Video: Who's the team to beat in the NFC East? - 6/1/09

[theebs]

What the... I thought Dilfer had trashed us -- mainly Romo -- quite a bit at the end of last year. Which I thought was strange because I'd heard him talking us up mid-year. Oh well.

I still think we should be considered third behind the two teams that made the playoffs last year. Not that I don't think we can sneak past them, but how could we be considered ahead of them right now? Unfortunately I think it's going to another dogfight with everyone pretty close (except maybe the Skins, who could completely collapse with a couple of injuries) and a lot of it decided by schedule and injuries.

well said and I completely agree.

How anyone could pick any of the 4 right now is beyond me.

I get the feeling people will still be having this debate in december about who will win the east.

With a gun to my head I say the giants are too good not to win the east, but its june so none of that means anything.

What if the skins line shows up and is outstanding and devon thomas becomes a stud? What if felix goes for 2000 all purpose yards and dallas forces more turnovers? What if the eagles fall right back to the 9-7 team they appeared to be all year instead of the momentum filled team we saw in january. What if Eli is asked to win games week in and week out?

Its the best division and you can punch holes in each team and you can prop each team up.

It will probably come down to who blows games against weaker competition like last year.

 

[Idgit]

What the... I thought Dilfer had trashed us -- mainly Romo -- quite a bit at the end of last year. Which I thought was strange because I'd heard him talking us up mid-year. Oh well.

I still think we should be considered third behind the two teams that made the playoffs last year. Not that I don't think we can sneak past them, but how could we be considered ahead of them right now? Unfortunately I think it's going to another dogfight with everyone pretty close (except maybe the Skins, who could completely collapse with a couple of injuries) and a lot of it decided by schedule and injuries.

New season. And we can legitimately upgrade the team through subtraction.
That said, the Eagles look like the best team on paper, to me.

The fact that we're all knotted together except the Commanders, I just love. Nothing worse than going into a season not being competitive with all the attention in the NFL off on another division.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

New season. And we can legitimately upgrade the team through subtraction.
That said, the Eagles look like the best team on paper, to me.

I agree. I do think two new tackles could be a problem as far as chemistry goes, and I do think not having Jim Johnson will hurt them. And maybe not having Dawkins, as well. But they did go farthest in the playoffs of any of the NFCE teams, and they did add what looks like some good talent in the draft, especially Maclin.

I will say that I'm with joe in thinking that at some point, McNabb is going to start falling off. We and the Giants have great pass rushes, and that's a lot more beating he's going to take just in four games alone.

I think it'll be so close that maybe our third-place schedule will help us a little. But I still think injuries will play a huge part, and who knows how that will work out.

 

[Idgit]

I agree. I do think two new tackles could be a problem as far as chemistry goes, and I do think not having Jim Johnson will hurt them. And maybe not having Dawkins, as well. But they did go farthest in the playoffs of any of the NFCE teams, and they did add what looks like some good talent in the draft, especially Maclin.

I will say that I'm with joe in thinking that at some point, McNabb is going to start falling off. We and the Giants have great pass rushes, and that's a lot more beating he's going to take just in four games alone.

I think it'll be so close that maybe our third-place schedule will help us a little. But I still think injuries will play a huge part, and who knows how that will work out.

Every one of the three teams has questions, and the Giants and Eagles both have big holes at DC with little idea how capable the replacements might be. On offense, the Eagles needed new OT and did a good job of getting good ones. It remains to be seen if the ones they got are good enough, but they look like an improvement on paper to me. Loved their draft, and I think the Leonard Weaver addition doesn't get a lot of attention, but he is a huge boost to that backfield.

 

[TNCowboy]

I think we're kidding ourselves if we think the Giants won't be good.

Left out of the equation was that they played all of last year sans one of the best defensive players in the league.

I think the Cowboys have a shot, but I'd say the Eagles and Giants are probably a step ahead.

On the other hand, I don't think the Skins have a prayer. They spent the offseason trying to get rid of Campbell, Portis is getting to the point where the mileage will catch up to him (if it hasn't already), and their one outside receiving threat is old and inconsistent. Not to mention the problems they have with their old offensive line, or to say nothing of the sheer idiocy of putting Orapko at OLB.

It warms the heart to see the Skins in such a mess. They'll probably play Dallas 2 tough games, but I seriously doubt they'll be any factor at all in the standings.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Love it when the whole board just ignores troll-bait. I know I'm bringing it some attention, but only to compliment the rest of you guys on your restraint. Cracks me up.

Trust me it wasn't easy.

 

[TNCowboy]

What the... I thought Dilfer had trashed us -- mainly Romo -- quite a bit at the end of last year. Which I thought was strange because I'd heard him talking us up mid-year. Oh well.

I still think we should be considered third behind the two teams that made the playoffs last year. Not that I don't think we can sneak past them, but how could we be considered ahead of them right now? Unfortunately I think it's going to another dogfight with everyone pretty close (except maybe the Skins, who could completely collapse with a couple of injuries) and a lot of it decided by schedule and injuries.

Dilfer is a huge Romo fan. He thinks Romo is one of the best in the league.

 

[Monster Heel]

Other than the Commanders, I think everyone has a shot. With the Skins, I just don't see how they expect to do any damage with that offense. They didn't do anything to that creaky OL. Yeah, they did get rid of Jansen, but that Heyer guy's not very good either, despite what wolftickets Skins' fans would like to sell you. Their offense is as a whole is going to tie right back into the OL. When they were doing well during the first half of the year, Campbell had all day to pass and those guys were totally mashing up front, Samuels and Kendall particuarly, for Portis. I could see them starting strong again and then tailing off. They have a relatively soft schedule to start and they'll likely be healthy during that stretch. If they don't take advantage of that early, it'll get real ugly in DC.

 

[dcfanatic]

I think we're kidding ourselves if we think the Giants won't be good.

Left out of the equation was that they played all of last year sans one of the best defensive players in the league.

I think the Cowboys have a shot, but I'd say the Eagles and Giants are probably a step ahead.

On the other hand, I don't think the Skins have a prayer. They spent the offseason trying to get rid of Campbell, Portis is getting to the point where the mileage will catch up to him (if it hasn't already), and their one outside receiving threat is old and inconsistent. Not to mention the problems they have with their old offensive line, or to say nothing of the sheer idiocy of putting Orapko at OLB.

It warms the heart to see the Skins in such a mess. They'll probably play Dallas 2 tough games, but I seriously doubt they'll be any factor at all in the standings.

About the Giants.

Didn't we all say the same thing about the Cowboys going into the 2008 season?

 

[jobberone]

Last year was last year. I have just about finally put it behind me and I am looking forward to this 2009 season.

So who's the team to beat in the NFC East?...

[youtube]6vT7MOes9qk[/youtube]

Yeah Dilfer!!! The man knows what he's talking about and I agree with him here.

I think it's a neck and neck battle with the Eagles. But McNabb is going to fall off the deep end at some point and I hope it's now.

I know the Giants won the division last season, but I am not sold the loss of Spagnuolo won't affect that defense dramatically this season. And Eli had the one shining moment of his career already.

The Skins? Please. Orakpo as a LB in a 4-3 defense. That just tells you that they don't have a clue over there.

Well, I thought putting Greg Ellis at OLB was the stupidest thing I ever heard at first. I happen to agree with you and others but we don't know what will happen. I refuse to underestimate my opponents. I think it foolish to believe the Commanders coaches are stupid. It may be a failed experiment. Randy White started off as a LB, too, before moving to the DL.

 

[SLATEmosphere]

Giants

Eagles

Commanders

Cowboys


Won't even be close unless the Giants suffer significant injury.

Eli > Romo by a ton.
Tom > Phillips by a ton.
Giant defensive additions > Cowboys by a ton.
New Giant defensive coordinator = Phillips, because Phillips is wearing two hats and thus far he's proved he can't even do it with one. A WASH.

Second place Eagles

McNabb when healthy > Romo by a ton
Reid > Phillips by a ton
Eagle offensive additions > Cowboys by a ton
Johnson defensive coordinator(assuming he's back) > Phillips by a ton, even if Phillips was wearing one hat


Third Place Commanders

By the fact that they didn't lose to the Eagles 44-6 in a 'playoff' type game to end the season. Good going Skins.


Fourth Place Cowboys

Cowboys need to stay healthy, since depth has been squandered, to have any chance of making the playoffs. Besides, after that shellacking by the Eagles in the last 'playoff' game, the Cowboys automatically sink to the bottom of my preseason poll. They'll have to earn their way out of it.

Additionally, the Cowboys made the least impressive additions in the off-season. And as I wrote before, their substractions squandered all-important depth, especially at WR. Romo won't have TO to pad his stats anymore. In effect, he doesn't have a number one receiver. And I'm not going to crown RW with that title until he proves he can be. I predict he won't be able to do that, mostly because I also predict Romo will make Witten his go to guy. I will further predict if he does that, his interceptions will go up even more.

Let's face it, whether you liked TO or not, his release weakens Romo a lot. That's not to say however, that the running game, should it be employed correctly, can't make up for TO's loss. The question is, has Garrett learned anything from last year? I predict no. But that's based only on a hunch, so lotta room for error in that prediction.

Now here's a surprising prediction as far as coaching. I predict Phillips will be a better coach this year, but it won't be enough to take the division away from the Giants or Eagles. Everything would have to go exactly right for the Cowboys to have a chance at the division title.

And it'll take a miracle for them to make the super bowl, or an implosion by the Giants and Eagles, (much like what NE did for Pittsburgh this past season) for the Cowboys to make the super bowl.

Those kind of miracles only seem to happen to the Steelers, so I predict, the Cowboys will not be favorites to go to the super bowl this year.

LOL, you guys are awsome! I don't know how you ignore a punk like this I envy your patience and just move on like he said nothing. I want to punch these kinds of people.

 

[jobberone]

Other than the Commanders, I think everyone has a shot. With the Skins, I just don't see how they expect to do any damage with that offense. They didn't do anything to that creaky OL. Yeah, they did get rid of Jansen, but that Heyer guy's not very good either, despite what wolftickets Skins' fans would like to sell you. Their offense is as a whole is going to tie right back into the OL. When they were doing well during the first half of the year, Campbell had all day to pass and those guys were totally mashing up front, Samuels and Kendall particuarly, for Portis. I could see them starting strong again and then tailing off. They have a relatively soft schedule to start and they'll likely be healthy during that stretch. If they don't take advantage of that early, it'll get real ugly in DC.

I agree. Everyone has a chance. Even the Skins although I'd put them a notch below the rest of the East. It's a mistake to write them off IMO.

Injuries and coaching will play more of a role than starting talent in determining the winner. The talent is too equal. I expect at least two and probably three playoff teams from the East.

 

[burmafrd]

If you really wanted to ignore the idiot you would not have copied his stupid post.

 

[SLATEmosphere]

If you really wanted to ignore the idiot you would not have copied his stupid post.[/quot

I don't want to ignore him. Those people are fun.

 

[skinswin]

I agree. Everyone has a chance. Even the Skins although I'd put them a notch below the rest of the East. It's a mistake to write them off IMO.

Injuries and coaching will play more of a role than starting talent in determining the winner. The talent is too equal. I expect at least two and probably three playoff teams from the East.

You better not count us out,we swept the eagles had a very good chance of sweeping your beloved cowboys,and we struggle slightly with the giants..my skins matchup well with the eagles,we play with more intensity against your cowboys..we just need to figure out the giants..Trust me the Commanders will be right there in the thick of things in the nfc east!! DON'T sleep on us!!

 

[Rampage]

right now I see some questions for all 4 teams to be answered before we know who the team to beat it is.

Giants - Defense should still be strong probably even better than last year with the signing of Boley and getting Osi back. But how is there passing game gonna be without cheddar bob burress? teams will stack the box and force Eli to beat them with his young wrs.

Eagles - How will losing both offensive tackles pan out? how much of a blow on defense will losing Dawkins and most likely the DC Jim Johnson be?

Cowboys - where do I begin? will we be more run oriented? can Garrett get all 3 runningbacks involved? can our O-line earn the money they're getting paid? can Romo still be a good qb without #81? can Igor replace Canty? can our defense play to it's potential? can Spencer step his game up?

Skins - Solid defense but they have an average at best qb who will most likely be the downfall for them? can they continue to ride Portis into the ground?

 

[theebs]

You better not count us out,we swept the eagles had a very good chance of sweeping your beloved cowboys,and we struggle slightly with the giants..my skins matchup well with the eagles,we play with more intensity against your cowboys..we just need to figure out the giants..Trust me the Commanders will be right there in the thick of things in the nfc east!! DON'T sleep on us!!

most likely we were sam hurd from catching an onsides that went right through his hands from sweeping you.

but who cares.

The skins lost to the rams, the bengals and the niners. You were a few plays away from losing to cleveland and seattle also, so a skins fan telling people to watch out is sillier than a cowboys fan doing it.

 

[dcfanatic]

You better not count us out,we swept the eagles had a very good chance of sweeping your beloved cowboys,and we struggle slightly with the giants..my skins matchup well with the eagles,we play with more intensity against your cowboys..we just need to figure out the giants..Trust me the Commanders will be right there in the thick of things in the nfc east!! DON'T sleep on us!!

When are you guys bringing Vick in?

:laugh2:

 

[DEZBRYANT x88x]

Well i think its going to be a 3 team race. Us, Giants and Eagles i just dont see the skins doing anything this year.

But you never know its the NFL.

 

[ShiningStar]

I think we're kidding ourselves if we think the Giants won't be good.

Left out of the equation was that they played all of last year sans one of the best defensive players in the league.

I think the Cowboys have a shot, but I'd say the Eagles and Giants are probably a step ahead.

On the other hand, I don't think the Skins have a prayer. They spent the offseason trying to get rid of Campbell, Portis is getting to the point where the mileage will catch up to him (if it hasn't already), and their one outside receiving threat is old and inconsistent. Not to mention the problems they have with their old offensive line, or to say nothing of the sheer idiocy of putting Orapko at OLB.

It warms the heart to see the Skins in such a mess. They'll probably play Dallas 2 tough games, but I seriously doubt they'll be any factor at all in the standings.

So the Giants were soooooooooo awesome that when they lost 1 primary weapon, they fell apart? Considering the multiple weapons Dallas lost and still did fairly well, you are going to say how wonderful the Giants are relying solely on Burris? Does anyone even watch Football anymore.