The NFC East Preview - Before any trading takes place, before anyone can begin the shifty movements between teams; let us take a look at this division and see how these teams match up, and what they need to do in order to get a championship.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys were the biggest disappointment last year. At the beginning of the season most football analysts claimed that the Cowboys would be in the Superbowl. Well, that did not happen. As a matter of fact, the Cowboys were down right pathetic. Big named stars making large salaries were just not performing up to the standards of a Superbowl team. So, we blamed the coach and sent him packing and then Garrett stepped in and the team performed fairly well but still had some major concerns on both sides of the ball. Let us examine these concerns.
Offense
QB
The position of Quarterback is arguably the Cowboys greatest challenge. Tony Romo has held this position for several years and has done a good job holding the reigns. As a matter of fact, Romo has an above average QB rating for a starting QB, his interceptions have progressively decreased, and his fumbles have been greatly reduced. With all of that being said, I don't know if Romo is a true leader. He has always had concerns when the Cowboys have been in the playoffs. He has never really lead this team. He has always been just one of the "boys." Everyone thought once T.O. left town, Romo would break out and become the leader everyone wants him to become. Unfortunately that hasn't happened yet.
RB
Between Marion Barber and Felix Jones, this is a great one, two punch. In the draft they also picked up DeMarco Murray who could add another dimension to the game.
WR
Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are the two featured WR, considering Roy Williams has done very little for the team. Austin could have an amazing year. Bryant the jury is still out. I will let you know, though.
TE
Jason Witten - Solid.
Line
Average. The team had shifting concerns last year on the left and right side. Personally, I think the real issue with the line is the center. Hopefully, this offseason the Cowboys will make necessary adjustments.
Defense
LB
Solid
Secondary
Could use an upgrade. Both sides are weak. But for the most part, Ball and Newman need to go. These are very weak players in the NFL and should be considered backups and not starters.
Ends and Line
Bowan is a beast. Could use a matching end of the right side.
My take:
Once trading can take place. Trade Romo. Romo is still worthy of getting some good players and high draft picks. Trade him and acquire a first round draft pick or a great starting QB. Trade Roy Williams. Make a deal with the Patriots and take any of their WR that is collecting dust on the bench because they will perform better than that SOB. Spend some money and pick up some great Secondary players. Just about anyone will be better than Ball or Newman. Do this and win the NFC East.
New York Giants
The Giants battled their way to the playoffs. Getting in with a Wild Card. Personally, I think this is one of the luckiest teams in the last 10 years. Everything that happens with this team is luck. Let's take a look at this team.
Offense
QB
Eli has a low QB rating for a starting QB. Last year, he had 25 interceptions. 25 interceptions does not get a team into the playoffs…wait a minute…they were in the playoffs. Eli has managed to rack up over 4000 yards in both the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Also, in the past two years his completion percentage has been in the 60%.
RB
The last two years Brandon Jacobs has been slipping. 2008 season was his best and it is looking like it might be time to put this guy down.
WR
Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham really came into there own this year. Watch out for these two.
TE
Kevin Boss is probably the most standard TE in the game. in the past two seasons, Boss has gained 500+ yards, and has 5 touchdowns.
Line
They have a fairly strong line. It has really improved from a year ago.
Defense
LB
This is arguably the worst group of LB in the league. I believe that this was the greatest challenge for the Giants in 2010. More often than not, teams would pass over the middle or run up the middle and these linebackers were sad to watch.
Secondary
This is a great secondary. Maybe the best Cornerback secondary in the league. And the safeties are not too shabby either.
Ends and Line
Tuck and that other guy on the right side are unbelievable. This is the greatest Defensive End grouping ever in the history of the NFL. The D line has some concerns but its weakest team member is Canty and that isn't too bad.
My take:
Bring in some great RB and LB. This is all that you will need with all that luck this team has. If the Giants see to one or the other position in the off season, they will go to the Superbowl.
Philadelphia Eagles
Everyone who reads this blog knows that I jumped on to the M. Vick bandwagon early on. So some of this will not come as a surprise to you but I bet that some of it will make you wonder if I am alright in the head. You all probably already think that.
QB
M. Vick did great last year. Arguably the best QB of the 2010 season. At least he was the most talked about.
RB
LeSean McCoy had a fairly good year. 1000 yards + rushing a few touch downs.
WR
DeSean Jackson and Jermy Maklin…wow!
TE
Brent Celek is a solid TE. He had a rather slow year due to the new weapons.
Line
The right side is a little weak but I do not believe that this has to do with a particular player it is more about the coaching.
Defense
LB
Bradley maybe the only bright spot on this LB squad.
Secondary
This team is loaded with great corners. The safeties are pretty young but they have done a fairly good job at these positions.
Ends and Line
The ends and the line are above average.
My take:
Personally, this is what I would do. I would trade Vick. I would get a fast WR, a great back up RB. and find some LB with some balls. Have Kolb run the offense and this will make you Superbowl champs next year.
Washington Redskins
This team had the makings of one of the greatest football teams in history. The Shannahans, McNabb, Portis, Cooley, etc… Well, as we know, nothing great came from this but a horrible disaster.
QB
Um…who is the QB now?
RB
Um…well. (Chirp, chirp)
TE
Cooley is a great TE.
WR
Well, Um…
Line
I don't know if they ever showed up last year to judge them.
Defense
LB
The Redskins LB are very strong.
Secondary
DeAngelo Hall is the brightest part about this secondary.
Ends and Line
Well…moving on.
My take:
This has the makings of the 2003 Oakland Raiders all over it. The Shannahans has now officially deconstructed a team that they put together. Now what? They need to build it back up. unfortunately they have done a poor job in doing so in the draft and else where. What would I do? Fire the Shannahans.
Love it or hate it…I want to hear from you. Tell me how much you hate me for making fun of your team or tell me that you agree with me.