2009 NFC East Preview: Eagles or Giants?

The New York Giants are not very flashy but they will play very physically and prevent teams from scoring many points. Therefore, the G-Men are my pick to win the NFC East Division.

Plaxico Burress is gone from the team, leaving a gaping hole in their offense that has yet to be filled. They drafted WR Hakeem Nicks from North Carolina in the first round, but the question is if he can step up now as a solid replacement.

The Giants' success now falls squarely on the shoulders of quarterback Eli Manning, as he will have to be able to utilize all the players on offense instead of having that one go-to guy.

The Giants led the NFL in rushing on the strength of Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward each posting 1,000-yard seasons. Though they lost Ward to Tampa Bay, Ahmad Bradshaw should fill in capably as the lightning to Jacobs’ thunder.

The strength of this team lies in their offensive and defensive lines which will make them a legitimate contender in 2009.

If the Giants don’t win this division, then the Philadelphia Eagles will.  The Eagles are a popular pick in 2009 not only to win the NFC East, but to be the NFC’s Super Bowl representative.

The Eagles may emerge as the division’s most talented team. However, head coach Andy Reid needs to improve on certain little things, for example, time management in the fourth quarter.

Philadelphia also needs to abstain from over-relying on running back Brian Westbrook for offensive production. They need to have balance on offense and their WRs will need to improve.

Philly decided to go out this off season and get some offensive weapons for long time QB, Donovan McNabb. By trading for All Pro left tackle, Jason Peters and drafting WR Jeremy Maclin in the first round, the Eagles hope to protect McNabb’s weak side while giving him another target to throw the ball to.

With these and other key player acquisitions, Philadelphia filled most of their holes on both sides of the ball and probably now have the most balanced team in the division.

This leaves the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins to battle it out for the cellar.

The Dallas Cowboys are now Tony Romo’s team.  This team is now squarely in the hands of QB Tony Romo.

Well, Romo has to continue to deal with both the Jerry Jones' circus environment and the lack of leadership as well as poor leadership from Head Coach Wade Phillips. Phillips is simply too laid back to inspire this team to finally get a post season victory. 

Romo is an athletic passer, he is capable of posting big numbers, and he still has reliable TE Jason Witten and talented, inconsistent  wide out Roy Williams to throw to. Whether it’s Marion Barber, Felix Jones, or Tashard Choice getting the ball, the Cowboys are set at running back.

While they still maintain the nucleus of their talent, there are significant questions on their ability to score points. Last season’s 22.6 points per game put them in the bottom half of the league and very little has been done this off season to correct this.

On defense they seem to be more solid and last season were ranked eighth overall. It will be the defense that will have to carry them in 2009.

The Washington Redskins are still trying to figure out who they are as a defense but they will be solid and will carry the team.

Will the Redskins score enough points with Jason Campbell under center again? Probably not, but I do have a wait and see attitude.

Besides, Clinton Portis is not getting any younger at running back.

Quote of the Day: 
In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place. 
--“Mahatma” Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

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