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John DoeAug 18, 2008
DALLAS COWBOYS (projected record: 12-4)Texas Stadium (Dallas, TX)
Head coach: Wade Phillips (2nd year)
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Projected skill starters: QB Tony Romo, RB Marion Barber III, FB Deon Anderson, WR Terrell Owens, WR Patrick Crayton, TE Jason Witten, K Nick Folk, P Mat McBriar
Jerry Jones sure knows how to assemble an interesting bunch doesn't he? Adam Jones is the latest to join the fray of characters down in Big D. Last season ended with a disappointing loss to the Giants in the divisional round, but the Cowboys have all the key pieces returning to make another run at a championship. They have to be considered the favorites in the NFC. This team's main weakness a season ago was pass defense, and that has been shored up with Jones and the drafting of Mike Jenkins. There is also a lack of depth behind TO at receiver, but rookie Felix Jones will be somewhat of a wideout/back hybrid. All Dallas needs to do is stay healthy, keep Jones out of the strip clubs, and manage the various egos in the locker room.
Jerry Jones sure knows how to assemble an interesting bunch doesn't he? Adam Jones is the latest to join the fray of characters down in Big D. Last season ended with a disappointing loss to the Giants in the divisional round, but the Cowboys have all the key pieces returning to make another run at a championship. They have to be considered the favorites in the NFC. This team's main weakness a season ago was pass defense, and that has been shored up with Jones and the drafting of Mike Jenkins. There is also a lack of depth behind TO at receiver, but rookie Felix Jones will be somewhat of a wideout/back hybrid. All Dallas needs to do is stay healthy, keep Jones out of the strip clubs, and manage the various egos in the locker room.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (10-6)Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA)
Head coach: Andy Reid (10th year)
Projected skill starters: QB Donovan McNabb, RB Brian Westbrook, FB Jason Davis, WR Kevin Curtis, WR Reggie Brown, TE L.J. Smith, K David Akers, P Sav Rocca
McNabb wasn't fully healthy until sometime during mid-season last year, and it likely cost the Eagles a playoff berth as a result. Still, the team finished in the top 10 in both total offense and defense. With all of the key pieces returning, and the addition of Asante Samuel to the defensive backfield, do not be surprised if Philadelphia works their way back to the tournament and contends for the NFC East crown in 2008. This is the toughest division in football, but Andy Reid's squad is capable of big things. However, it would be ideal if McNabb had another consistent target in the passing game. Westbrook cannot make every play. And there are the obvious questions surrounding #5, specifically health and his ability to avoid occasional inconsistency.
NEW YORK GIANTS (9-7)Giants Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
Head coach: Tom Coughlin (5th year)
Projected skill starters: QB Eli Manning, RB Brandon Jacobs, FB Madison Hedgecock, WR Plaxico Burress, WR Amani Toomer, TE Kevin Boss, K Lawrence Tynes, P Jeff Feagles
For reasons unknown to me, Eli Manning finally lived up to the hype at the conclusion of the 2007 season, and what transpired was one of the most memorable runs to the Super Bowl in history. Defending a title is never an easy proposition, and with the losses of three defensive starters to free agency and Michael Strahan to retirement, their job will be that much more difficult. A unit that was seventh in the league a year ago will suffer dearly as a result. Assuming Manning doesn't regress back to being average, the offense should again be solid. Are the Giants in for a letdown? The inconsistent play characteristic of Manning, defensive losses, and difficult division suggest yes, but there is still enough talent and great coaching in the Meadowlands for a potential playoff berth.
For reasons unknown to me, Eli Manning finally lived up to the hype at the conclusion of the 2007 season, and what transpired was one of the most memorable runs to the Super Bowl in history. Defending a title is never an easy proposition, and with the losses of three defensive starters to free agency and Michael Strahan to retirement, their job will be that much more difficult. A unit that was seventh in the league a year ago will suffer dearly as a result. Assuming Manning doesn't regress back to being average, the offense should again be solid. Are the Giants in for a letdown? The inconsistent play characteristic of Manning, defensive losses, and difficult division suggest yes, but there is still enough talent and great coaching in the Meadowlands for a potential playoff berth.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (7-9)FedEx Field (Landover, MD)
Head coach: Jim Zorn (1st year)
Projected skill starters: QB Jason Campbell, RB Clinton Portis, FB Mike Sellers, WR Santana Moss, WR Antwaan Randle El, TE Chris Cooley, K Shaun Suisham, P Derrick Frost
Joe Gibbs re-retired this offseason, and Dan Snyder took his time in finding a successor. Zorn is the chosen one, and he will bring a west-coast offense to the DC area. The success of Zorn's first season will be measured by how quickly Campbell and company pick up the new offense. Luckily for the fourth-year quarterback, he has a couple of new targets outside who were picked up via the draft. The defense should be even better in 2008 with the addition of Jason Taylor, and if Campbell struggles early in the year, the unit is capable of carrying the bulk of the load. Coach Gibbs was a legend, so Zorn has huge shoes to fill. Even though I think he was a good choice for the position, Washington is in a dog-eat-dog division and will struggle to back up their playoff berth of one year ago.
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