2009 NFL Season Preview: NFC East
The NFC East has gained a reputation as being one of the toughest divisions in the league. One would assume that an NFC playoff contender would have to travel to either New York or Philadelphia in January to advance, but are the Cowboys capable of returning to 2006 form?
Dallas Cowboys (predicted: 9-7, 2008: 9-7)
Jerry Jones seemed to think that a new stadium would bring success to the Cowboys instead of new players or new coaches. While some punters might snicker at various parts of the new Cowboys Stadium, it does look fairly impressive on TV. Too bad we can’t say the same thing about the Cowboys. While Jones is busy shelling out his billions for 90-foot TV screens, possibly the best defensive player in the league (DeMarcus Ware) is set to walk if he doesn’t get a huge contract extension. It’s nice that Tony Romo has been drawing up plays with Jason Witten, but he’ll have to throw the ball outside at some point lest Roy Williams morph into a less talented Terrell Owens. And finally, Wade “Teddy Bear” Philips has to be on his way out if he can’t get to the playoffs.
Key Question: When do we stop making excuses for Tony Romo?
Player to Watch: WR Miles Austin. The Jets wanted him, but the Cowboys refused. They’d better get something out of him for turning down a high second-day draft pick.
New York Giants (predicted: 12-4, 2008: 12-4)
The Giants rewarded Brandon Jacobs and Eli Manning big contracts in the offseason, signing possibly their two most important offensive stars for many seasons to come. Their Super Bowl offensive line is still together and an already elite defensive unit gets Osi Umenyiora back from knee surgery. The Giants are looking to avenge a divisional loss to the Eagles and head back to the Super Bowl as the NFC version of the Steelers. Can the defense cover for what looks to be a relatively unexciting offensive unit? At least with Plaxico there was some entertainment value.
Key Question: Who is going to catch anything for the Giants in 2009?
Player to Watch: TE Kevin Boss. We all expected big things out of boss in 2008, and he cruelly tricked us into believing that he’d be a Jason Witten lite. Maybe since there are no legitimate wide receiver threats he’ll see some more passes come his way.
Philadelphia Eagles (predicted: 9-7, 2008: 9-6-1)
Nobody expected the Eagles to even make it to the playoffs in 2008, much less to the NFC Championship (then again, nobody expected the Cardinals to make it either). The death of defensive genius Jim Johnson could hurt on the field as well as off- Johnson’s units excelled at using schemes to cover up for athletic weaknesses. One wonders if his young replacement will be able to do the same. On the offensive side of the ball the Eagles drafted Brian Westbrook’s heir apparent and gave Donovan McNabb enough “weapons” to be content… for now. The Eagles are the NFC version of the Chargers- frequenting the postseason but only losses to show for it.
Key Question: Why is Michael Vick an Eagle?
Player to Watch: LT Jason Peters. Widely regarded as one of the brightest offensive talents in the league, Peters finally got the big contract he whined about for two years in Buffalo. In western New York fans put up with his antics because they knew his production on the field would be worth the annoyance. Does anyone else see this turning out differently in Philadelphia?
Washington Redskins (predicted: 8-8, 2008: 8-8)
Dan Snyder really broke the bank in the offseason to upgrade the defense with the signing of free agent Albert Haynesworth and the extension given to cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Whether or not these two are worth it remains to be scene, as neither has played particularly impressive during non-contract years (Haynesworth) or at all (Hall). At the same time, Snyder repeatedly hung his quarterback out to dry by trying to acquire Brett Favre and then Mark Sanchez during the draft. Snyder should take a step back and realize that throwing money at his problem hasn’t worked in the past, and that great teams build through the draft. It’s painfully obvious that Campbell is never going to carry his team, but the least Snyder could do would be to give him a fair shot.
Key Question: Who will replace Jim Zorn and Jason Campbell when the Redskins finish last in the division again?
Player to Watch: WR Malcom Kelly. Recently minted the second starter opposite Santana Moss, Kelly was one of the two second round draft picks the Redskins spent in 2007. Both Kelly and Devin Thomas essentially sat out the entirety of 2008, but if Kelly can show some more reliable hands and learn to run routes, he could be the big possession target the Redskins have been lacking.
Coming tomorrow; Jay Cutler and the NFC North.
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