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.

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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