Sizing Up The NFC East

After one of the most exciting NFC East seasons in recent memory, 2008 looks to be even better. With the reigning Super Bowl Champion N.Y. Giants geared for a return trip, the other feisty teams (Dallas, Philadephia, Washington) in the division will be looking to unseat the 2007 champs. While many of you may think this is going to be a tight race since three teams were playoff bound last year (everyone but Philly), I on the other hand believe it's going to be easy to pick the winner.

Washington Redskins (9-7, 2007 Wild Card Team)

Even though it looks like the pieces are in place, the downside to the Redskins in 2008 will be both their schedule and whether or not QB Jason Campbell's knee holds up. If he goes down they are left with Todd Collins and newcomer Colt Brennan at the helm. They must get out of the gates with a 2-3 or 3-2 record over there first five if they plan on competing for the division.

I'd have to say this is possible with games @N.Y.Giants, New Orleans, Arizona, @Dallas, and @Philadelphia, but an 0-5 start or 1-4 would pretty much end their season early in this division. Look for Washington to miss the playoffs entirely this year and not winning more then 6 or 7 games.

Philadelphia Eagles (8-8, 2007 Missed Playoffs)

Things have been looking up for Philadelphia ever since they landed CB Asante Samuel from the Patriots and drafted Wisconsin standout CB Jack Ikegwuonu. They're going to need all the help they can get in the secondary this year living in the pass happy NFC East. Not to mention some of their out of conference schedule opponents like St. Louis, @Seattle, @Cincinnati, and Cleveland.

Their hopes will lie within the injured list and whether or not superstars like QB Donovan McNabb and RB Brian Westbrook can stay off it. If so, Philly will compete for the division this year, but if not, expect another controversial season. I can pencil them in for another 8-8 season and a possible playoff berth.

Dallas Cowboys (13-3 Division Winner)

The perennial powerhouse is probably still wondering what happened last year. Oh, and for all you Cowboys fans it wasn't because of Jessica Simpson. The truth of the matter is they got cocky, were a little too sure of themselves and in the end it bit them in the backside. So you have to expect Dallas to come out with complete focus and a whole of scoring. Jerry Jones considered their offensive line to be the best he's seen since 95' which is saying a lot considering they won the Super Bowl that year.

While Washington may try to steal a game away from them on the Cowboy's turf in week 4, I don't really see a true test until week 9 when they travel too New York and take on the Giants. The second half of their schedule will tell us if we are looking at the NFC Champs by season's end. Check this out, @ Washington, @ Pittsburgh, and @Philadephia in the last seven. Not to mention Seattle and the Giants at home in between. The end result will leave Dallas around 12-4 or 11-5 and another shot at the title.

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