How the Redskins and the Rest of the NFC East Will Finish the Season

As kickoff to the 2010 approaches, teams are starting to shape up their final rosters with personnel moves. Many familiar names will soon be unemployed or moving to other teams as the shuffle of final roster spots begins.

The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles finished the 2009 season at 11-5, while the New York Giants went 8-8, and the Washington Redskins struggled to a 4-12 record.

Dallas made few roster moves during the offseason, knowing the current talent was strong enough to defend their division crown again.

Philadelphia traded long time starting quarterback Donovan McNabb to the Redskins, and are gambling a young Kevin Kolb is ready to take the reigns.

The Giants fortified their solid defensive secondary with Pro Bowl free safety Antrel Rolle, and added veteran linebacker Keith Bulluck.

Washington finally blew up their inept front office, hiring Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan to usher in a new era with McNabb hopefully staying with the team beyond this season after his contract expires.

Here is a look at how the 2010 season could end up in the NFC East, perhaps still the best division overall in the conference.

1. Dallas Cowboys

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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 9: Miles Austin #19 of the Dallas Cowboys wants a passing interference penalty called in the endzone on Sheldon Brown #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter during the 2010 NFC wild-card playoff game at Cowboys Stadi

Pros : Continuity and depth. This is the year it all has to come together for Wade and the 'Boys. A good running game can take them deep into the playoffs.

Cons : As usual, the trenches and defensive safety are areas of concern. The Dallas cornerbacks need to be extra special in 2011 for the team to go far.

Players To Watch : Felix Jones, Anthony Spencer, Miles Austin, Cornerbacks corp

Key Games : Week 3 @ Houston, Week 6 @ Minnesota, Week 9 @ Green Bay, Week 12 New Orleans, Week 13 @ Indianapolis, Week 17 @ Philadelphia

Predicted Finish : 11 - 5

2. Philadelphia Eagles

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KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 27: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs for yardage during a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 27, 2010 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images)

Pros : Explosive and consistent play with wide receivers DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and tight end Brent Celek. An above average defensive line who can get at the opposing quarterback. Can go far if the offensive line plays up to potential.

Cons : Besides Asante Samuel, probably in his last year with the team, the secondary is a question. The pass rush needs to be as good as it was under the late great defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. Rookie Brandon Graham could hold the key here. The running game is questionable, especially behind blockers not at full health. Kolb must show why Reid went with him to throw to their Big 3.

Players To Watch : Kevin Kolb, LeSean McCoy, Defensive Secondary, Offensive Line

Key Games : Week 1  Green Bay, Week 9 @ Indianapolis, Week 11 New York Giants, Week 13 Houston, Week 16 Minnesota, Week 17 Dallas

Predicted Finish : 10 - 6

3. New York Giants

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 27: Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants against the Carolina Panthers at Giants Stadium on December 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Pros : The wide receivers are a deep and young group with loads of potential. The offensive line, though aging, is still one of the better units in the game. The secondary is solid.

Cons : The running game needs to hold up all year, or they will lean on quarterback Eli Manning too much.The defensive line is more of an uncertainty than it has been in years. Can the addition of aging linebacker Keith Bulluck bolster a mediocre group?

Players To Watch : Brandon Jacobs, Eli Manning, Keith Bulluck, Terrell Thomas, All wide receivers

Key Games : Week 2 @ Indianapolis Colts, Week 5 @ Houston, Week 7 @ Dallas, Week 14 @ Minnesota, Week 15 Philadelphia, Week 16 @ Green Bay

Predicted Finish : 9 - 7

4. Washington Redskins

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: Chris Cooley #47 of the Washington Redskins warms up before playing the New York Giants on September 13, 2009 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Pros : When healthy, quarterback Donovan McNabb can lead a team to wins. The Redskins have two good tight ends in Chris Cooley and Fred Davis. A new era free of Vinny Cerrato.

Cons : The running game and the wide receivers, besides Santana Moss, are huge questions. The linebackers must show they are up to task in the newly installed 3-4 defense. Albert Haynesworth must play to his abilities. Depth most everywhere is an issue.

Players To Watch : Donovan McNabb, Chris Cooley, Running Backs Committee, Offensive Line, Albert Haynesworth, Mike Shanahan, Anthony Armstrong

Key Games : Week 1  Dallas, Week 5 @ Green Bay, Week 6 Indianapolis Colts, Week 12 Minnesota, Week 15 @ Dallas, Week 17 New York Giants

Predicted Finish : 7 - 9