Best Front Four In NFC East

[RiggoForever]

I was curious what you all thought, and will leave the Cowboys out because the 3-4 only has three down linemen.

I think the Redskins have the best run-stopping ability, Giants pass-rush, but as much as this pains me, I vote for the Eagles because they have 2 number 1s (Patterson and Bunkley) who are going to improve as well as legitimate pass rushing threats in Howard and Kearse.

Btw the last name in the Giants rotation should be Strahan obviously, not sure how to edit the poll though. Also I know Clancy is gone to Arizona, but I'm not sure who his replacement will be.

I'd probably say:

1. Eagles (Howard and Kearse are solid rushers and athletes, Patterson and Bunkley are big, fast, young, and strong).
2. Redskins (Stout run stoppers in Griffin and Salave'a, Daniels is streaky, Carter has potential for double digit sacks)
3. Giants (If Osi and Strahan are blocked, they can be pounded down the middle)

[Manster68]

I was curious what you all thought, and will leave the Cowboys out because the 3-4 only has three down linemen.

Well, they are all good. I would probably rank it this way:

Eagles - led by Kearse and now Darren Howard
Giants - led by Strahan and Osi
Skins - led by Daniels

I give the Eagles the edge because I think Bunkley will give more of an impact than Kiwi.

[ABQCOWBOY]

I was curious what you all thought, and will leave the Cowboys out because the 3-4 only has three down linemen.

I think the Redskins have the best run-stopping ability, Giants pass-rush, but as much as this pains me, I vote for the Eagles because they have 2 number 1s (Patterson and Bunkley) who are going to improve as well as legitimate pass rushing threats in Howard and Kearse.

Btw the last name in the Giants rotation should be Strahan obviously, not sure how to edit the poll though. Also I know Clancy is gone to Arizona, but I'm not sure who his replacement will be.

Your Giants front four only has three.

I like the Giants front seven, by the way.

[RiggoForever]

Well, they are all good. I would probably rank it this way:

Eagles - led by Kearse and now Darren Howard
Giants - led by Strahan and Osi
Skins - led by Daniels

I give the Eagles the edge because I think Bunkley will give more of an impact than Kiwi.

I agree, Kiwi is great depth to have at DE, but the Giants are already stocked at DE.

Two first rounders at DT are going to be very tough to run on.

[RiggoForever]

Your Giants front four only has three.

I like the Giants front seven, by the way.

Yeah if we go front 7, I definately would give the Giants the edge. Do you know who Clancy's replacement is going to be at DT?

[ghst187]

I'd say its a pretty tight race, esp with the iggles adding Howard...however
I'd rank it:
1)Giants on top because they are by far the best at getting to the QB but they aren't as good at stopping the run as the skins
2) Skins because Salavea is one of the most underrated DL in the game
3) Igglets Kearse is overrated and overpaid but still not bad, adding Howard will definitely improve them dramatically...however can't rank them any higher until Bunkley proves something

I think when the Cowboys go nickel we put:
Ware, Fergi, Canty, and Spears/Ellis .....I honestly think this rotation will be the best in the division and better at getting to the QB than we have been since the days of Haley, Tolbert, Lett, and Norton.....

[burmafrd]

Really cannot say what a rookie will do. Kearse is going downhill; Howard is good now but for how long? Realistically the same could be said for Strahan.

[RiggoForever]

I'd say its a pretty tight race, esp with the iggles adding Howard...however
I'd rank it:
1)Giants on top because they are by far the best at getting to the QB but they aren't as good at stopping the run as the skins
2) Skins because Salavea is one of the most underrated DL in the game
3) Igglets Kearse is overrated and overpaid but still not bad, adding Howard will definitely improve them dramatically...however can't rank them any higher until Bunkley proves something

I think when the Cowboys go nickel we put:
Ware, Fergi, Canty, and Spears/Ellis .....I honestly think this rotation will be the best in the division and better at getting to the QB than we have been since the days of Haley, Tolbert, Lett, and Norton.....

Do you think Spears and Canty can be legitimate pass rushing threats this year?

[theogt]

I picked Giants, but I'd bet good money that ol' gap tooth goes down with a season ending/possibly career ending injury pretty early on this season. That's vaults Philly to #1 spot. Skins would still retain 3rd.

[superpunk]

Giants - definitely. The Skins lone cap-feather is Griffin, who is phenomenal. But that's all they got. Granted, their DL are called upon to do different things, it would almost be better to compare them to 3-4 linemen, with how they almost act as blockers for the LBs...The Eagles...ugh. Kearse has been underachieving for the past 5 years. Howard isn't even on Greg Ellis level. I'm supposed to believe that a mediocre end and a rookie DT are gonna turn that group around? I doubt it.

[ghst187]

Do you think Spears and Canty can be legitimate pass rushing threats this year?

I think they will be...
I was watching some gamefilm from last season and those two REALLY jumped out at me and got better and better as the year wore on. Now they have a year under their belts, a year of pro offseason S&C, and should have even better technique. One thing I kept saying watching Spears closely was that this guy is a freak for his size.
Certainly, the strength of the Dallas DL is predicated upon these two becoming "willie McGuinnest" types that can get to the passer AND stop the run. I think they can and they will. If they do, with Ware and Ellis still burning around the corner....we will be ferocious. I also expect Fergi to play better and Stanley to contribute.
Granted, I said what I said about where I'd rank Dallas based on speculation rather on where I'd rank the teams after the last regular season game plus offseason additions. Otherwise, I'd probably put us tied with the skins. Salavea > Fergi but Ware > whomever you guys have rushing IMO...
tradeoff...going to be a ferocious division with some evil defenses
(although you guys better pray that ST gets to play the season)

[RiggoForever]

I think they will be...
I was watching some gamefilm from last season and those two REALLY jumped out at me and got better and better as the year wore on. Now they have a year under their belts, a year of pro offseason S&C, and should have even better technique. One thing I kept saying watching Spears closely was that this guy is a freak for his size.
Certainly, the strength of the Dallas DL is predicated upon these two becoming "willie McGuinnest" types that can get to the passer AND stop the run. I think they can and they will. If they do, with Ware and Ellis still burning around the corner....we will be ferocious. I also expect Fergi to play better and Stanley to contribute.
Granted, I said what I said about where I'd rank Dallas based on speculation rather on where I'd rank the teams after the last regular season game plus offseason additions. Otherwise, I'd probably put us tied with the skins. Salavea > Fergi but Ware > whomever you guys have rushing IMO...
tradeoff...going to be a ferocious division with some evil defenses
(although you guys better pray that ST gets to play the season)

Good post. For your 3-4 to approach the level of the Parcells Giants 3-4, I think Spears and Canty have to raise their play (which they should, as they were both rookies last year).

I agree about ST. If he's not able to play it changes the dynamic of the defense, and even with the cap relief that would result, there wouldn't be anyone of even remotely the same ability to replace him.

[big dog cowboy]

The best front 4 in the NFC East isn't even listed as an option. What kind of poll is that???

[Hostile]

I fixed your poll and added Strahan, whom you forgot.

Eagles 1.
Giants 2.
Redskins 3.

And none of them are pushovers, so no one needs to get all butt sore about the diss.

You could have gone front 7 and had all 4 teams. Just a thought.

[Hostile]

Giants - definitely. The Skins lone cap-feather is Griffin, who is phenomenal. But that's all they got. Granted, their DL are called upon to do different things, it would almost be better to compare them to 3-4 linemen, with how they almost act as blockers for the LBs...The Eagles...ugh. Kearse has been underachieving for the past 5 years. Howard isn't even on Greg Ellis level. I'm supposed to believe that a mediocre end and a rookie DT are gonna turn that group around? I doubt it.No, but a Jim Johnson Defensive system sure can.

[Eskimo]

The two best players amongst the 12 listed belong to the Giants and they are extraordinary pass rushers. The Giants easily best everyone else in the division here.

[RiggoForever]

The best front 4 in the NFC East isn't even listed as an option. What kind of poll is that???

I didn't put it because you have a 3-4 base, so the only think we could compare are front seven.

If we go front seven I say:

1. Giants
2. Redskins
3. Cowboys
4. Eagles

If we go secondary I say:

1. Cowboys
2. Eagles
3. Redskins (but close to number 2)
4. Giants

If we go total defense I say:

1. Redskins (Solid line, LBs, secondary)
2. Cowboys (Probably the most talented, but can Zimmer get the most out of them)
3. Eagles (Great secondary, promising line, questions at linebacker).
4. Giants (I don't think Tim Lewis is that great of a coordinator and the defense was giving up alot of yardage (until the Redskins game) even before Pierce got hurt.)

[big dog cowboy]

I didn't put it because you have a 3-4 base, so the only think we could compare are front seven.

If we go front seven I say:

1. Giants
2. Redskins
3. Cowboys
4. Eagles

If we go secondary I say:

1. Cowboys
2. Eagles
3. Redskins (but close to number 2)
4. Giants

If we go total defense I say:

1. Redskins (Solid line, LBs, secondary)
2. Cowboys (Probably the most talented, but can Zimmer get the most out of them)
3. Eagles (Great secondary, promising line, questions at linebacker).
4. Giants (I don't think Tim Lewis is that great of a coordinator and the defense was giving up alot of yardage (until the Redskins game) even before Pierce got hurt.)
I'll buy that for now. By the end of this year. Our front 7 won't be third best in the division.

[RiggoForever]

I fixed your poll and added Strahan, whom you forgot.

Eagles 1.
Giants 2.
Redskins 3.

And none of them are pushovers, so no one needs to get all butt sore about the diss.

You could have gone front 7 and had all 4 teams. Just a thought.

One of the reasons this offseason is so friggin long is because of the uncertainty. Any of these defenses can dominate in any given week, but the offenses in the division are solid enough that they can also be dominated if they don't play with smarts and emotion.

The way I see it, in 2006 the Eagles and Cowboys want redemption for the disappointing end to last year. The Giants and Redskins are out to prove their performance last year wasn't a fluke.

I haven't seen it this solid top to bottom since the early 90s.

[Hostile]

One of the reasons this offseason is so friggin long is because of the uncertainty. Any of these defenses can dominate in any given week, but the offenses in the division are solid enough that they can also be dominated if they don't play with smarts and emotion.

The way I see it, in 2006 the Eagles and Cowboys want redemption for the disappointing end to last year. The Giants and Redskins are out to prove their performance last year wasn't a fluke.

I haven't seen it this solid top to bottom since the early 90s.I don't disagree with that at all. Some folks are saying the Eagles are dead. I don't think they're near as dead as these people think.

I don't see the Giants as pushovers either. They were the best offense in the division last year and added pieces. Eli has a chance to take the next step up.

[RiggoForever]

I don't disagree with that at all. Some folks are saying the Eagles are dead. I don't think they're near as dead as these people think.

I don't see the Giants as pushovers either. They were the best offense in the division last year and added pieces. Eli has a chance to take the next step up.

The Eagles I see as dangerous because no team in the division should have a greater sense of purpose. These guys won the NFC 4 years in a row with very little competition, so I imagine a number of their fans and maybe some of their players took winning the NFC East for granted. Then last year they get stomped on and swept by the other 3 teams, a huge cold splash of reality. I think they feel slighted and they are playing for pride and respect again, and thats a huge motivator. Its not like they've lost the core of those teams that went to 4 straight NFC Championships and are trying to establish an identity and have to rebuild.

Not to mention the fact that the Eagles have the biggest offensive line in the division. If they make more of a commitment to run the ball this year and balance their short passing attack, they should be very good on both sides of the ball.

The Giants offense is going to be tough, I just question if Tim Lewis will be able to put all the pieces together on that defense, especially Lavar who can be a liability as well as an asset. If the defense clicks the way it did midseason of last year, the Giants will be very good.

[ghst187]

I didn't put it because you have a 3-4 base, so the only think we could compare are front seven.

If we go front seven I say:

1. Giants
2. Redskins
3. Cowboys
4. Eagles
[QUOTE=RiggoForever]

I don't disagree with that right now, but I do think that with the additions of Ayodele, Carpenter, and Stanley plus a full offseason of S&C for Spears, Ware, and Canty....I think these rankings will change by the end of the season. No doubt we have more POTENTIAL than the rest of the division but we'll see what plays out.


[QUOTE=RiggoForever]
If we go secondary I say:

1. Cowboys
2. Eagles
3. Redskins (but close to number 2)
4. Giants
[QUOTE=RiggoForever]

Agree again, at least taking for granted that we have a HEALTHY Henry all season. I think the Eagles secondary is a little overrated and Lito Shep is VERY overrated...TG abused him all year last year. The Skins could easily rank #2 on this list and make a case for #1 if Carlos Rogers turns out to be all everyone thought he could be when he was drafted, Arch fits in and plays well AND ST doesn't go to jail. The Giants are a distant 4 right now.


[QUOTE=RiggoForever]
If we go total defense I say:

1. Redskins (Solid line, LBs, secondary)
2. Cowboys (Probably the most talented, but can Zimmer get the most out of them)
3. Eagles (Great secondary, promising line, questions at linebacker).
4. Giants (I don't think Tim Lewis is that great of a coordinator and the defense was giving up alot of yardage (until the Redskins game) even before Pierce got hurt.)
[QUOTE=RiggoForever]

I think G Williams is the key defensive player. I don't disagree with your rankings at all but I think the skins are pretty thin on D (although they were last year too and G Williams' system still allowed them to not really miss a beat). I think a key injury or two and it'll be problems for them.
Undoubtedly, we have the most talent and potential but yeah...most posters here agree that we all doubt Zim's ability to get the most of out our players.

I like what the eagles added (or don't because I hate them) in Howard and Bunkley but I think their D had more issues than that last year. If Howard doesn't get to the QB or help Kearse to return to some semblence of a pass-rusher....they'll be abused next season too.
I think the Giants are still soft inside the DL and in the secondary.

[Billy Bullocks]

Do you think Spears and Canty can be legitimate pass rushing threats this year?

Neither of them really are true pass rushers in the sense. Spears is a good inside rusher, and he moves in to DT in passing situations. Ware, Ellis, and Carpenter are who we are going to rely on to bring most of the heat.

I give NY the advantage because their DE's are so damn scary.

Washington is really strong against the run, but I've seen Carter play since he was at Cal, and I just don't think he's that great. Not saying he sucks, but him and Daniels form the weakest pass rush in the East (not including blitz packages...dont worry Skins fans)

[REDVOLUTION]

I was curious what you all thought, and will leave the Cowboys out because the 3-4 only has three down linemen.

I think the Redskins have the best run-stopping ability, Giants pass-rush, but as much as this pains me, I vote for the Eagles because they have 2 number 1s (Patterson and Bunkley) who are going to improve as well as legitimate pass rushing threats in Howard and Kearse.

Btw the last name in the Giants rotation should be Strahan obviously, not sure how to edit the poll though. Also I know Clancy is gone to Arizona, but I'm not sure who his replacement will be.

I'd probably say:

1. Eagles (Howard and Kearse are solid rushers and athletes, Patterson and Bunkley are big, fast, young, and strong).
2. Redskins (Stout run stoppers in Griffin and Salave'a, Daniels is streaky, Carter has potential for double digit sacks)
3. Giants (If Osi and Strahan are blocked, they can be pounded down the middle)

Thats interesting. A Redskin fan starting a poll at a COWBOYS forum about the best front 4 in the NFC East. Leave Cowboys off of the poll? -so why poll it? why poll it here?

Is is that slow in here? Isnt there a general football forum around here?

[TheHustler]

Giants. Their ferocious pass rushers allow the rest of their defense to focus on defending the run.

[Sarge]

Giants/Eagles/Skinz

[Mansta54]

Thats interesting. A Redskin fan starting a poll at a COWBOYS forum about the best front 4 in the NFC East. Leave Cowboys off of the poll? -so why poll it? why poll it here?

Is is that slow in here? Isnt there a general football forum around here?



Good question!!!!!:hammer:

[jterrell]

1. Giants. Strahan is dominant against pass and run and by far best DE in division. Clancy is a run clogger and Osi a pass rusher. Probably best 4 man DL in football and strength of an otherwise average defense.

2. Eags. Kearse is overrated but has been better versus the run as his pass rushing skills have eroded. Howard has been mostly a backup for 2 years but is a similar player to Ellis, very solid. Patterson is a key for their line. If he can develop into a poor mans Glover they'll have a chance to apply regular pressure.

3. Skins. Daniels is a notch below Ellis and he's the best DL they have. Salavea is a solid 3rd DT but probably not an every down guy. Carter struck out in San Fran but has some potential still. Team could use a 1st round pick here. All the other NFCE clubs have young talent developing.

[speedkilz88]

Giants DTs should be LDT William Joseph and RDT Fred Robbins.

[RiggoForever]

Thats interesting. A Redskin fan starting a poll at a COWBOYS forum about the best front 4 in the NFC East. Leave Cowboys off of the poll? -so why poll it? why poll it here?

Is is that slow in here? Isnt there a general football forum around here?

Just wanted to see what you all thought about the other 3 teams. It probably should have gone in an "Around The NFL" forum, but I thought the discussion impacts the Cowboys. As a Skins fan I like to know the opposition, particularly within the NFC East.

[DallasEast]

Just wanted to see what you all thought about the other 3 teams. It probably should have gone in an "Around The NFL" forum, but I thought the discussion impacts the Cowboys. As a Skins fan I like to know the opposition, particularly within the NFC East.A poll questioning which defense was the best in the NFC East would probably receive more balance responses. A poll which excludes a member of the NFC East...

...well, now you know. The Cowboys 3-4 defense will impact its divisional foes. Should we start a poll which excludes the Eagles, Giants and Redskins?

That would not be much of a poll, would it? And respectfully, neither is yours. :)

[Uh-Oh]

Yeah if we go front 7, I definately would give the Giants the edge. Do you know who Clancy's replacement is going to be at DT?
I've got a slight clue. It's a guy named Jonas Seawright. 6'6" 330 lbs. Could be the NT. He'd be there to take up two O-line men and that's it. Unless he gets beaten out of course. The D-line will be rotated mostly anyway.

[RiggoForever]

Wow Seawright is an undrafted free agent. You really think they'd start him?

[Uh-Oh]

Wow Seawright is an undrafted free agent. You really think they'd start him?
If Robbins doesn't shape up, ohysically and attitude-wise, and rookie Barry Cofield isn't ready, then yes, the Giants will go with Seawright. He was on the practice squad last year. So he should know something of the playbook.

Unless they sign Brenston Buckner or Grady Jackson. But both those guys have forks sticking out of their backs. THey're done.

[Bob Sacamano]

I'd probably say:

1. Eagles (Howard and Kearse are solid rushers and athletes, Patterson and Bunkley are big, fast, young, and strong).
2. Redskins (Stout run stoppers in Griffin and Salave'a, Daniels is streaky, Carter has potential for double digit sacks)
3. Giants (If Osi and Strahan are blocked, they can be pounded down the middle)

for the same reason you rate the Giants last, they can be run on up the gut, could also apply to you guys, that you are pretty poor generating a pass-rush from the front 4

[Bob Sacamano]

Two first rounders at DT are going to be very tough to run on.

Patterson is just average, and noone knows how Bunkley will do, I think that statement is a little premature

[Bob Sacamano]

I think Spears and Canty have to raise their play (which they should, as they were both rookies last year).

both were raising their play as the season neared an end last year, I think they build on how they finished