Predicting The NFC East

[Doomsday101]

Before last season, predicting the NFC East was easy. The Eagles had won the division four straight years and looked like a lock. Then T.O. happened and the Giants, Commanders and Cowboys stepped into the power vacuum and had winning seasons in 2005.

Now this is the toughest division to pick in the NFL. But that's why they pay me the big bucks. Here goes:

1. Dallas Cowboys: They are loaded with weapons on offense, have systematically brought in the right players to run their 3-4 defense and addressed their kicking problems by signing Mike Vanderjagt. The two biggest fears in Big D have to be a Terrell Owens meltdown and problems on the offensive line. But if Dallas avoids those pitfalls, Bill Parcells could take his third team to the Super Bowl. Predicted Record: 11-5

2. Washington Commanders: By the end of last season, the Skins were the best team in the division. They handed out whoopings to the Cowboys, Giants and Eagles in the final three weeks of the regular season and gave Seattle a hard time in the divisional playoffs despite being totally worn out. They added another group of high-priced free agents in the offseason and have a ridiculous set of assistant coaches under Joe Gibbs. The only glaring question mark is 35-year-old quarterback Mark Brunell, but he was good enough last year. It's hard not to pencil Washington in as a playoff team, even though I would love not to just to antagonize the army of paranoid Commanders fans. Predicted Record: 11-5

3. New York Giants: Everything comes down to Eli Manning. The third-year QB's breakdown against the Panthers in last year's playoffs doesn't inspire confidence. Then again, he is a Manning, so maybe he's just bad in the postseason and will continue to develop in the regular season. The Giants' biggest problem is a horror show of a schedule. Check out their first seven games, the toughest stretch for any NFL team all season. Predicted Record: 9-7

4. Philadelphia Eagles: As Peter King pointed out in Monday Morning QB, coach Andy Reid is as cocky as ever and doesn't seem to care what the three other teams in the division do. Although the offensive problems got all the attention in '05, the defense fell apart as well. New additions on the line (Darren Howard, Ed Jasper and rookie Brodrick Bunkley) will help free up Jevon Kearse and make Philly's D dangerous again. That being said, the Eagles still can't run the ball at all and they won't have the six easy divisional wins that helped them dominate the NFC earlier in the decade. Predicted Record: 7-9

Let me know how you think the NFC East will pan out and why.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/nfl/huddle_up/2006/2006/05/predicting-nfc-east.html

 

[Colo]

It's hard not to pencil Washington in as a playoff team, even though I would love not to just to antagonize the army of paranoid Commanders fans. Predicted Record: 11-5

This guy's all right in my book.
:skins:

 

[LeonDixson]

Kind of mirrors what a lot of us have been saying about the strength of the NFCE. I have no problem with his 11-5 prediction for both us and the Skins, although either team's record could vary by a game or even two. I actually think Philthy will finish at .500 or above though. The Giants have a very good defense and with Tiki, Shockley, and Plaxico on offense, they could be right there with us and the skins if Eli holds up his part.

 

[Tricky-22]

3. The third-year QB's breakdown against the Panthers in last year's playoffs doesn't inspire confidence. Then again, he is a Manning, so maybe he's just bad in the postseason

Truth hurts.....at least it does for Peyton & Eli.

 

[burmafrd]

Actually I downgrade the skins and upgrade the Giants. I have my doubts about manning- his basic inaccuracy for one- but the rest of the team is pretty solid. If Tiki has another monster year they will be trouble. The Skins- I think some leaks will come forth on D; and one hit on Brunell and their season is over. Agree with him on the Birds- the easy wins in the division are over and I just do not see anywhere near enough offense to get the job done.

 

[SantanaOwnsU]

Actually I downgrade the skins and upgrade the Giants. I have my doubts about manning- his basic inaccuracy for one- but the rest of the team is pretty solid. If Tiki has another monster year they will be trouble. The Skins- I think some leaks will come forth on D; and one hit on Brunell and their season is over. Agree with him on the Birds- the easy wins in the division are over and I just do not see anywhere near enough offense to get the job done.

You're letting your hatred get the best of you my friend. What are our weaknesses on D? Campell will be ready to take over if Brunell gets gimpy again late in the season...he's had a year to sit on the bench and study his playbook. Lets not forget the addition of Al Saunders, one of the best offensive minds in the game. The Skins have the coaching edge over any team in the NFL. The G-men were STOMPED at home by the Panthers in the playoffs while the Skins advanced to the 2nd round...something the Boys have yet to do in the Parcells era.

 

[Billy Bullocks]

Actually I downgrade the skins and upgrade the Giants. I have my doubts about manning- his basic inaccuracy for one- but the rest of the team is pretty solid. If Tiki has another monster year they will be trouble. The Skins- I think some leaks will come forth on D; and one hit on Brunell and their season is over. Agree with him on the Birds- the easy wins in the division are over and I just do not see anywhere near enough offense to get the job done.

But you have to realize that Tiki is the big question mark on NY. He had his best season statistacally last year, and it's going to be hard to duplicate it. He's on the wrong side of 30, and he's been a workhorse for the last 7 or so seasons for NY. How much longer can this hold up.

I broke down the NFC a few weeks ago...

When it came to teh East, all teams had at least 1 big question mark.
Dallas - OL
Washington - Brunell
NY - Tiki's health, Manning's progress
Philly - Who to throw to? Who's going to run the ball? Is the defense back where it once was?

 

[theogt]

But you have to realize that Tiki is the big question mark on NY. He had his best season statistacally last year, and it's going to be hard to duplicate it. He's on the wrong side of 30, and he's been a workhorse for the last 7 or so seasons for NY. How much longer can this hold up.

I broke down the NFC a few weeks ago...

When it came to teh East, all teams had at least 1 big question mark.
Dallas - OL
Washington - Brunell
NY - Tiki's health, Manning's progress
Philly - Who to throw to? Who's going to run the ball? Is the defense back where it once was?

I would Strahan to NY. He's old and due for another season ending injury. Their defense would then be a one man show in Umensomethingornotherora. Also, add Moss to Washington. He's there lone threat. Take him out of the game and you're set as long as your offense is decent enough to score a few points.

 

[SkinsHokieFan]

B
I broke down the NFC a few weeks ago...

When it came to teh East, all teams had at least 1 big question mark.
Dallas - OL
Washington - Brunell
NY - Tiki's health, Manning's progress
Philly - Who to throw to? Who's going to run the ball? Is the defense back where it once was?

Excellent breakdown, all of those are valid questions for each team

To be honest, the best thing for the Commanders might be to have MB injured in week 6 (something like hurting his non throwing shoulder) and come back in week 12 (the buy falls in week 8 or 9)

During that 5 game stretch have Campbell go 3-2 or at worst 2-3 and have MB come back in fresh for the stretch run

 

[dbair1967]

You're letting your hatred get the best of you my friend. What are our weaknesses on D? Campell will be ready to take over if Brunell gets gimpy again late in the season...he's had a year to sit on the bench and study his playbook. Lets not forget the addition of Al Saunders, one of the best offensive minds in the game. The Skins have the coaching edge over any team in the NFL. The G-men were STOMPED at home by the Panthers in the playoffs while the Skins advanced to the 2nd round...something the Boys have yet to do in the Parcells era.

Greg Williams schemes probably better than any d coordinator in the NFL...he definitely gets more out of less than anyone else in football...that said there really isnt alot of talent on your defense and eventually someone will find the chinks in the armor

love Al Saunders...he has been one of the 2 or 3 best offensive coordinators in football the past few seasons...he will definitely make an impact on the offense, and I agree the Skins have a coaching edge over virtually everyone in football, including the Cowboys...with that said, having Jason Campbell play this yr would likely be a disaster for the Commanders, as until his SR yr at Auburn he barely looked like a draftable prospect, let alone a 1st rd pick..he was definitely overdrafted based on one good season IMO...if he had to play anymore than a couple of games, the Skins season would be over

David

 

[dbair1967]

Before last season, predicting the NFC East was easy. The Eagles had won the division four straight years and looked like a lock. Then T.O. happened and the Giants, Commanders and Cowboys stepped into the power vacuum and had winning seasons in 2005.

Now this is the toughest division to pick in the NFL. But that's why they pay me the big bucks. Here goes:

1. Dallas Cowboys: They are loaded with weapons on offense, have systematically brought in the right players to run their 3-4 defense and addressed their kicking problems by signing Mike Vanderjagt. The two biggest fears in Big D have to be a Terrell Owens meltdown and problems on the offensive line. But if Dallas avoids those pitfalls, Bill Parcells could take his third team to the Super Bowl. Predicted Record: 11-5

2. Washington Commanders: By the end of last season, the Skins were the best team in the division. They handed out whoopings to the Cowboys, Giants and Eagles in the final three weeks of the regular season and gave Seattle a hard time in the divisional playoffs despite being totally worn out. They added another group of high-priced free agents in the offseason and have a ridiculous set of assistant coaches under Joe Gibbs. The only glaring question mark is 35-year-old quarterback Mark Brunell, but he was good enough last year. It's hard not to pencil Washington in as a playoff team, even though I would love not to just to antagonize the army of paranoid Commanders fans. Predicted Record: 11-5

3. New York Giants: Everything comes down to Eli Manning. The third-year QB's breakdown against the Panthers in last year's playoffs doesn't inspire confidence. Then again, he is a Manning, so maybe he's just bad in the postseason and will continue to develop in the regular season. The Giants' biggest problem is a horror show of a schedule. Check out their first seven games, the toughest stretch for any NFL team all season. Predicted Record: 9-7

4. Philadelphia Eagles: As Peter King pointed out in Monday Morning QB, coach Andy Reid is as cocky as ever and doesn't seem to care what the three other teams in the division do. Although the offensive problems got all the attention in '05, the defense fell apart as well. New additions on the line (Darren Howard, Ed Jasper and rookie Brodrick Bunkley) will help free up Jevon Kearse and make Philly's D dangerous again. That being said, the Eagles still can't run the ball at all and they won't have the six easy divisional wins that helped them dominate the NFC earlier in the decade. Predicted Record: 7-9

Let me know how you think the NFC East will pan out and why.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/nfl/huddle_up/2006/2006/05/predicting-nfc-east.html

I really think Dallas, Washington and Philly are going to run away and leave the Giants...they really didnt get any help in the draft, and signing Madison and Arrington were really just two additions of way past their prime guys that their current teams didnt want anymore...Manning had a decent td-int showing last yr, but alot of those tds were to wide open guys from busted coverages or guys that made long gains out of short passes...he looked pretty lousy down the stretch last yr and was horrendous against Carolina at home...I'll be surrpised if the Giants finish better than 7-9

David

 

[dthahn]

You're letting your hatred get the best of you my friend. What are our weaknesses on D? Campell will be ready to take over if Brunell gets gimpy again late in the season...he's had a year to sit on the bench and study his playbook. Lets not forget the addition of Al Saunders, one of the best offensive minds in the game. The Skins have the coaching edge over any team in the NFL. The G-men were STOMPED at home by the Panthers in the playoffs while the Skins advanced to the 2nd round...something the Boys have yet to do in the Parcells era.

Wait a minute...

You say Campbell will be ready to take over when Brunell gets gimpy. PLEASE!!! You've been drinking too much Kool-Aid pal. If Brunell misses more than two games, which is very likely, the Skins are done. No way a 2nd year quarterback with no experience picks up where Brunell leaves off.

I actually agree that the Commanders will take a step backwards this year. The Commanders front office just doesn't get it. They think they can just sign and plug in high profile free agents and assistant coaches and win BUT they have failed miserably since Snyder took over. Sure they made the playoffs last year and won a game but considering the last several seasons, I think most neutral observers would conclude that it was a fluke more than anything.

The front office just doesn't understand things like team chemistry, signing players who fit into their scheme, and building through the draft.

The truth is that a very fragile Brunell will have a mediocre season. I predict that the Skins finish 9-7 and Brunell misses at least 3 games because of injury.

 

[ghst187]

Before last season, predicting the NFC East was easy. The Eagles had won the division four straight years and looked like a lock. Then T.O. happened and the Giants, Commanders and Cowboys stepped into the power vacuum and had winning seasons in 2005.

Now this is the toughest division to pick in the NFL. But that's why they pay me the big bucks. Here goes:

1. Dallas Cowboys: They are loaded with weapons on offense, have systematically brought in the right players to run their 3-4 defense and addressed their kicking problems by signing Mike Vanderjagt. The two biggest fears in Big D have to be a Terrell Owens meltdown and problems on the offensive line. But if Dallas avoids those pitfalls, Bill Parcells could take his third team to the Super Bowl. Predicted Record: 11-5

2. Washington Commanders: By the end of last season, the Skins were the best team in the division. They handed out whoopings to the Cowboys, Giants and Eagles in the final three weeks of the regular season and gave Seattle a hard time in the divisional playoffs despite being totally worn out. They added another group of high-priced free agents in the offseason and have a ridiculous set of assistant coaches under Joe Gibbs. The only glaring question mark is 35-year-old quarterback Mark Brunell, but he was good enough last year. It's hard not to pencil Washington in as a playoff team, even though I would love not to just to antagonize the army of paranoid Commanders fans. Predicted Record: 11-5

3. New York Giants: Everything comes down to Eli Manning. The third-year QB's breakdown against the Panthers in last year's playoffs doesn't inspire confidence. Then again, he is a Manning, so maybe he's just bad in the postseason and will continue to develop in the regular season. The Giants' biggest problem is a horror show of a schedule. Check out their first seven games, the toughest stretch for any NFL team all season. Predicted Record: 9-7

4. Philadelphia Eagles: As Peter King pointed out in Monday Morning QB, coach Andy Reid is as cocky as ever and doesn't seem to care what the three other teams in the division do. Although the offensive problems got all the attention in '05, the defense fell apart as well. New additions on the line (Darren Howard, Ed Jasper and rookie Brodrick Bunkley) will help free up Jevon Kearse and make Philly's D dangerous again. That being said, the Eagles still can't run the ball at all and they won't have the six easy divisional wins that helped them dominate the NFC earlier in the decade. Predicted Record: 7-9

Let me know how you think the NFC East will pan out and why.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/nfl/huddle_up/2006/2006/05/predicting-nfc-east.html

I totally agree with all of this. Esp the iggles part...they still refuse to believe that they need to improve. They got spoiled when the division was garbage for so long...Reid is too cocky and while he sits there gloating and getting fatter...the whizzing sound is the rest of the division zooming by them.
I think the skins can be really good this year but it all comes down to Brunell. He gets injured or Campbell is forced to start and I think they'll have to win with defense all the time....not that they're incapable of doing that but they won't win the division that way.
The giants....its eli or bust and I think its a 50-50. I still wouldn't trust him to run my team but he is definitely surrounded by some weapons. They also have some serious pass rushers.
We could demolish the division or have offensive line woes or play offense too conservatively and have to only hope to stay competitive.

 

[DragonCowboy]

Look at the comments. 99% of them are truly drinking the haterade.

 

[GhettoxCowboy]

my NFC final standings are

1. dallas
2.eagles
3.giants
4.skins

hate it or love it!!!!!!!

 

[2much2soon]

I predict the final standings in the NFC East will be directly proportionate to each team's player-games-lost-to-injury number.
That skins fan who thinks Quincy Carter, err Jason Campbell can just step in and be effective is quite hilarious.

 

[TheSkaven]

Wow.. I think the original author nailed it. It's Dallas, Washington, New York then Philly, with the top three contending for the final spot until the end. I think the Giants' brutal first 8 games will put them at an early disadvantage. I think the Eagles will falter this year and put to bed any hopes of a revival. And I think Gibbs will have his team ready to play this year, and it should make for a few classics between the ol' pokes and indians.

 

[RiggoForever]

The front office just doesn't understand things like team chemistry, signing players who fit into their scheme, and building through the draft.
quote]

Sure, and that's why we have had nearly 100% participation in offseason workouts, and are set to have 100% participation in OTAs from now through June training camp.

This team is on a mission and has been since the end of last year.

 

[CowboyMike]

Truth hurts.....at least it does for Peyton & Eli.

ray2: Please please please please PLEASE change your avatar. uke: :abuseme: :scream:

 

[Billy Bullocks]

Excellent breakdown, all of those are valid questions for each team

To be honest, the best thing for the Commanders might be to have MB injured in week 6 (something like hurting his non throwing shoulder) and come back in week 12 (the buy falls in week 8 or 9)

During that 5 game stretch have Campbell go 3-2 or at worst 2-3 and have MB come back in fresh for the stretch run

THat would be a HORRIBLE scenario. JC is untested. It's like if we had to rely on Henon, both players just getting by on potential at the moment.

If you think that Campbell is going to come in and win 3 out of 5 games, you're probably wrong. I personally am not too high on the kid, but I will give the benefit of the doubt (3 diff QB's for his SB wins)..

Washington needs Brunell to be healthy. And any Skins fans within a realm of reason knows htis.