2013 NFC East Predictions

1. New York Giants
The Giants had everything under control last year, until they fell apart. I'm still not quite sure what happened, but their own failings allowed the Redskins to come up and steal the division from the Cowboys of all people. As always in New York, the talent is there. Eli Manning has proved himself to be a worthy quarterback and I believe is capable of winning another Super Bowl. (Bold prediction, I know.) They have good wideouts in Cruz and Nicks (if he can stay healthy.) They need a running back, with injuries once again plaguing the position already. However, the defense is a concern with major losses including LB Blackburn, LB Boley, DT Canty and DE Umenyiora. The arrival of Cullen Jenkins DT will help, but they need more. The secondary must sure up to in case the pass rush isn't there.

2. Washington Redskins
The RGIII show took off last year, but I'm still not sold. I don't like the way he handles certain things in the media and the second surgery on the knee is a major concern. Also, his lack of desire to play to protect himself, and therefore the team, is a major concern. He is this team. Without him, they are average. Alfred Morris is a good solid running back, but he's not the sort of back that can carry an entire team. RGIII said this season he has 'nothing to prove'. How about a playoff win? How about a conference Championship? How about a Super Bowl? I think he gets none of the above this year.

3. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys window has closed. I have always been a supporter of Tony Romo, though he has always under-performed. There have been flashes of brilliance, but overall he has been a disappointment since he burst onto the scene. The talent around him has been there including WR Bryant, TE Witten, and RB Murray. The defense mirrors Romo in the sense of having lots of talent and under-performing; they were ranked 19th last year. The Cowboys can't come together as a team and make it work and this year it will cost Head Coach Garrett his job.

4. Philadelphia Eagles
Welcome to the Chip Kelly era. Where the goal is to recreate Oregon's success on the NFL level. The question remains if this is even possible, but the Eagles have nothing to lose and everything to gain. However, they must protect Michael Vick, who will fit in Kelly's system if he remains on his feet. However, this is a rebuilding year for the whole team and I don't think Kelly can have instant success. He needs to highest level of performances out of his players and I'm not sure if the talent can live up to the hype. They've added a lot of new pieces that need to come together and that always takes time.

NFC East 2012 Predictions

New York Giants
Please stop discounting the current Super Bowl champions. Yes, we all laughed at Eli last year when he said he was as good as a Tom Brady. Turns out he’s better and that you can’t spell elite without Eli. Victor Cruz set a Giants receiving records last year and shows no signs of slowing down. The running game is a concern, with the departure of Brandon Jacobs. After watching the game tonight I am concerned about the defense, but know they will get it together for the rest of the season.

Philadelphia Eagles
I believe in the Eagles, but I’m not sure they can stay healthy. I think Michael Vick is a good QB, if he can stay healthy. That’s a huge if, even if his back up played well in the preseason. Preseason is not regular season. The receiving core is intact, refocused and was always above average. LeShawn McCoy is a brilliant running back who can handle a full load for the Eagles by himself. Despite the turnover problems that the offense and Vick had, the defense should have been a lot better than it was. Second year coordinator Juan Castillo should have things a little more together this season. Nnamdi Asomugha needs to come back to the form he had in Oakland. They should contend for this division title.

Dallas Cowboys
I’m not sure if I agree about the window for the Cowboys closing –only because I’m not sure how open it ever was. The NFC is much stronger than the AFC, and they play in one of the stronger divisions. Tony Romo is a good quarterback. Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten are good receivers. DeMarco Murray Is a good running back. Health and off the field issues have hurt the offense. Tony Romo getting sacked has hurt the offense. Rob Ryan’s defense proved to be too much for last year’s players. Most of the players are returning, but a few key additions hope to try to shut down Eli and Vick. Those notable additions would be the two CBs, Brandon Carr and rookie Morris Claiborne. We’ll see if Dallas can make that leap to the playoffs, though  I’m not 100% sold on Jason Garrett as a head coach.

Washington Redskins
I do not believe in RGIII. I do not believe in Mike Shanahan. I do not believe in the Redskins. They have no offensive weapons. Santana Moss is old. Can you even name another receiver on that team? They cut Tim Hightower, which I believe was a mistake. Roy Helu at least needs a back-up, though I don’t believe he can carry the load of Mike Shanahan’s run focused offense. The defense has been consistently upper middle of the pack in the league. They just can’t score points. In a such a powerful division, even strong defensive players like London Fletcher, Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo can’t save this team from the basement.