NFC East preview
Michael Vick smiles during a news conference in Philadelphia. (Aug. 30, 2011) Credit: AP
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Prediction: First.
Coach: Andy Reid, 13th season (118-73-1).
Coordinators: Off. Marty Mornhinweg, Def. Juan Castillo.
Outlook: Newly acquired backup QB Vince Young dubbed this "The Dream Team" after all those free-agent signings. Among the new recruits, besides Young: Nnamdi Asomugha, Ronnie Brown, Steve Smith, Jason Babin, Cullen Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (via trade). But there are still issues, including a revamped offensive line, middle linebacker and safety. All things considered, though, the Eagles are loaded, and their $100-million QB, Michael Vick, is ready to roll, but he'll have to elevate his play if the Eagles are to make a run at their first Super Bowl title.
Last word: Love the signings, and Philly is a lock for the NFC East. Still not good enough for a championship run.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 9-6-1, 11-5, 10-6.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Prediction: Second.
Coach: Jason Garrett, First full season (5-3).
Coordinators: Off. Garrett, Def. Rob Ryan.
Outlook: Garrett's no-nonsense approach will help a team that was long on hype but short on discipline last year. He was named interim coach midway through the season, then got the job full time on Jan. 5. He gets a healthy QB Tony Romo back, and the running game now revolves around Felix Jones. New coordinator Ryan (Rex's twin), will bring that aggressiveness the Ryan clan is known for. But this will be no small task, because he inherits a unit with largely the same personnel on a team that gave up 436 points last year. It helps that DeMarcus Ware, maybe the best pure pass rusher in the game, is still in his prime.
Last word: Looking for a bounce-back season in Dallas, and a good shot at a wild-card berth.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 9-7, 11-5, 6-10.
GIANTS
Prediction: Third.
Coach: Tom Coughlin, 8th season (133-107).
Coordinators: Off. Kevin Gilbride, Def. Perry Fewell.
Outlook: They said goodbye to a slew of players, including injured OL Shaun O'Hara and Rich Seubert, TE Kevin Boss and DT Barry Cofield and saw WR Plaxico Burress land with the Jets and WR Steve Smith with the Eagles. They revamped their O-line, promoting Will Beatty at LT, moving David Diehl to guard and signing David Baas. Throw in the injury to CB Terrell Thomas, and the continuing knee problems of Osi Umenyiora, and you see why it's been a difficult preseason.
Last word: Not liking what we see here. Looking as if they won't get a chance to get their first playoff win since Super Bowl XLII.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 12-4, 8-8, 10-6.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Prediction: Fourth.
Coach: Mike Shanahan, Second season (152-108).
Coordinators: Off. Kyle Shanahan, Def. Jim Haslett.
Outlook: Shanahan didn't see the need to go after a blue-chip QB in the draft or a veteran in free agency, so he let Rex Grossman and John Beck battle it out in the preseason. In a league in which QB play usually determines a team's success, the 'Skins still seem a long way from contending. They've improved on defense with the addition of former Giants DT Barry Cofield, who joins emerging star LB Brian Orakpo. But there's a weak receiver corps and little depth at running back.
Last word: Tough to see Washington doing much better than 8-8.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 8-8, 4-12, 6-10.
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