NFC East Preview (In Predicted Order of Finish)
The
Dallas Cowboys have never made it to a title game always seeming
to be a Cinderella squad. Coach Len Barnhart has,
traditionally, fielded a solid team in Big D without getting to
an elite level. This year, however, might be Barnhart’s best
chance and the Cowboys look to have enough firepower to truly
make a run at the Super Bowl. QB Kirk Cousins is under-rated and
he has plenty of weapons to choose from. The running back
duties will likely be split between Gus Edwards, Matt Breida,
and J.D. McKissick. None of those three are every down backs
but, as a group, they can flat out get it done. WRs Michael
Thomas, Julian Edelman, and Alshon Jeffery is as good as it gets
and veteran TE Jason Witten might surprise folks. The Oline
still has its staple of T Tyron Smith, G Zack Martin, and C
Travis Frederick to work with.
On
defense, the Pokes do have some injury concerns along their
front 4 and that could grow to become a major obstacle as the
season unfolds. Even the recent acquisition of DT Da’Quan Jones
will not solve the dilemma. The line-backing unit, as a whole,
is average at best. Fortunately, though, Dallas has, perhaps,
its best secondary after years of this unit being a team
weakness.
A
team that could, easily, displace the Cowboys could be coach
Rick Main and his Eagles. Main took control of Philadelphia
last season after guiding the Atlanta Falcons for several years.
His trademark vertical passing attack was immediately felt in
the City of Brotherly Love but not to the degree that it was in
Atlanta. QB Carson Wentz is a capable thrower but he is not to
the level Matt Ryan was back in the Falcon days. RBs Miles
Sanders, Devin Singletary, and Nyheim Hines are a super trio
with all 3 having the ability to catch the ball out of the
backfield. The wide receivers are very good paced by DJ Moore,
super veteran Larry Fitzgerald, and the explosive downfield
capabilities of Kenny Golladay. HB Kyle Juszczyk is a tremendous
lead blocker. As good as the weapons are, the offensive line is
not really geared to run block and has some concerns in pass
blocking but could be just good enough to get this team to an
elite level.
The
defensive front 7 can really get after the quarterback. DE’s
Joey Bosa and Justin Houston can bring the heat while OLB TJ
Watt leads a very good line-backing trio. The secondary has
talent but injury woes could plague this unit enough to keep the
Eagles from getting to the top of the mountain.
If
there is a team to keep an eye on in the NFC East, it might be
these Panthers. They definitely have enough to knock off both
Dallas and Philadelphia and only time will tell for sure. QB
Jimmy Garoppolo might not be heralded but he can still get the
job done. RBs Chris Crason and Telvin Smith are an excellent
duo and pass catching option Jalen Richard is sure to see action
as well. The acquisition of dynamo WR Tyreek Hill from Miami
will provide a major weapon to coach Doug Crandall who will also
have the services of Tyler Lockett, Sammy Watkins, and excellent
TE Evan Ingram. The offensive line might best be classified as
slightly above average but not over-powering.
The
Panthers have always been rugged on D and this season is no
exception. The Dline does have injury problems but can rush the
passer without the need for the blitz. The line-backing also has
some health concerns but MLB Demario Davis is elite. The
secondary, similar to the other two units, has injury woes as
well while also having talent. As a group, the defense is
talented and can be very good on any given Sunday but Crandall
will definitely be taxed trying to mix and match this group as
the season unfolds.
The
lack of depth at WR and a QB who remains inconsistent will
likely hold the G-Men back this year. Baker Mayfield continues
to show some signs of growth but he is still not ready for prime
time. The receiving corps has Cooper Kupp and little else. The
backfield is crowded but it is probable that Phillip Lindsay
will emerge as the top element there. The offensive line has a
bit of talent but a ton of injury problems that will almost
certainly rear its ugly head as the year evolves.
The
defensive front 7 lacks pass rush unless OLB Khlail Mack is
committed to the pressure. If he has to be constantly sent on
pressures, the Giants will become vulnerable. DB Jonathan Jones
leads a decent secondary that seems to lack depth to face the
spread attacks typical in football today.
The
Washington Football Team has a QB problem. They either have to
use Case Keenum or Dwayne Haskins and neither seems likely to
scare opposing defenses. Ancient RB Frank Gore, albeit one of
the greatest backs in PAFL history, has long since seen his day
and does not have breakaway skills. Promising rookie Terry
McLaurin is a deep ball threat and he should tandem with veteran
Jamison Crowder but the club does not have a true TE option.
The offensive line is average at best although looks to be
stable.
DE Sam
Hubbard and DL Nick Williams can supply some pass rush but the
front 7’s overall ability to stop the run could be a major
problem for the Washington bunch. CB Sean Murphy-Bunting is the
best player of an, otherwise, weaker unit.
Final
Analysis: Any one of three teams (Dallas, Philadelphia, or
Carolina) could come out of the East. There is a very good
chance that 3 playoff teams come out of this division.
|