rain man-ning, racial logos, stubborn old men, and a coach named chip: welcome to the nfc east

America’s team has not exactly lived up to its title as of late, a few 8-8 seasons, a couple of low ranked defenses, and 1 playoff win in the last decade works against you. This is a division that is usually won by the first team to 9,10 wins. Outside of their two almost accidental Super bowl runs, the Giants have been an enigma, and recipe for disaster in the east. Eli continues to have up and down seasons and provides no consistency at the most important position. The Eagles have been heavily marketed as the elite team in this division headed into this season, but lets pump the brakes on a Quarterback in Nick Foles who I doubt will only throw 2 interceptions this year. The Washington [Racial Slurs] have been under scrutiny as of late in regards to their team name, this type of dark cloud can shadow over a team throughout a season. But with additions on both the defensive and offensive side of the ball, RG3 and new Coach Gruden will have all the opportunities to return to prominence.

Washington Redskins (10-6)

Jay Gruden has the magic needed to take this team to new heights, but he will have to magically manage the ego’s of DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Deangelo Hall, and not to mention RG3. A lot of egos, a boatload of talent, but will everyone buy in? What happens when DeSean doesn’t get enough touches? Is Ryan Clark at this age a liability? Jay Gruden has another good problem on his hands in his highly touted backup in Kirk Cousins. There are many teams favoring for the backup from Michigan State, so Gruden will need to decide if he’s content moving forward with RG3 or whether he should retain Cousins for one more year. The defense looks scary good so far in preseason. I expect Brian Orakpo to contend for defensive MVP, and as long as Brandon Meriweather can stay off the leagues radar for illegal hits I fully expect the Washington DC Football club to win this division.

Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)

Chip Kelly entered the NFL last year as a first year coach with a reinvented version of his collegiate offense. As a result Nick Foles threw 20 touchdowns and only a mere 2 interceptions, impressive to say the least but I’m not convinced he can repeat that performance. Teams will be prepared for anything Nick has to offer, and with Jeremy Maclin returning from a torn-up knee, and the absence of playmaker Desean Jackson, much will be placed on the shoulders of Lesean McCoy. Along with McCoy newcomer Darren Sproles will replace some of electricity lost from Jackson. If Chips' success with former small scat-back type of players; LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner is any indication, then Sproles will pick up right where he left off in New Orleans. The Eagles have been trying to build the defense for the past 4 seasons, and expect them to be a solid group this year. If they can learn to force opponents off the field on 3rd down, and shore up the pass defense in a pass happy division, then Philly may be set for another playoff visit. I doubt it though, especially in a deep NFC.

Dallas Cowboys (7-9)

Despite what media outlets may highlight, the Dallas Cowboys may be a tad better than expected. Jerry Jones has been on record saying that his primary interest is in making the Cowboys “box office” then to be a winning ball club. Although he may have not used those exact words, it remains that the Cowboys are staring a losing season dead in the face. Demarco Murray looks poised to be a top 5 rusher, and Dez looks great thus far in the preseason. The opposite side of the football is a totally different story, ranking dead last in defense, and historically one of the worst defenses of all time. Unfortunately the defense only got worse, losing cornerback Mike Jenkins and long time staple Demarcus Ware. Don’t expect Dallas to lose every game, but don’t hold your breath waiting on 8 wins.

New York Giants (4-12)

This very well could be the last season for Tom Coughlin as the Head Coach for the Giants. Regardless of the previous Super Bowl victories, this is a “what have you done for me lately” league, and Tom has not done much. Only producing 1 playoff appearance in the past 5 years will not cut it in the NFC east. Eli has to bounce back after ranking among the top 3 in interceptions thrown. Losing target Hakeem Nicks will not make a big difference in production being that Coughlin went out and drafted Odell Beckham Jr to replace him. Justin Tuck has left town, and Pierre is the only legitimate threat remaining from their Championship squads. The defensive line unit that has anchored the Giants for the last several years could now be the weak link. Look on the bright side, whenever Eli has led the league in interceptions he follows it up with a Super Bowl campaign.

Impact Player

Jordan Reed

The 6’2’’, 237 pound speedster at tight end is the piece that will take the Washington DC football team to the next level. In his rookie season, with a hobbled Robert behind center, he still managed to haul in 45 catches and 499 yards. Both of those stats were league leading for rookies last year. In addition to his solid contribution, he has the tangible assets in his game similar to Jimmy Graham which enables him to split out or line up in the slot especially in the red zone. If anyone will keep Gruden’s attack balanced, it will be Jordan Reed.

Impressive Youngster

Odell Beckham Jr

The LSU receiver has been impressive in preseason practices. He hasn’t been able to put it together on the field, but with scouting focus primarily on Victor Cruz. Look for Beckham to be a breath of fresh air at slot for Eli Manning. Giants offensively have struggled running the ball which has forced Tom Coughlin to rev up the passing attack and allowed the emergence of Victor Cruz an Rueben Randle. There is nothing that will keep Beckham Jr. for making a name for himself with the 2 time super bowl winning Quarterback.

---