Arguably the most competitive and volatile division in the NFL may be the NFC East. You want to talk about competition? The NFC East has been won by each of its four teams in each of the past four seasons (Cowboys 2014, Eagles 2013, Redskins 2012, and Giants 2011). That being said, expect another wild ride as these gladiators suit up to stake their claim to this hotly contested division.
Despite the multiple factors involved, the story this season could very well boil down to the identity assumed by the Philadelphia Eagles as head coach Chip Kelly continues to mold his team into the high paced offensive juggernaut that he has envisioned. Can, the Cowboys build off of last season’s success? Can the Giants turn the corner to regain dominance? Can the Redskins crash the party? Let’s take a look at the teams and see where we project them to shake out this season.
Washington Redskins
The only thing more offensive than their team name might be their on-field play. It quite possible, especially if your franchise QB is concussed before the season even begins; then again, Robert Griffin III looks like anything but a “franchise QB” these days. Even worse, it’s believed that many of his O-Linemen don’t even like him. After another season of exorbitant spending and lackluster results, the ‘Skins had a lot of glaring questions headed into this offseason on both sides of the ball. The good news is that Washington decided to shore up its defense by adding defensive tackle Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton and Stephen Paea, as well as defensive back Chris Culliver. Considering the number of high powered offenses on schedule for this season (including New England and New Orleans), one must wonder if these changes will be enough to keep their opponents honest.
RGIII’s concussion suffered against the Lions this preseason could serve as a crushing blow to a team that made few changes at the skill positions this summer. By comparison, last year Griffin played in nine games and was sacked 33 times. Mark Sanchez also played 9 games for Philly (in the same division mind you) and was sacked 23 times. In St. Louis, Shaun Hill was sacked 18 times. Only 11 times down for Drew Stanton in Arizona. Head coach Jay Gruden was looking to rely on “franchise quarterback” RGIII, Alfred Morris and Pierre Garcon to carry this team into the playoffs. The group will now be forced to gel with Kirk Cousins, who for his credit, appears to have a rapport with reality TV personality DeSean Jackson, but not enough to result in Cousins having a winning record as a starter in our Nation’s Capital.
If the Washington Redskins want to be a serious contender this season, they will have to make great strides in their defense and demonstrate real cohesion on offense. As it stands, the Redskins appear to be low men on the totem pole for the upcoming season.
Philadelphia Eagles
Perhaps the biggest wildcard of a team heading into the 2015 season is the Philadelphia Eagles. Chip Kelly has been feverishly shuffling the proverbial deck that is their roster (dealing away all the clubs and spades in the process) for the past two seasons now in order to get “the right personnel” on the field to run his up-tempo style of offense. And it may be working. The Iggles have put up monster scoring efforts in the preseason (36, 40 and 39 points so far). Though there have been several accusations made about Chip Kelly’s methods and “comfort” around African-American players, time will tell how much validity there may be to these allegations. As the frustrations of the NFL season begin to mount, will the differences of the players drive a wedge between the team?
The talent infusion the 10-win Eagles experienced this year could very easily put them in contention towards the end of the regular season. QB Sam Bradford and former Cowboy DeMarco Murray (replacing Shady McCoy in the backfield— whose trade also netted Philly linebacker Kiko Alonso) will look to energize this fast paced scoring unit. Bradford, not known for having the quick feet of a prototypical QB of Kelly’s liking, will ultimately be the indicator of Chip’s chances of having a successful season. If he is able to adapt to this style of play, Philly could very well be the prevailing force in the NFC East this year. However, if Kelly and his staff cannot conform their offense to play to Bradford’s strengths, it might not be so sunny in Philadelphia.
ODB turning MetLife Stadium into a (Brooklyn) zoo.
New York Giants
The G-Men have many of the earmarks of a team poised to make a championship run. A 2x Champion QB in Eli Manning, one of the leagues more prolific receiving corps featuring Victor Cruz (fresh off the set of Ballers) and breakout star Odell Beckham Jr. and pass catching dynamo Shane Vereen coming out of the backfield. On paper, this looks like a team poised to bring some excitement back to The Big Apple.
Their biggest loss this off season may not have been due to free agency, but rather the accident which caused defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to lose his right index finger the past July 4th. With no clear recovery timetable and still missing a digit, it remains to be seen how effective he will still be at his position. Nevertheless, the Giants are coming off a great 2014 defensive campaign. Rated fourth in the NFL in sacks in 2014. Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has them running at their best, like a well-oiled machine. Strangely, he Giants secondary has been decimated this offseason by injury, losing four safeties in a 13-day span!
Despite being ethered on the Hip Hop Sports Report Podcast Eli Manning is certainly the most credentialed and proven QB in the division. In a sport where timing is everything, few QB’s seem to know that better than Eli Manning. Look for Eli to rally the troops when the time is right to make a serious push for playoff contention.
Dallas Cowboys
It’s been 20 years since “America’s Team” last hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Coming off of last season’s momentum (and winning the division last year), this may be Big D’s best opportunity since the days of “Prime Time”, Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith. Despite the sudden loss of DB Orlando Scandrick for the season (laying up with Draya, I mean it could be worse right?), there is still a buzz going around the Lone Star State that the boys might be back.
Last season, the Cowboys were near inches away from advancing in the playoffs when a challenged catch by Dez Bryant swung destiny into the direction of the Packers. Tony Romo is coming off his best professional season to date, and would love to get another crack at rewriting the history books. To reach this level of success again or to surpass it, the ‘boys will need to figure out if last year’s run-game success was attributed to their stout offensive line, the recently departed DeMarco Murray (now with the division rival Eagles), or the recently departed Offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who also jumped ship (now with division rival Washington). Murray was replaced by Joseph Randle and free agent signee Darren McFadden. Of course, the acquisition of Vernon Littlefield (once again, on Ballers) might do little to help the team’s chances this season, but with the circus around the Cowboys being what it is, the line can get a little blurry between showmanship and “showbiz”. Especially after Jerry Jones rolled the dice on both Greg Hardy AND Randy Gregory this year, two talented defensive ends with checkered pasts.
When the dust settles on the NFC East, look for the Giants to tower of the competition as they gear up to be a major factor in the 2015 NFL Playoffs. Though all teams will have a multitude of questions to answer in route to proving themselves worthy of winning this cutthroat division, it appears that New York has less questions to answer with less dire results hanging in the balance. Expect the Cowboys to be neck and neck with them coming down the back stretch of the season, as they are one of my picks to grab a wildcard spot. At the end of the day it looks to be a Giant year for Eli and Coughlin in NYC.
Justin’s NFC East Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
Anthony’s NFC East Winner: Dallas Cowboys