NFC East Outlook: Previews and Predictions

Last season the NFC East finished tied for the second most wins of any division. 

The division was only one of two in the whole league not to have a team with a sub .500 record. 

In 2009, the NFC East will repeat as one of the toughest divisions in football.

New York Giants

The G-men had a terrific regular season, finishing 12-4. But New York finished 2-4 in games without star receiver Plaxico Burress. New York has not yet replaced him. 

New York drafted Hakeem Nicks in the first round.  He’s a big target, but it would be tough for a rookie to replace one of the best receivers in the game. 

The Giants let Derrick Ward go, but will give more carries to Ahmad Bradshaw. 

On the defensive side, New York gets Osi Umenyiora back. The team also signed Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard. The Giants D-line will be one of the best, and their pass rush will be ferocious for four quarters. 

The secondary will need people to step up. There’s not too much depth behind the starters. 

Prediction:  The Giants will try to grind games out, pounding with Brandon Jacobs, and their defense should be adept at stopping the run and pressuring the passer. 

Washington Redskins

Jason Campbell completed 62 percent of his passes, had a TD/INT ratio better than 2:1, and threw for more than 3,000 yards. Washington wants more. They looked into getting Matt Cassel, Jay Cutler, and Mark Sanchez. 

Campbell’s most likely unhappy with team management. We’ll have to see how that affects the team. 

The team needs young receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly to contribute regularly. 

The Redskins had a top-five defense in the NFC last year, and it will be better this season.

Washington splurged and signed Albert Haynesworth. The DT was talked about as an MVP for most of last season.  He’s a beast in the middle. 

The ‘Skins drafted pass rusher Brian Orakpo in the first round, and he’s going to improve an already good pass rush. 

The secondary will also benefit from a full season of DeAngelo Hall. 

Prediction:  The defense is going to be very good.  For the team to get better, it needs Campbell to improve along with his young receivers. 

Dallas Cowboys

The circus is gone. TO’s about as far away as he can be. 

The offense is still going to be good. Dallas has Jason Witten, Marion Barber, Roy Williams, and Tony Romo. 

Williams should settle in as the top receiver, and return to elite productivity. Look for Miles Austin to become a consistent playmaker. 

Second-year tight end Martellus Bennett should improve on a solid rookie season. 

If Felix Jones comes back 100 percent, then he’ll be a major weapon. 

Dallas also possesses much more depth at QB with Jon Kitna backing up Tony Romo. 

On the defense, the front seven is solid again. Igor Olshansky should fit the system very well. 

The secondary could be a problem.  There’s not too much established depth. Safety Roy Williams is gone.  He was known for his big hits, but he became too much of a liability in pass coverage. 

Prediction: Dallas should be all business this season.  They have good young talent on both sides of the ball, but the spotlight will be on this team to perform. A good start is important for this team.

Philadelphia Eagles

The team added playmakers.  LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin should instantly make the offense more dynamic. 

If Wesbtrook remains healthy, and McNabb is happy, then this offense will be one of the best in the league.  

The Offensive line is rebuilt, but possibly better with the additions of Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews.

The defense needs to find a replacement at FS for Brian Dawkins.  His play on the field might be replaceable, but his leadership will be missed. 

The Sheldon Brown situation is troubling.  He wants out, but Philly needs him so it can blitz as much as it wants.  I think he plays another season in green.  

The defensive line will be solid and aggressive. 

Prediction: Only injuries and contract disputes can derail this team. 

How they will finish:

1. Eagles—Best combination of depth and playmakers

2. Dallas—The talent is there

3. Giants—Questions about pass D and no top receiver

4. Redskins—Somebody’s got to be last