Preview: NFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles arguably had the best offseason of any team in the NFL. They added a Pro-Bowl left tackle in Jason Peters, another deep threat wide receiver in Jeremy Maclin, and a speedy running back to help spell Westbrook in LeSean McCoy. McNabb asked for more weapons, and that’s exactly what he got (notice I didn’t even mention Vick). The defense might take a hit, though, with the passing of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, and the knee injury to up-and-coming linebacker Stewart Bradley. Even with that said, I still think the Eagles have the best offense in the NFC and should be the team to beat in the conference. I see the Eagles getting home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

1st Round Pick: WR Jeremy Maclin

Key Move: QB Mike Vick 1 yr. $1.6 million with 2nd year option of $5.2 million (incentives up to $3 million)

2. New York Giants - The G-Men just dished out a whole lot of money to Eli Manning, but I’m sure they wish they could spend a portion of it on a Get Out Of Jail Free Card for Plax. Without him they have a very shaky receiving corps. If they didn’t have the best defense in the NFC, I don’t think they would be a playoff team. However, that defense and one of the best running games in the NFL should earn them a playoff spot.

1st Round Pick: WR Hakeem Nicks

Key Move: Losing WR Plaxico Burress

3. Dallas Cowboys - Is losing Terrell Owens really going to make this team better? I don’t think so. Will it make the locker room closer? Yeah, probably. But you can’t replace his production on the field. As for the defense, I just see an alright group. The linebackers are as solid as any team in the NFL, but the D-Line shouldn’t scare anyone after losing Gregg Ellis who piled up 20.5 sacks over the past two seasons, and the defensive backs are simply okay. Gerald Sensabaugh is a huge upgrade from the extremely overrated safety, Roy Williams. Without T.O, Witten should have a huge year. The backfield should also be a strength with a healthy Barber and Jones, and a talented Tashard Choice. However, I see a .500 team and another year of missing the playoffs.

1st Round Pick: None

Key Move: S Gerald Sensabaugh 1 yr. $1.75 million

4. Washington Redskins - The Redskins go into this year like every other, they look good on paper with all of their big name, high-priced players, but never really play up to their potential. I really like their defense… on paper, and think that it might steal them a game or two. If Portis can play all 16 games this year like he did the first 8 of last year, they can be a solid team in the NFC. Too bad they play in the toughest division in football. People are still waiting for Jason Campbell to breakout and I don’t know if it’s ever going to happen. I like the Skins for about 6 or 7 wins this year.

1st Round Pick: DE Brian Orakpo

Key Move: DT Albert Haynesworth 7 yrs. $100 million