Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are coming off a miserable season. However, I really think the Cowboys have the tools to challenge for the NFC East this season. Romo is back, a new coaching philosophy is in place, and the Cowboys have jettisoned players that they really didn’t need.
One example is Marion Barber. He’s still a good player, but word around the Cowboy camp is that Felix Jones now knows he’s the go to guy and he’s come into this season ready to be that man. Also gone is Roy Williams, so Romo won’t have to placate him by throwing the ball to him so he can drop it or, if by some miracle he caught it, fumble it away.
I think Dez Bryant could be a big time player this season, but much of his progress will depend upon his attitude. I think the Cowboys have the tools, but can they all be utilized? I see the Cowboys going 10-6 this season. Is it enough to win the east?
Hakeem Nicks is coming off back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons and will provide a great target for Eli Manning in 2011.
New York Giants
Giants QB Tom Brady, I mean Eli Manning…OK it’s a joke, but you cannot fault Manning for saying he’s in the elite class with Brady and brother Peyton. What’s he supposed to say? I suck, I’m no good, I’m not a leader? Give the guy a break, he’s got a ring which is more that other QB’s in this division such as Vick, Romo, and whoever ends up running the Redskins have.
The Giants had an off year, Eli threw a bunch of picks, but I think that was an illusion. The Giants have a strong running attack, can throw the ball well, and play defense. However the preseason has been tough on the Giants secondary and I look for teams to throw all day against the G-men. The east is a tough one and I see the Giants going 9-7. Wild card team? We’ll see.
Philadelphia Eagles
Go ahead and give them the title. In fact, why bother playing the games? I mean, the Eagles are loaded. Not so fast. Yeah, the Eagles signed a lot of quality players, but will they be just that, players, or will they gel into a team? That is the biggest question I have. My next concern is the defense.
They’ve got speed, but they are not a huge defense. They kind of remind me of the Colts defense but with better DB’s. My last concern, Michael Vick. I really don’t know if he’ll have as good a season this year as last. For some reason I just see him being mediocre at best. I could be wrong. I also think it’s quite possible for the Eagles to start the season with an 0 and 3 mark, I really do. I think the Eagles will go 10-6. and win the division in a tie breaker.
Washington Redskins
By all indications, the Rex Grossman era is about to begin in Washington. Rex is capable of putting up some big numbers and making some great plays. He’s also capable of throwing many completions to the other team as well.
The Redskins are the worst team in the NFC east. Year after year they make noise with big name signings and off the field issues. Until they shift their focus to on the filed issues, they will continue to lag behind everyone else. The Redskins will go 4 and 12 this season.