NFC East Preview
The division combined for almost 40 wins last year although the Giants and the Cowboys lost to the Packers in the Wild Card Round and Divisional Round respectively. The division looks set to be strong again as 4 potentially high-powered offenses combine to face both the AFC West and the NFC West. Although the matchups against the AFC West will be tough, the NFC West looks to provide numerous favourable matchups for the division.
Dallas Cowboys
Last year 13-3
This year 11-5
The Cowboys were incredible in the regular season last year and it will be difficult to reproduce their record, especially against a stronger division. They’ll be without Ezekiel Elliott until week 8 and even when he returns he’ll be running behind a weaker offensive line. The success of the offense will depend on whether Dak Prescott progresses or is found out. Dez Bryant has disappointed the last two years and will need to rejuvenate to help drive the push for the playoffs. Although the defense wasn’t great last year, it impressed with stats as the offense kept the defense off the field for such long periods of time. The unit is bolstered by the return of Jaylon Smith who was side-lined last year with a knee injury. The unit will push for a top 10 finish again IF the offense can control games as it did last year.
New York Giants
Last year 11-5
This year 11-5
All eyes are on the Giants as we wait to see the severity of OBJ’s ankle injury. He is the biggest star in the NFL and will play a huge part in the Giants success this season. Match him with Sterling Shepherd, Brandon Marshall and Evan Engram and you’re left with one of the most potent receiving corps in the NFL. Eli Manning’s arm was showing signs of weakening last year and the Giants are without a run game. This will really be a boom or bust offense. The defense on the other hand, looks formidable. They were second in the league last year in points allowed and remain mostly unchanged this year. This young unit will only improve with age and look to drive the Giants to the post season.
Philadelphia Eagles
Last year 7-9
This year 9-7
As Carson Wentz enters his second season under center, the Eagles have totally remodelled his receiving core. They’ve acquired Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith whilst parting ways with Jordan Matthews. They have arguably the best O line in the league but who will be running behind it remains a question with Blount competing with Smallwood and Sproles for the starting job. The Eagles have one of the best D lines in the NFL and have brought in Ronald Darby from the Bills to bolster a lacking secondary. This unit was above average last year and will push for a top 10 status this year.
Washington Redskins
Last year 8-7-1
This year 8-8
The Cousins saga enters another season and he’ll need to impress to land himself a big contract come next spring. The Redskins have parted ways with Desean Jackson and Pierre Garçon. Washington brought in Terrelle Pryor, however, to play alongside Jamison Crowder and Josh Docston. Jordan Reed (if healthy) will also be a top receiving option again for the Redskins. The line is above average but it’s unclear whether Rob Kelley or Samaje Perine will be running behind it. The defense was average last year and have made acquisitions at all three levels to address the issue. The Redskins will end up being the best fourth placed team in the league.
All four teams in the division have top 16 offenses and defenses and will compete fiercely in the division. There is the potential for 3 playoff teams from this division but that will depend heavily on the NFC South.
By David Davenport
@Dav_TidyNFL