbell will have more targets, and Randle El will be able to move back to his more natural position as a slot receiver.
A brand new head coach and West Coast Offense limits the team. Prediction: 9-7
NEW YORK GIANTS
As many others think, the Super Bowl run for this team was a fluke. They aren't THAT good.
Defense:
Still a good bunch, but I predict less success this year.
For one, Michael Strahan has retired. He was clearly the leader of the defense, if not the team.
Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck will still have huge impacts, but they lost three defensive starters and one solid backup in the offseason, including linebacker Kawika Mitchell and safety Gibril Wilson.
They're average on defense this year. A slightly weaker pass rush puts more pressure on an okay backfield.
Offense:
Many have forgotten that Eli Manning had problems with interceptions during the season, and he completed a dreadful eighteen of fifty-four passes against the Redskins late in the season.
He has obviously earned the respect from his players, but I don't see why he should have elite statistics in 2008.
The running game, however, is just fine. Brandon Jacobs has shown that linebackers do indeed have the ability to be running backs (joke). Those skinnier defenders out there need to watch their backs.
Plus, with Ahmad Bradshaw showing how incredible he could turn out to be, this is one ultimate offensive backfield.
As for the receiving corps, things could be good or things could be bad. Burress, although he played in almost every game, dealt with injuries all season. So, his numbers should improve a bit.
But, with Toomer getting older and Shockey having problems with the team in general (I'd be pissed, too, if my team won a Super Bowl when my leg was broken), Burress may be the only pass catcher to shine. Prediction: 9-7
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
For consecutive years, the Birds get to endure a last-place finish in the NFC East. I don't really see much improvement over the off-season.
Defense:
They were good last year. Asante Samuel is a great addition at cornerback, and Brian Dawkins is still solid despite sprouting a few gray hairs and losing his ability to reproduce.
I expect a top ten defense in 2008.
Offense:
The offense is the reason why I have the Eagles remaining at the bottom in the East.
Once again, Brian Westbrook will carry seventy-five percent of the offensive load. That's this team's major problem. If he's put on IR, they're done.
Donovan McNabb is a big question mark. He should be completely healed from his knee surgery two years ago (?). Now is his big test.
It's almost like he's a young quarterback competing for his first start, except now it's a matter of whether he is washed up. Is he? Who knows? I expect a decent year from him, regardless.
Rookie receiver DeSean Jackson looks to be promising, but an immediate impact in the passing game looks to be unlikely. Perhaps Brian Westbrook's load will be dropped to about sixty-eight percent if Jackson takes over in kick returning.
Either way, the receiving corps of this team is a little mediocre. Kevin Curtis was a surprise, but his year may easily have been a fluke. Reggie Brown was nothing short of a disappointment. Prediction: 9-7 or 8-8
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