NFC East 2011 Predictions

Here we go people! The season is fast approaching. So, on that note, I will be posting the last three predictions over the next few days. Also, I will have a little bit about the Packers/Saints opener on Thursday. Here's everyone's favorite division -- the one that seems to be able to draw all the attention of the media. Jerry Jones, eat your heart out. 

NFC EAST

1)      Philadelphia Eagles

Dream team much? This could be the year the Eagles finally get over the hump of the NFC Championship game. With Vick running the show on offense, the sky is the limit. If the line can protect him from injury, then he could be even more deadly. LeSean McCoy will be the focal back, with Weaver, Schmitt and Lewis behind him. WRs Jackson, Avant and Maclin should continue to give Vick the weapons he needs to show off his new accuracy. The line is a concern, but newly signed first round pick Danny Watkins should be a start for improvement. New coordinator Juan Castillo looks to cement this unit and create pressure on opposing offenses. Personnel wise they have what they need to be a complete defense. Cullen Jenkins and Trent Cole are there to put quarterbacks on their backs, which they will do with enthusiasm. The largest addition is Nnamdi Asomaga, who joins an already capable secondary. Give Castillo time to figure out how to make all the pieces move in harmony.

Overall, the Eagles have been crowned before the season has even started. If they can put the pieces together in time, they could do it.

2)      New York Giants

The Giants were shut out of the playoffs last year by the Packers. But because the expectations in New York are so high, people say that if they don’t make the playoffs, it’s a failure. New York is good –10-6 isn’t bad. Eli may not be in Brady’s class, but he is a decent QB. However, he must throw less interceptions. Who he is throwing to is more of an issue. Many of his receivers have packed up and left –and where’s the running game? But if Eli can cut down on the INTs, this offense could be good, or passable. The defense has potential, as always. But potential is the key word here. Certain players will have flashes of brilliance—notably Osi Umenyoria. But the defense has not looked good in the preseason and Osi is having a disagreement with the management. Left are Chris Canty, Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul. Not a bad group. LBs need help here, especially because a strong LB core often correlates to a good defense. The secondary is good with Webster, Phillips, Rolle and Ross all returning.

Overall, the Giants should once again be competitive at least, in the playoff hunt.

3)      Dallas Cowboys

Can Jason Garret continue to ride the wave of momentum from the end of last year? I believe he can. Tony Romo is back with a good supporting cast of Witten, Bryant, Austin and even Felix Jones. With Barber gone, the running game is all on Jones’ shoulders. Someone in the front office must believe he can handle it – I’m not sold. Look back at the great Cowboys teams: they have all had a signature back. For me, he’s not that type of back. The defense better be able to back up Rob Ryan’s big talk. This unit has been known to have talent for years now and has been chided for underperforming. Ryan seems to be able to get the most out of the units he works with. Jay Ratliff is strong at NT, but the other linemen are questionable. Ware, James, Brooking and Spencer are the LBs – a pretty decent core. Brooking and Spencer could improve. The secondary is mediocre, but Jenkins, Scandrick and Sensabaugh are all somewhat reliable. Newman is aging, so this group needs support.

Overall, as always the talent is there, but the question becomes can they perform?

4)      Washington Redskins

All my friends in DC are crying out in protest, ‘But our preseason has been so good!’. That’s just it – PRE-season. When games start counting come see me. Grossman or Beck = QB debate? Really? regardless of who is throwing the ball, he needs to find someone to throw to. Moss is aging—he’s not the deep threat he used to be. Armstrong has never quite panned out. Torain has shown he can replace Portis and with Hightower, can be the backs Shanahan wants and needs, for his system to work. Injury free, that is. On defense, there isn’t much to celebrate. Carriker and Bryant were solid, but not standouts on the line. However,  Brain Orakpo (DE, listed) has proved he’s a beast. He can run the defense, but needs a supporting cast around him to take the pressure off. In the secondary new safety Oshiomoho Atogwe is a nice addition to an already decent unit. Landry and Hall put in decent showings every year. Now with Rogers gone, expect less dropped interceptions, but not necessarily more actual interceptions.

Overall, until Syndar gives up the team the Skins will continue to wallow in confusion.