NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

2009 Record: 11-5

Preview: The Dallas Cowboys could quite possibly be one of the most high-powered offenses in the National Football League. The Cowboys ranked No. 3 in the NFC in passing (4,483 yards) and rushing (2,103, 14 touchdowns) last season and will look to capitalize even more with first-round draft pick Dez Bryant. Combine Bryant’s freakish athletic abilities with the Cowboys No. 1 receiver Miles Austin can only prove to be a lethal combination. Austin finished third in receiving yards (1,320 yards) and tied for third in receiving TDs (11) last season. With the addition of Bryant, Roy Williams (596 yards, seven TDs) has reason for concern. Williams accounted for eight dropped passes in 2009 and has been unable to perform given ample opportunities. Clearly, owner Jerry Jones sent a stern message to Williams when the Cowboys drafted Bryant.

Running back Marion Barber seems to be in the same boat as his teammate Williams in that both are essentially fighting for their jobs. Plagued by the injury bug the last two seasons, Barber (932 yards, seven TDs) has been battling thigh and knee problems. It will not be a surprise to many if Felix Jones slides in as the No. 1 running back and ends up taking the majority of the carries.

The key to Romo’s success, I believe, relies greatly on the play of tight end Jason Witten (1,030 yards, two TDs). Not only is Witten an immediate impact player and another offensive weapon, he has been Romo’s underneath option over the years.

The Cowboys defense will still remain a force to be reckoned with. Linebacker DeMarcus Ware (11 sacks) has started 83-of-84 games in his career and has produced 13 multiple-sack games. Mike Jenkins has upped his status at the cornerback position while defensive tackle Jay Ratliff (40 tackles) will continue to be an asset for the Cowboys on the defensive line.

Prediction: 9-7

Rank: 2nd

*Credit NFL.com, ESPN.com and the Dallas Cowboys official website with some of the information provided in the text.


New York Giants

2009 Record: 8-8

Preview: The Giants looked as though they would be the beast of the NFC East last season, winning its first five games and outscoring its opponents 151-71. However, a mini meltdown in the second half of the schedule proved to be detrimental and they failed to make the playoffs. It has come as no surprise that a bulk of the offseason has been dedicated to building and establishing the defense. The Giants acquired first-round draft pick defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul from the University of South Florida and added defensive back Antrel Rolle from the Arizona Cardinals. The rookie showed flashes of brilliance against the New York Jets at home when he capitalized on his speed and athleticism coming off the edge. Pierre-Paul will contribute to the Giants pass-rush while he receives mentoring from some of the best at their position- Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Mathias Kiwanuka.

Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has come to the Giants after spending the last four years with the Buffalo Bills. He brings a familiarity and a past with head coach Tom Coughlin. Fewell spent five years in Jacksonville as Coughlin’s secondary coach. He will look to bring his disciplined defensive mindset to a team that is looking to improve on its 24 takeaways and 13 interceptions from a year ago.

Wide receiver Steve Smith will more than likely be Eli Manning’s most favorable passing target again this season. Smith ranked second behind New England’s Wes Welker as one of the top 10 pass receivers with 1,220 yards. The number of passes intended for the receiver topped fourth-most in the league. Of those passes, Smith caught 107 of them for a franchise record. Manning will continue to be himself and guide an offense that ranked No. 5 in the NFC in terms of scoring (46 TDs).

Prediction: 10-6

Rank: 1st

*Credit NFL.com and the Giants official website with some of the information provided in text.


Philadelphia Eagles

2009 Record: 11-5

Preview: In with the new, out with the old was the frame of mind for those relentless Philly fans. Well, they got their wish. Donovan McNabb was nonchalantly dealt to Washington and Kevin Kolb suddenly became the heir apparent at the quarterback position. While McNabb brings veteran leadership to the Redskins, Kolb has two impressive statistics under his belt- two, 300-yard games in his two starts. (McNabb had three 300-yard games in 14 starts.) Not only does this mark a new quarterback era, but youth factors heavily. The Eagles are one of the youngest teams in the NFL with an average age of 25. Only the Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Bucs and the Carolina Panthers are younger.

There is no doubt that despite injuries in training camp to wide receivers DeSean Jackson (back) and Jeremy Maclin (hyperextended knee and shoulder) the Eagles will focus on the passing game with the explosive talent at the receiving core. Jackson (1,156 yards, nine TDs) poses not only as a deep threat, but a punt return nightmare. He led the NFC in yards per return (15.2) and accumulated 441 yards and two TDs last year. Maclin enjoyed a productive rookie year compiling 56 receptions for 773 yards and four TDs. Although head coach Andy Reid primarily runs a West Coast offense via the air, running back LeSean McCoy will still get his share of carries. He was another Eagle rookie who put himself on the map with 637 yards rushing and four TDs.

The Eagles defense is no slouch either, ranking No. 2 in sacks last year with 44. Defensive End Trent Cole has been noted as one of the best pass rushers, tallying 47 total sacks in his first five seasons and accounting for 12.5 sacks last year. First-round draft pick rookie Brandon Graham has been getting better with every practice and preseason game. He may give Juqua Parker a run for his money. Don’t forget about cornerback Asante Samuel who almost eclipsed double-digit interceptions with nine. Samuel is fighting a minor hamstring injury but is scheduled to be ready for the regular season.

Prediction: 8-8

Rank: 3rd

*Credit NFL.com and ESPN.com with some of the information provided in the text.


Washington Redskins

2009 Record: 4-12

Preview: After a one-year coaching hiatus, Mike Shanahan found himself back in the driver’s seat as the Washington Redskins head football coach. Shanahan’s offensive mindset will look to jump start an offense that ranked No. 13 in the NFC in scoring (29 touchdowns, 266 total points). Shanahan’s passing game will provide a mixture of old and new concepts including, empty backfields, tunnel screens and max protection. Washington looks to improve its sacks allowed this season. The Redskins allowed 46 sacks last year, fifth-most in the league.

Things to keep an eye on:

1) How will the Redskins fair against four elite/second tier quarterbacks in the first six weeks? Quite possibly one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, the Redskins will open up against second tier QB Tony Romo as well as Matt Schaub, Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning during the first six weeks of the regular season.

2) Is McNabb’s ankle a cause for concern? The veteran sprained his ankle in a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens and is not quite 100 percent. McNabb returned to practice on Monday and looks to make his debut as a Redskin at home against the Cowboys. It will be interesting to see his movement in the pocket and ability to take off if flushed out.

3) What running backs will show up and produce? Although Clinton Portis (494 yards, one TD) emerged as the starting running back, don’t count out backup Larry Johnson. Undrafted rookie Keiland Williams beat out Ryan Torain for the No. 3 running back job. Willie Parker was released last Saturday. Parker finished the 2009 season with 389 yards on 98 carries.

Prediction: 7-9

Rank: 4th

*Credit NFL.com, the Washington Redskins official website and ESPN.com for some of the information provided in the text.