Predicted order of finish:
1. Dallas Cowboys 10-6
1. Washington Redskins 10-6
3. New York Giants 7-9
4. Philadelphia Eagles 5-11
Dallas Cowboys
Pros: They finally turned the corner last year, winning a game in the playoffs as well as the NFC East. Tony Romo has turned into a leader, and they have great depth at RB. Miles Austin emerged as a star wide out, with a famous girl friend to show for it. Finally, DeMarcus Ware is still one of the premier defensive players in the entire NFL.
Questions: Dez Bryant is already injured and hasn't played a football game in almost a year. Roy Williams needs to prove that he is consistent and worth the two #1 picks given up for him. The defense needs to be consistent every week, and the Boys need a full time replacement at left tackle following the release of Flozell Adams.
Washington Redskins
Pros: Donovan Jamal McNabb. While I liked Campbell, McNabb is a better QB and a better leader. Couple him with new coach Mike Shanahan, and I think that means a big turnaround. They upgraded on the O-Line big time with Trent Williams and Jamaal Brown, making the line a strength instead of the most glaring weakness. The switch to a 3-4 D will give Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter chances to shine, and London Fletcher and Rocky McIntosh are a stellar inside combo. And let's not forget Chris Cooley and Fred Davis at TE.
Questions: When Joey Galloway is your #2 receiver and it isn't 2001, there is a problem. Hopefully Fat Albert will behave himself now that he is practicing. There are also concerns about the age of the running back group, as well as the talent of the secondary.
New York Giants
Pros: Eli Manning is still a pretty good QB, and their wideouts emerged over the past two seasons. If Nicks is healthy, he is a highlight reel. Their offensive line has been together forever, and gosh darn it, I really like Ahmad Bradshaw.
Questions: Will Osi be happy? How hot is Tom Coughlin's seat? Is their secondary healthy? Can Brandon Jacobs run over anyone anymore?
Philadelphia Eagles
Pros: Got to be honest, I don't like them at all this year. Jackson and Maclin are fine, if they are healthy.
Questions: Getting rid of the best QB in franchise history for a rookie whose two best games were against abysmal passing defenses seems like a bad idea, but that is just what they did. I don't buy Andy Reid being a genius. I actually think he is one of the worst coaches in the league. He needs to commit to running the ball if he doesn't want Kolb to throw 20 INTs and take a ton of sacks. Their secondary is injured and aging. Asante Samuel can only cover one person at a time.
Not sure of tiebreakers, but both the Cowboys and the Redskins make the playoffs. Giants, start looking at running backs and linebackers for the draft. Eagles, start looking at everything, including QB.
I'll give you a pass on your picks since you're a huge Skins fan.
ReplyDeleteNews out of Giants camp has been generally positive (the nutty Jets camp and Revis has been getting all the ink). Jacobs admitted that his knee was bad last year and that he hadn't adjusted his conditioning to age in 2009. He's leaner and more agile and seems to be running hard. Bradshaw has shown no ill affects from his foot surgery and may carry more of the load this year. Defense needs to bounce back from a horrible year where they surrendered late scores often. They seem to love the new D coordinator (they HATED Sheriden). Phillips, our rehabbing corner who was out in 2009, could contribute this year. O-line broke down last year so they may need some depth there. WRs have been nicked up in camp and we lost Hixon for the season. Jacobs was rooting to sign Burris when he gets out of jail (nuts!).
Thanks for throwing Eli a bone in that he's "still a pretty good QB". I'm sure that our Super Bowl MVP appreciates it. haha.
McNabb has a lot to play for since his team felt comfortable trading him in the division,,,,,,an insult. It all depends on your O-line.
I think, with our upgrades on the o-line, it really comes down to the receivers and the secondary. And I had the Skins at 9-7 until both Mike Greenberg and Golic picked them to go 10-6, so I was convinced.
ReplyDeleteI don't listen to Mike&Mike but Golic has my respect when, old as he is, he was able to perform the same running trials that Haynesworth was having trouble with. Way to go, Golic!
ReplyDeleteJets and Revis are negotiating through the media. Not a good sign. Nick Mangold got hurt in todays practice.