Dallas Cowboys' Chances at Playoffs: Not Good in the NFC Beast

The NFC East has returned to NFC Beast form in recent years, and it could make the Dallas Cowboys’ march to the playoffs a tough row to hoe.

Philadelphia Eagles

Right when it looked like the Philadelphia Eagles were falling off the radar, the team ended the Cowboys’ season with a 44-6 victory and marched to the NFC Championship game. They didn’t stop there.

This offseason, the Eagles traded for the best, young left tackle in the league in Jason Peters. Then they came out of the draft with two important needs filled. Philadelphia added Jeremy Maclin at the wide receiver position and LeSean McCoy at running back.

With those additions, Philly could field one of the best offenses in the entire league if Donovan McNabb plays like he did toward the end of last season.

New York Giants

The New York Giants didn’t slack off this offseason, either. General manager Jerry Reese seemed to make all the right moves to keep the Giants atop the NFC East. With just a few signings in free agency, the Big Blue defense improved markedly.

The additions of Chris Canty from the Cowboys and Rocky Bernard along the defensive line will only serve to improve the defense. The best signing may have been Michael Boley at the linebacker spot.

Hakeem Nicks will replace Plaxico Burress, and Clint Sintim adds even more to the stellar Giant defense. With the free agent acquisitions teamed with a great draft, New York has made it tough for any team to knock them off the NFC East perch.

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins are looking to just keep pace with the rest of the division. They attempted to do so in true Daniel Snyder fashion. He threw big money at a big free agent.

Albert Haynesworth was signed to try to solidify the defensive line, but Jason Taylor left. Washington also tried for Jay Cutler, but couldn’t pull it off.

Jim Zorn will have to have a great year of coaching to make any headway in this strong division.

Division Finish

Even though the Eagles went the furthest in the playoffs, the New York Giants are the team to beat in the NFC East. Philly sits second with Dallas coming in third to start the season. Washington brings up the rear.

If Dallas is to have a chance at the playoffs, it will have to be as a Wild Card team. The NFC East sent two teams last season and three to the playoffs in 2007, so it’s possible.

It will be tough in the most competitive division in the NFL.