NFC East Predictions
June 17, 2008
1.) Dallas Cowboys
It’s a fact that Jerry Jones’ team hasn’t won a playoff games since 1996. But all the pieces are there to win the NFC East this season as their defense should be even better than it was a year ago. Terrell Owens’ contract issue is out of the way with the 3-year extension he signed in the offseason. Chances are the Pacman Jones will be reinstated by the start of the season so all of their off-the-field issues should be in check. Tony Romo will only continue to get better under Jason Garrett’s system. The Cowboys will be very hungry to show the Giants that their Super Bowl victory was a fluke last year.
The Cowboys and Giants each have superb defenses. But the edge goes to the Cowboys on offense and their ability to put up points in a hurry gives Dallas a shot to win every game they enter. Dallas returns everyone who started their playoff game against the Giants except for linebacker Akin Ayodele and tight end Anthony Fasano, who both were dealt to the Dolphins to be under Bill Parcells and head coach Tony Sporano. For a team that finished 13-3 in the regular last season, this is a great sign of things to come in 2008.
2.) New York Giants
The Giants have heard all through the offseason that their Super Bowl victory was a complete joke. They will want to come out and prove to all their naysayer’s that it was no fluke in their 2008 title defense. Now we just have to see if New York can keep that chip on their shoulders while they’re polishing their rings. Eli Manning came to age and figures to have a breakout season. But the most important reason why the Giants will have a chance to repeat is their defense. This was one of the best units in the league last season.
Plaxico Burress will be playing this year on two ankles instead of one. This will be a big help to their offense. There are still questions over Jeremy Shockey and whether or not he will be with the Giants to start the season as he is clearly unhappy. The Giants have always seemed to falter when they’re supposed to be at their best. Tom Coughlin had his Jacksonville Jaguars on top for many years without a letdown so he knows how to motivate his teams. The Giants have what it takes to finish 2nd in the NFC East and snag another Wild Card berth in 2008.
The Eagles were the only NFC East team to miss out on the playoffs last year. Motivation will not be a problem for this perennial NFC East powerhouse. But it’s yet to see whether or not Donovan McNabb has recovered from his 2006 knee surgery as this injury clearly plagued the Eagle’s QB last season. Coach Andy Reid did add elite cornerback Asante Samuel, pass-rush specialist Chris Clemons and a handful of players who should improve their special teams play. But the Eagles are still lacking a big-play receiver ever since Terrell Owens left a few years back.
McNabb led the Eagles to 3 straight wins to end the season last year and finish with a .500 mark. He looked like his pre-injury self and Reid believes it signals a return to form for the whole team. Big changes on the offensive line has Reid hoping they can get a little better protection for McNabb to stay healthy this year. This may be McNabb’s last shot to return his team to the top of the NFC East because these trade rumors will turn into a reality if he doesn’t. The Eagles are getting too old on offense and lack the playmakers the Cowboys and Giants have at their disposal to compete. Philly finishes 3rd in the NFC East in 2008.
4.) Washington Redskins
With a new coach and a new offensive philosophy this season, it’s going to be tough for the Redskins to compete with the rest of the NFC East in 2008. But Washington always seems to exceed expectations and find a way to win ball games when they are counted out. The loss of Sean Taylor will really be felt with a depleted secondary. Adding two key wide receivers in the NFL Draft should give the Redskins some taller red zone targets for QB Jason Campbell to toss to. Kick returner Jerome Mathis was the Redskins’ only free agent signing, which is a shocker considering owner Daniel Snyder has been known for his splashes in the free agent market.
The Redskins have basically the same lineup as last season which means they should be better than average. But they play in the NFC’s toughest division and it will prove to be insurmountable for the Redskins to overcome. So much will depend on the development of Jason Campbell, the fourth-year quarterback who has shown much promise but little brilliance. Head coach Jim Zorn’s West Coast offense seems to suit Campbell well. The only problem is that it will take at least a year for Campbell to grasp the system. The Redskins finish 4th in the NFC East in 2008 and miss the playoffs.
