Each week, we dive into analysis and record projections for every
team in the NFL, division-by-division. This week covers the NFC East.
The NFC East: arguably the worst division
in the NFL. Due to massive parity as well as inconsistency among the four
teams, the division is up for grabs. This also makes predicting this division a
massive pain in the rear. Last season, it was easy to peg Washington to finish
last, yet they won the division with a 9-7 record. This season, it appears the
Philadelphia Eagles will be the easiest team to peg as last place, but who
knows? If the Dallas Cowboys can remain healthy, they can win the division. If
the New York Giants offense takes off and their free agency spending pays off,
they can win the division. If Washington’s secondary steps its game up and Kirk
Cousins continues his hot streak, they can win the division. If the
Philadelphia Eagles can get some major luck and play as a whole, they can win
the division. A lot of ifs; a lot of uncertainty. Let’s dive into some analysis
and opinions that I’m sure everyone will disagree with!
Dallas Cowboys:
Oh, Cowboys fans… Last season was full of “what if’s” for this
team loaded with talent and dismantled by injuries. Just two seasons ago, the
Cowboys won their division with a 12-4 record, had a running back with the
rushing yards title, a wide receiver with 16 touchdowns, and were one “drop”
away from an NFC Championship appearance. This season will be entirely dependent
on health. A healthy Dallas squad will challenge for double digit wins and a division
title. Another injury plagued season will have Dallas competing for another top
five draft slot for 2017. Unfortunately, health simply isn’t a given for this
team anymore.
Quarterback Tony Romo, with multiple back and collar bone issues,
is now the ripe age of 36. Even behind the best offensive line in the NFL (and
it’s not even close, quite frankly), he can’t seem to catch a break. Romo’s
health will make-or-break the Cowboys season. Star linebacker Sean Lee has also
had an injury plagued career up to this point. Last season saw Lee play in 14
games and rack up an impressive 128 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one interception. His health will
determine how well the defense plays, especially with starting pass rushers
Randy Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence each suspended the first four games of the
season. Manufacturing a pass rush is never ideal.
Cowboys’ fans have to be excited about the team’s first round pick
Ezekiel Elliot. The former Buckeye’s running back will come into the league
with all the talent in the world to run behind that previously mentioned
offensive line. A healthy Dez Bryant will make match up nightmares for opposing
defenses. If the team can get any other production from their rookies,
especially linebacker Jaylon Smith, the Cowboys can be serious players in the
NFC. The team just has plenty of optimism surrounding it and a weak division to
help inflate their record.
I personally like this Cowboys team to finish second place this
season, but wouldn’t be surprised by a last place or first place finish purely
based off potential and health. Tony Romo is the key to this season. When the
Cowboys won the division two years ago, he was surgical. Last season, in
limited action, he was among the worst starting quarterbacks in the league.
Dallas needs him to stay healthy and productive if they want a shot at the post
season.
Record Projection: 9-7
New York Giants:
This offseason, The New York Giants decided to promote from within
following the release of former head coach Tom Coughlin. Now rookie head coach
Ben McAdoo, with his offensive minded mentality, will inherit an offense he has
had lots of time to work with as well as some interesting weapons. It goes
without saying how talented Odell Beckham is. Eli Manning seems to be hitting
is stride. And oh my goodness did the Giants splurge in free agency this offseason!
The Giants front office went all in on adding talent to their
defense after poor showing the past couple seasons. They resigned pass rusher Jason
Pierre-Paul to a “prove it” one-year deal. They made pass rusher Olivier Vernon
the highest paid defensive end in the NFL and also brought in nose tackle Damon
Harrison. Matched with fellow defensive linemen Johnathan Hankins, this
defensive line has some serious potential. I wasn’t a huge fan of the big
contract given to inconsistent cornerback Janoris Jenkins, but his big play
ability is worth noting. However, for every play he makes, he gives one up. A gambler,
he will be an interesting fit in a secondary featuring Dominique
Rogers-Cromartie, Landon Collins, and rookies Eli Apple and Darian Thompson.
The offense will have massive fire power in the passing game.
Odell Beckham, a (hopefully) healthy Victor Cruz, and rookie Sterling Shepard
provide big play ability at wide receiver. A gun slinger mentality for Eli
Manning will also help, as he may challenge for 5,000 yards passing. That’s the
positives on offense. The negatives include what will be an inconsistent run
game “lead” by Rashad Jennings. Rookie running back Paul Perkins has some nice
upside, but expectations should be tempered. The offensive line is all
potential; it will either dominate or be sub-par.
As a whole, this Giants team is going to be hit-or-miss. No in
between. A first place finish out of the men in blue isn't out of the picture this season. The offense
will be tough to stop through the air and if their free agent acquisitions pay
off, the defense could be solid if not great. Look out for this team come the
post season (should they make it). The Giants know exactly how to get hot at the right time.
Record Projection: 9-7
Philadelphia Eagles:
Former head coach and director of personnel decisions left a
dumpster fire for the Eagles’ brass to clean up after. Horrendous trades and
questionable free agency moves have set this team back what could be three
years. Sure, they have some nice pieces, but over all this team is a mess. The offensive
line is mediocre, the defense has pieces scattered throughout, and the
offensive weapons are limited. Rookie head coach Doug Pederson has his work cut out for him, but the familiarity with the front office should provide him some extra time to right the ship.
Quarterback is by far the most intriguing factor for this team. Sam
Bradford was resigned to a big contract that was completely undeserved. The team
also signed career backup Chase Daniel and gave up the farm for the number two
overall pick in this past draft to take Carson Wentz out of North Dakota State. There is no clear idea of
who will start, and the Eagles have a ton of money invested between the three
quarterbacks. Surely the Eagles’ brass will be expecting above average play
from one of the three this season.
The defense has some good pass rushers and basically complete upside
everywhere else. Defensive end Fletcher Cox is one of the best defenders in the
NFL who doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Linebacker Mychal Kendricks and pass rushers Vinny Curry,
Brandon Graham, and Connor Barwin also make up a solid front seven for the
Eagles. A healthy Jordan Hicks at linebacker could also be extremely useful. The secondary is
completely unproven between Eric Rowe and rookie Jalen Mills. Veterans Michael
Jenkins, Leodis McKelvin, and Rodney McLeod will be relied on heavily.
Wide receiver Jordan Matthews is virtually the only offensive
weapon the Eagles possess. If running back Ryan Matthews stays healthy that’s a
different story, but he shouldn’t be relied on. This team is going to struggle
offensively. The defensive will be dependent on the secondary’s play. As a
whole, don’t expect this team to do very much this season.
Record Projection: 5-11
Washington:
General Manager Scott McCloughan is making what could become a
stacked Washington team in his image. McCloughan has focused on building up the
trenches and Washington seems to be building towards a dominant offensive line
to protect quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins will play under the franchise tag
this year to prove last season was not a fluke. Overall, the Washington team
appears to have some significant, untapped talent that in two years could
become extraordinary.
Looking at the offense, Cousins as a multitude or weapons to throw
to. Their wide receiver depth chart is maybe the deepest in the NFL. They
feature DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garçon, Jamison Crowder, and rookie Josh
Doctson. Not to mention talented tight end Jordan Reed, who when healthy is one
of the most dynamic tight ends in the league. The only question mark will be at
running back, where second-year pro Matt Jones will take the reins. He showed
promise as a rookie, but also a lot of inconsistencies.
The defense features one of my favorite pass rushing groups in the
NFL. Ryan Kerrigan, Junior Gallette (love the talent, hate the off field),
Trent Murphy, and Preston Smith form a deep and talented group. The defensive
line is in a bit of a flux with veterans Chris Baker, Ricky Jean-Francois,
Stephen Paea, Kendall Ryes, and Ziggy Hood making up the rotation. The secondary
gets a boost with All-Pro Josh Norman joining the group. Third year pro Baushad
Breeland looks to continue making strides as Washington’s slot corner. The secondary has been a huge weakness for Washington in recent years. Hopefully the addition of Norman can help to turn it around. Rookie impacts from hybrid safety/linebacker Su'a Cravens and cornerback Kendall Fuller should also help to stop the bleeding secondary.
Overall, I really like this team top to bottom. I just don’t know
how much stock you can fairly put into a team that consistently misses expectations. I can see them challenging for the division this season. But I truly believe
they are still a step behind Dallas and New York for now.
Record Projection: 8-8
Division Overview:
This division may be viewed as the worst in the NFL, but I believe
they will be the most interesting group to monitor this season. The division is
up for grabs and the feeling that anything can happen is very prominent. Nothing
seems certain and when we look back at my projections, I have a feeling I’m
going to look very silly for some of my analysis. As I've stated before, I love when I am wrong and truly hope they can exceed my personal expectations.
NFC East Projected Standings:
1. New York Giants: 9-7 (4-2 in division)
2. Dallas Cowboys: 9-7 (3-3 in division)
3. Washington: 8-8 (2-4 in division)
4. Philadelphia Eagles: 5-11 (3-3 in division)
Richard Bradshaw is available to follow on
twitter @RichieBradz36. Thank you for the read.
No comments:
Post a Comment