2008 NFC East Preview

We all know what Eli did in the playoffs, but it's time for him to bring that type of play to the regular season on a consistent basis. I have full confidence that he will only progress from here on out, and he will have plenty of weapons at his disposal.

Plax can rack up studly numbers if he maintains his health over this full year.

The Giants are not a flash-in-the-pan and they will return to the playoffs, as they keep their confidence and swagger from the latest playoff berth. Don't forget that the Giants are still the true "Road Warriors".

3) Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles' fans love-hate relationship with QB Donovan McNabb will continue this year, as it will be more of a loving relationship this time around. McNabb is almost two-years removed from ACL surgery, and that is typically the time when the player truly recovers from such an injury.

McNabb wasn't his same time-buying self in the pocket last year. You could notice that he didn't look confident in the pocket, and he got sacked a lot, at least by his standards. As the season went on, he began getting back to his old bag of tricks, as he looked a lot more mobile and more accurate with his throws.

McNabb is not done, by any means, and he can still run this Eagles offense to perfection. Brian Westbrook is the most underrated back in all of football, and he is trying to play his way to a new payday with the team.

The do-everything tailback is a terror to opposing defenses. Michael Strahan quotes in his book by saying he hated playing Westbrook the most because he was so good. Westbrook is the key to this team; as long as he stays healthy, the Eagles will always be in contention.

The defense may be the one thing holding this team back. Jim Johnson's crew is getting a little older and may have lost a step in their attacking style of play. But this is a smart DC and a smart unit; they are a max-effort team and can really bring the pressure when needed.

I like the Eagles' chances to return to the playoffs this year, as I see the NFC East sending three teams back to the playoffs like two seasons ago. The Eagles will have a nice bounce-back year, and McNabb will do it again without a quality No. 1 receiver.

4) Washington Redskins

The Redskins are a very unpredictable team. It seems like whenever they are picked to do well, they do poorly and vice versa. This team still has plenty of holes, but a lot of people like the Redskins as a team that will make a playoff push.

I don't see it. I just see too many question marks to go along with learning a new system under new HC Jim Zorn.

The 'Skins have a solid group of veterans, which is always a fine starting point for a team. The addition of Jason Taylor brings in a great pass rusher to team with Andrea Carter, who finally lived up to expectations last year by recording 10.5 sacks.

There is also MLB London Fletcher, who is the vocal leader of the team and still has a nose for the ball.

The defensive struggles lie within the secondary. Shawn Springs is getting old and has definitely lost a step, and Fred Smoot is serviceable. Sean Taylor cannot be replaced, but the emergence of Laron Landry will be a major factor for the defense.

Jason Campbell was a nice break-out candidate heading into last year, but he fell well short of expectations. He never seemed to get comfortable in Joe Gibbs' offensive set. Jim Zorn is hopeful that his West Coast offense will bring back the success Campbell had in such a scheme at Auburn.

Campbell is the wild card for this team. If he makes major strides, then the Redskins could be in for a very good year, but I am still hesitant to believe he will get to where he needs to be just yet.

He has a solid running attack of Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts, which he can lean on, but he needs to be a more accurate passer to keep defenses honest.

I see the Redskins as a year or two away from returning to the playoffs, but I have doubted them before, only to be proved wrong. Nothing would surprise me at this point.

All four of these NFC East teams are a tough matchup for any team. I look forward to watching another season of great intradivision battles.

Mark it down: The NFC East is the best division in football and the most exciting to watch. Who's ready for some real football?

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?