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The NFC East remains one of pro football’s more evenly balanced divisions in the NFL.
No team has repeated as this division’s champion since the Philadelphia Eagles in 2003 and 2004. Plus all four teams have rotated at taking the NFC East in each of the past four seasons.
As for this fall, the Dallas Cowboys present a sound passing game, but the ground attack and defense have to make strides to help quarterback Tony Romo. Eli Manning and the New York Giants missed the postseason last year after winning Super Bowl XLVI. In addition, running Ahmad Bradshaw is gone and there are some new faces defensively as well.
Up from the college ranks, former Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly made the cross country move this offseason, taking over for the Philadelphia Eagles. Kelly brings an exciting offensive philosophy that should be able to utilize running back LeSean McCoy’s versatility. The question is whether Philly’s defense can avoid face-planting again.
But the Washington Redskins are the favorites. Quarterback Robert Griffin III is one of the NFL’s most explosive players and interesting talent resides around him. Let’s catch a glimpse of this rather level division as we begin breaking down the NFC.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Offense:
Dallas was incredibly one-dimensional last season. It ranked No. 3 in passing, but No. 31 in rushing. Not surprisingly, the Cowboys whiffed on the postseason and didn’t help themselves too much this offseason.
Center Travis Frederick was a first round reach in the 2013 NFL Draft, and don’t expect tight end Gavin Escobar (second round selection) to see much playing time behind starter Jason Witten. On the bright side, Baylor receiver Terrance Williams was a steal in Round 3, which adds reliable depth and talented youth behind starters Dez Bryant and Miles Austin for Romo’s aerial assault.
The offensive line isn’t terrible, although it’s not dominant either. In 2012, Romo was pressured more than his 36 sacks would indicate (he has underrated mobility in and out of the pocket). Dallas also averaged just 3.6 yards per carry.
Running back DeMarco Murray has to maintain his health for a full season, but watch out for former undrafted free agent Lance Dunbar to earn some carries.
Defense:
Despite fielding a solid cornerback tandem in Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne, Big D still allowed 22 passing scores and managed just seven picks in 2012. Even worse, the pass rush took a step back with only 34 sacks and DeMarcus Ware logged only 11.5 (his lowest since 2009).
If anything, the run defense is the weakest aspect of the defense and that seeped into other areas. Dallas gave up 4.5 yards per carry and 17 rushing scores. The inability to suffocate the line of scrimmage simply let’s an opponent set up the pass and keep the pass rush at bay.
The return of linebacker Sean Lee, however, will be huge. Lee played in just six games last season, so for the Cowboys’ sake, he needs to suit up for most of the season like he did in 2011 (15 games, 105 tackles, seven passes defended).
In a nutshell:
The Cowboys must establish a two-back balance between Murray and Dunbar, which will take pressure off Romo when dropping back. Flip sides and the defense must ramp up the blitzes and get much more physical in coverage.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Offense:
Eli Manning remains the focal point of the Giants’ offense. His receiving corps of Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and new tight end Brandon Myers will help him spread the field.
At the same time, Manning’s passing attack must keep opposing defenses back to let running back David Wilson develop. Wilson needs to produce consistently, because New York is without fellow back Andre Brown for some time as reported by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com:
Andre Brown is likely to miss four to six weeks with a fractured left leg, a source close to the situation confirmed Friday afternoon.
One other key injury is offensive lineman David Diehl who is expected to miss six weeks as reported by Michael Eisen of Giants.com:
After an MRI and examination by Dr. Hotchkiss this morning, it was determined the injury required surgical repair.
The expected timeframe for recovering from the surgery is approximately six weeks.
Fortunately, Big Blue still has other dependable offensive linemen such as Chris Snee and David Baas. Rookie Justin Pugh also has plenty of potential. Make no mistake, this is a strongly balanced offense. The execution just needs to pick up on the ground for Manning to set up play-action.
Defense:
Live and die by turnovers summed up the Giants’ defense in 2012. Forcing 21 picks and recovering 14 fumbles was impressive, but New York also gave up 26 passing scores, a 63.9 completion percentage and recorded just 33 sacks.
Veteran rusher Osi Umenyiora bolted for the Atlanta Falcons and linebacker Chase Blackburn is now with the Carolina Panthers. Those two key elements are gone, but Dan Connor comes in to replace Blackburn, and Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul are still up front. Rookies Damontre Moore and Johnathan Hankins are also two guys that must produce when called upon as well, because Big Blue’s backbone during its Super Bowl appearances this century has been the pass rush.
The secondary runs deep with Aaron Ross returning, along with Jayron Hosley and Terrell Thomas. Antrel Rolle sits at safety after finishing with 96 tackles in 2012, and Corey Webster and Prince Amukamara have a strong opportunity to develop as a sound cornerback tandem.
In a nutshell:
The Giants must continue relying on Eli Manning to spread the field, but allow Wilson to develop early on as well. Pierre-Paul and Tuck need to help reestablish the front seven with dominance versus the run and getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Offense:
Will Chip Kelly’s fast-paced philosophy change the NFL game? Well, he has the athletic quarterback in Michael Vick to do so. The only problem is Vick’s age (33), which doesn’t bode well for the team’s long-term prospects. As a result, Kelly will have to adjust sooner than later or Philly mist get a dual-threat quarterback in the near future.
Regardless of what transpires under center, the running backs are set with LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown. McCoy certainly has to remain healthy, but he’s still one of the most explosive players around. Brown is a solid No. 2 and changing the pace with him only helps expand the playbook.
The real concern, however, remains along the offensive line.
Vick and Nick Foles were sacked a combined 48 times and combined for just a 59.4 completion percentage. Although the decision-making needs to occur faster, defenses were able to attack constantly and disrupt the timing of the signal-callers. That said, expect No. 4 overall draft pick Lane Johnson to make an instant impact at tackle, which will help improve balance and ball control.
Defense:
Philadelphia went into 2013 with postseason expectations, and the defense had every reason to anticipate a strong campaign with a proven front seven. Too bad the coverage didn’t follow suit—mostly because of Nnamdi Asomugha—and Philly gave up 33 passing touchdowns and recorded a measly eight interceptions.
Also, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie left for the Broncos and Jason Babin split to Jacksonville. Now needing to rely on new and younger talent, Bradley Fletcher is a sound get in the secondary along with Connor Barwin and Isaac Sopoaga to complement Trent Cole up front. Younger players such as Brandon Boykin, Vinny Curry and Fletcher Cox are capable of taking Philly’s defense to a playoff level.
Reestablishing a pass rush and improving against the run, though, is required. The Eagles gave up over 2,000 rushing yards and that was felt across the rest of the defense.
In a nutshell:
The Eagles must control the line of scrimmage on each side. Feed McCoy on offense and adapt blocking schemes to Lane Johnson’s athleticism. The defense just needs to get back on track with pressure and by limiting big plays.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Offense:
Everything revolves around Robert Griffin III. Not to mention he is expected to start Week 1 according to the Associated Press via ESPN.com:
Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said Monday that Robert Griffin III will be under center for the Sept. 9 “Monday Night Football” opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Without question RG3’s dual threat talent is a major problem for opponents. What’s arguably just as challenging, though, is running back Alfred Morris. Morris was 2012’s biggest draft steal as he rumbled for 1,613 yards and scored 13 times. Griffin and Morris lead this offense, and that then opens up the pass to quick players such as Pierre Garcon.
Don’t anticipate that approach changing, but more carries for Morris early on will allow RG3 to ease back in after last season’s durability issues.
Defense:
Washington’s defense is weaker than the offense, but some impressive additions come aboard for the 2013 campaign.
Rookies Bacarri Rambo and David Amerson were nice picks in the draft that will help bolster the secondary. Each provide the instincts and ball skills to help generate turnovers, although that won’t be enough to immediately flip the Redskins’ coverage woes. Ranking 30th in 2012, Washington gave up 31 passing scores and a 61.8 completion percentage.
Now that is partially due to a vulnerable secondary, but the front seven also took a hit last fall when Brian Orakpo was out thanks to an injury. As for this season, Orakpo getting back opposite Ryan Kerrigan is key. Kerrigan accounted for 8.5 sacks last season and London Fletcher recorded a team high five interceptions (along with 11 total passes defended and 139 tackles).
This front seven has an abundance of potential, which can only be reached by remaining healthy and dominating the line of scrimmage.
In a nutshell:
The Redskins shouldn’t alter the offense except giving more attempts to Morris. More consistent pressure is needed from the defense and that will help the secondary to win on third down.
SUMMARY
This is arguably the most intriguing division in pro football.
Given the recent carousel history of who wins the NFC East, this is easily the most open division in the NFL. That being said, Washington is clearly the favorite with its dynamic offense and upgraded defense. Dallas isn’t far behind, although Romo’s offensive line must prove better pass protection and the ground game needs to move consistently.
Dating back to 2004 the Giants have been fairly inconsistent. After winning Super Bowl XLII, New York was upset in the postseason (by Philly) and didn’t even reach the playoffs after taking Super Bowl XLVI. In short, New York is tough to gauge but with a healthy rushing attack Big Blue will make Eli Manning more dangerous.
As for the Eagles, it’s a new era under Chip Kelly. The challenge here is to move the chains behind a rebuilding offensive line and play better D all around. Philly won’t be fixed in one season, which makes 2013 another year to buff out the rough spots.
PREDICTION
1. Washington Redskins
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. New York Giants
4. Philadelphia Eagles
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