Your browser is not Javascript enable or you have turn it off. We recommend you to activate for better security reason Paydirt News
 

 News From Around the League

Pre-Season Previews: NFC East: Can Dallas Rebound or Is League Catching up?

In predicted order of finish

1. Dallas Cowboys (15-2) Lost Divisional Game to Cardinals: The Cowboys have a very challenging schedule ahead of them. Aside from games against an improved division, the Pokes will have to contend with Miami, the Jets, New England, the Chargers, Tampa Bay, Arizona, Seattle, and Chicago! Dallas bid adieu to stud end DeMarcus Lawrence and welcomed Houston's Logan Hall who was tabbed in the 2nd round. They added a 3rd WR option in the first round with Alabama's Jameson Williams. The defense is beginning to show some age and the secondary does not have an abundance of elite speed. In truth, this team does not seem to be improved from a season ago. That being said, the team should still be seen as a serious Super Bowl contender as QB Dak Prescott has plenty of weapons surrounding him. The Cowboys had a solid team last season and have secured the #1 seed in the NFC the last two years, but the question is: will the tough schedule wear them down and open the door for others to challenge?

2. Philadelphia Eagles (15-2): Lost Wild Card Game to Seattle: A tremendous regular season ended quickly for Philly last year as fate would hand them a first-round matchup against a very good Seattle team. The roster is old on the right side of the offensive line and in several key positions on the defensive line. It will be interesting to see if these veterans can hold up as the season progresses. QB Jaylen Hurts had a magnificent season last year and the team went out and grabbed some speed weapons at WR to boost the attack even more. Arkansas WR Treylon Burks was a 1st round selection while Kentucky speedster Wan'Dale Robinson was nabbed in the 2nd round. TE Cade Otton was also brought online as the Eagles focused on improving the offense while believing the defense can, yet again, be an elite unit. Philly has a tough beginning and ending to their season. They face Dallas, Seattle (season opener0, and Kansas City in three of their first six games and finish with Miami, the Jets, and Arizona in three of their final five contests.

3. New York Giants (4-13): Missed Playoffs: The Giants booted whipping boy QB Daniel Jones to the curb and signed Seattle veteran QB Russell Wilson. His presence is expected to balance out an offense that, quite frankly, was as lopsided towards to the run as any team in recent PFL history. The team re-signed HB Saquon Barkley leaving the future of fellow back Alex Taylor in question. The offensive line got a major upgrade with the drafting of 'Bama stud RT Evan Neal and highly regarded C Cam Jurgens from Nebraska. In addition, Big Blue may have gotten one of the top steals in the draft when they were able to call WR George Pickens' name in the 3rd round! The 6'3" Pickens can do it all and is a nice asset for sure. 2nd year TE Duce Robinson, who was criticized as being a reach a season ago, suddenly fits nicely into the vastly improved Giants' offense. The defensive side of the ball is another story. The defensive line might not be able to generate enough pressures and the linebacking unit's overall ability to cover might become an issue. The secondary might lack enough speed to slow down the Cowboys or the Eagles. The Giants' schedule is one of clumps. They begin the year against the Rams, Bills, and Packers but follow that up with contests versus Philly, Miami, New England, and Dallas.

4. Washington Commanders (8-9): Lost Wild Card Game to Chicago: Rarely would a team go from being a playoff team to a last place squad inside a division. That trend may continue but the division is very good. 2nd year QB Grant Jackson should continue his growth. He has an excellent HB in Antonio Gibson to hand the ball to as well as a superb target out of the backfield. The offensive line is solid and the arrival of rookie 1st round G Ikem Ekwonu from NC State is a huge upgrade. The 6'4" 320 LBs Ekwonu was seen, by some, as one of the top values in the draft. Receivers Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel present electric speed and TE Gage Wilcox is a solid target. The defense, as has been the case, relies upon one of the best defensive lines in the PFL. Rookie OLBs Kuony Deng and Brenton Cox will need to step up right away. The secondary will need pressure from the DLine to help them out a bit as it lacks elite speed overall. Washington has a rugged schedule that will include the likes of Miami, New England, the Jets, Arizona, Seattle, Denver, and the games vs the division.

Final Analysis: The NFC East is, arguably, the best division, top to bottom, in the conference. Dallas and Philly still remain on top, but Dallas has a very tough slate and Philly has quite a few older players that could wilt as the year unfolds. Nobody really knows what to expect from the Giants but the fact they signed Wilson at QB combined with their off-season moves suggests they will be much more pass oriented than in the past. Washington could just as easily be near the top of this division as finish last, but they will need to show they can beat top teams after posting an 0-8 record against teams with a winning record a season ago.
Posted on 22 Oct 2022 by PFL Reports

 

Write your own Team Article!  *must be a league member or authorized writer

 

 

Home    NFL.Com   ESPN NFL   DK Sports   Daddy Leagues   Football Idiots   Contact Us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Powered by CuteNews