NFC East Preview: Can The Cowboys Stay On Top?
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Michael Green's NFC East preview is part one in an eight part series leading up to the 2010 season.
The NFC East has consistently been the headquarters for primetime football (and the Washington Redskins) in recent years. Most recently, the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles represented their division in the 2009 playoffs. Meanwhile, the New York Giants were bitten by the injury bug and the Redskins became their own parasite.
The Eagles, Giants and Redskins all made significant offseason moves, but will it be enough to topple defending division champion Dallas?
Dallas Cowboys
2009 Record: 11-5
The Cowboys managed to win a playoff game last year and Terrell Owens was not around to cry during any press conferences. Overall, Dallas fans have to consider 2009 a major success.
After winning the NFC East last season, the expectations placed on Tony Romo and Co. will weigh heavier than Jerry Jones’ wallet.
Romo had arguably his best season in 2009, throwing for over 4,000 yards with a career-low nine interceptions. Miles Austin emerged as a premier NFL receiving threat, while Felix Jones, Marion Barber and Tashard Choice burnt grass like they were at a Cypress Hill concert. Rookie receiver Dez Bryant will only add to an already imposing offense.
The main problem for Big D in 2009 was a defense that got passed on like it was a pair of free tickets to MacGruber. The Cowboys ranked 20th against the air assault during the regular season and were absolutely torched by Brett Favre and the Vikings in the playoffs. Dallas did not get much secondary help through the draft or free agency, which means fans should expect several shootouts in the Lone Star state this year.
The Cowboys will also need to find somebody to keep Romo upright after releasing former Pro Bowl tackle Flozell Adams. Doug Free and the newly acquired Alex Barron will compete for that responsibility.
Bottom Line: The Cowboys emphasized continuity this offseason by not making any major changes to a squad that gave the franchise its first playoff victory in 13 years. But major questions still revolve around Wade Phillips’ ability to coach his team to a championship. Let’s face it, Phillips would be a shoe-in for lead hobbit in the NFL’s version of Lord of the Rings, but he hasn’t come close to winning a championship ring.
Key Additions: WR Dez Bryant, OT Alex Barron, LB Sean Lee
Key Losses: OT Flozell Adams, S Ken Hamlin, LB Bobby Carpenter
New York Giants
2009 Record: 8-8
After starting the season 5-0, the New York Giants plummeted to a 8-8 record in 2009 and missed the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. Overall, there was enough drama in the Meadowlands last year to make Jersey Shore look like an after school special.
The Giants swapped personnel like they were playing Monopoly this offseason. Gone are former Super Bowl staples Antonio Pierce, Fred Robbins and Kevin Dockery; in are Antrel Rolle, Deon Grant and Keith Bulluck. But is there a net gain in all of the wheeling and dealing?
Rolle gives New York a much needed athletic presence at free safety, while Grant will provide insurance for the uber-talented Kenny Phillips, who is coming off a serious knee injury. Throw in a healthy Aaron Ross and the Giants’ secondary should get a much-needed shot in the arm this year.
On offense, Big Blue will need a healthy Brandon Jacobs to regain his 2008 form. If that happens, he and Ahmad Bradshaw will provide a one-two punch that would make Chuck Liddell shake in his boots. Meanwhile, Eli Manning should have another big season as triplets Steve Smith, Hakeem Nix and Mario Manningham continue to develop at receiver.
Bottom Line: Alicia Keys brought more hits to the Big Apple than the Giants defense last year. If New York wants to climb out of mediocrity, a healthy Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck will be vital contributors. With a clean bill of health on defense, this team could easily find itself back in the playoff picture.
Key Additions: S Antrel Rolle, S Deon Grant, LB Keith Bulluck
Key Losses: LB Antonio Pierce, DT Fred Robbins, CB Kevin Dockery, P Jeff Feagles
Philadelphia Eagles
2009 Record: 11-5
The Eagles’ front office continued a rich tradition of having no loyalty whatsoever to its veterans by cutting ties with Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook this offseason. The changes stunned the warm-hearted Philadelphia fans, who were unconditionally supportive of McNabb from Day One.
Kevin Kolb and LeSean McCoy now lead a new generation of Eagles that will endure for years to come…or until their contacts expire. Both players have immense talent and could actually end up being an upgrade over their recently departed predecessors.
Outside of Kolb and McCoy, Philly boasts an impressive hands team led by DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek. Jeremy Maclin is also a big breakout waiting to happen this season with his ability to stretch the field.
Defensively, the Eagles have some soul searching to do. The secondary appeared to have more holes than a pair of Gilbert Brown whitey tighties towards the end of the season. Losing cornerback Sheldon Brown definitely does not help the cause but rookie safety Nate Allen does offer some hope for improvement.
Bottom Line: With McNabb and Westbrook gone, Andy Reid is the lone man remaining with a bullseye on his back. He will be counted on to captain a team that is lacking in veteran leadership. The offense will be fine with Kolb under center but several rookies need to step up on defense for the Eagles to make a playoff push.
Key Additions: LB Ernie Sims, DE Darryl Tapp, RB Mike Bell, RB J.J. Arrington
Key Losses: QB Donovan McNabb, RB Brian Westbrook, CB Sheldon Brown, OT Shawn Andrews, LB Will Witherspoon
Washington Redskins
2009 Record: 4-12
The 2009 Washington Redskins were the definition of a hot mess. Even Wile E. Coyote had fewer blunders than Jim Zorn last year.
Mike Shanahan has been sent in to right a ship that had more holes than the Titanic. The offensive line allowed 46 sacks last season, which was enough to give former quarterback Jason Campbell shell shock. Meanwhile, Clinton Portis rapidly declined into irrelevance and Albert Haynesworth decided to take a paid vacation.
Owner Daniel Snyder brought in Donovan McNabb, along with several other past their prime offensive veterans, to up the scoring quota in Washington. The offense, which ranked 22nd in total yards last season, figures to be more formidable with McNabb taking snaps behind a revamped front five. A healthy Portis will also bring balance to last year’s dismal attack.
On defense, the Redskins added more bodies but not much substance. Assuming Haynesworth passes his physical fitness test within the next two months, he will be counted on as an important (albeit unwilling) cog in the team’s new 3-4 defense. Without his services, however, there will be a defensive code red along the frontline of the nation’s capitol.
Bottom Line: Shanahan will get Washington to play better, but the team will still struggle to find its way out of the division cellar. Years of inept ownership are difficult to erase in one season. An ascent to .500 football, however, is not out of the question.
Key Additions: Coach Mike Shanahan, QB Donovan McNabb, RB Larry Johnson, RB Willie Parker, OT Trent Williams, OT Jammal Brown, OG Artis Hicks, CB Phillip Buchanon, DE Adam Carriker, DE Vonnie Holliday, DT Maake Kemoeatu, WR Joey Galloway
Key Losses: QB Jason Campbell, OT Chris Samuels, OG Randy Thomas, WR Antwaan Randle El, DT Cornelius Griffin, RB/KR Rock Cartwright
2010 Predicted Division Winner: Dallas Cowboys
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