NFL Divisional Breakdowns: NFC East

NFL Divisional Breakdowns: NFC East
By Andrew McCarten, TheSportsStand.com (7/6/07)

With the NFL season fast approaching, it's time to preview the upcoming season by breaking down each team. This article will be the second of the eight part series brought to you by TheSportsStand.com. Article one will deal with the NFC East.

With the up coming NFL season fast approaching, the NFC East will undoubtedly produce contenders for the Lombardi trophy. The NFC East is traditionally the toughest and most competitive in football, not to mention home to the most rabid fans in the league. In this article we will be taking a look at the teams in the division and how I think they will end up.

1. Dallas Cowboys- This team experienced a major resurgence back to power last season, with the emergence of one of the NFL’s premier defenses and Tony Romo. The Cowboys are stacked on defense, with Demarcus Ware, Terence Newman, Marcus Spears, Roy Williams and Chris Canty all some of the best at their position. After rookie Pat Watkins struggles last year, Dallas signed former Seattle Seahawk Ken Hamlin, giving them one of the best safety combos in the NFC. On the offensive side of the ball, they will look for Tony Romo to lead the offense, along with the rushing attack of Marion Barber III and Julius Jones. WR is probably their strongest position, with Terrel Owens and Terry Glenn as the starters, backed up by promising young prospects Patrick Crayton, Sam Hurd and Miles Austin. Mat Mcbriar was the best punter in the league last year, and the kicking job will be decided between Martin Gramatica and rookie Nick Folk. Wade Phillips has inherited a team that has the power to go all the way this year.

2. Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles are a traditional powerhouse in this division, yet are the only team in the NFC East yet to win the Super Bowl. The offense will have to rely ion versatile RB Brian Westbrook more than ever, because Donovan McNabb’s targets are not very experienced. The likely starters for WR are Reggie Brown and Greg Lewis, and the loss of Donte Stallworth certainly hurt. TE L.J. Smith will also have to step up. Defense is traditionally Philly’s strong point, and this year is no different. Jeremiah Trotter, Sheldon Brown, Brian Dawkins, Takeo Spikes, Lito Sheperd and Jeavon Kearse will lead a formidable squad. Rookies Stewart Bradley (Nebraska) and Victor Abiamiri (Notre Dame) should also pitch in. David Akers, though ancient, is one of the best kickers in the league and provides stability along with punter Dirk Johnson.

3. New York Giants- Eli Manning is entering his 4^th season amid criticism that he is not as good as brother Peyton and he isn’t able to lead the team. This is the year he has to prove himself. Tiki Barber’s retirement has monumentally weakened the backfield, where Brandon Jacobs will vie with Reuben Droughns for the starting job. The passing game will likely be the focus, as Plaxico Burress, Jeremy Shockey and Amani Toomer will likely be the main targets. The defense also has a lot of pressure on them to hold the opposing offense. Last year’s squad gave of 30 points or more on five separate occasions, including 42 to Seattle. With Michael Strahan’s future up in the air, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck will be the defensive ends going into camp. The LB core will rely on Antonio Pierce, Reggie Torbor and Mathias Kiawanuka (who moved from DE) to make the big plays. Will Demps and Gibril Wilson will be the main components of the defensive backfield. Mainstay Jeff Feagles will be the punter, and newcomer Lawrence Tynes looks to take over kicking duties.

4. Washington Redskins- After last season’s disappointment, in which the Skins went 5-11, Jason Campbell comes into his 3^rd NFL season and looks like he will finally relinquish the starting QB role from Mark Brunell. The Redskins have good talent in the backfield, with Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts both able to put up good numbers, Last year’s WR corps was characterized by inconsistency. Brandon Lloyd caught only 22 passes for no TDs, underwhelming statistics given his high expectations. Santana Moss’s return to health should bolster the squad. The Skins defense will have to somehow keep the opposition from putting up the gaudy point totals of last season to give their offense a chance to stay in the game. London Fletcher, Marcus Washington and Shawn Springs will lead the defense. They also have high hopes for rookie safety Laron Landry, a first round pick from LSU. John Hall is gone and is replaced by former Cowboy Shaun Suisham. Seasoned vet Derrick Frost should provide stability in the punting area.

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