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Season Predictions – NFC East
The NFC East has the NFC representative in the Super Bowl last year, along with a couple of other teams to watch come playoff time. With that said, here is how I see the East shaking out.
1) Carolina Panthers
Why will the Panthers win the division?
Doug has bartered his way to having a young team with lots of weapons and is basically solid across the board. He is set up to pass the ball and defend the pass, and should be able to score early and often, and can rely on Mahomes to do what Mahomes does.
Where could the Panthers fall short?
There is a cap, and so something had to give, and the next team is pretty much on par with them. Doug is an excellent coach, but so is Ken, and while Mahomes is the poster child, he is coming off a less-than-stellar season. The guys in the trenches are good, but the front 7 is not top notch.
Verdict
Carolina and the Giants are truly an Ali-Frazier matchup that I can’t really say for certain who will win. The Panthers made the Super Bowl last year, so I am giving them the edge, but this will be a rough and tumble season that probably will come down to the Week 17 matchup, and with another season of draft picks coming next year (Andru Phillips and Ladd McConkey….seriously?) it should be a long-term run.
2) New York Giants
How could the Giants win the division?
QB is not an issue this year, as Baker is more than solid (don’t look too closely, but he actually has a higher QBR than Mahomes), with great talent at the skill positions and is a bit stronger in the front 7 than Carolina. In year’s past, you knew when you played the Giants, your best chance of winning was an off-day behind center; not so this season
Why the Giants may fall short?
In seasons past, New York’s kryptonite was Philadelphia; can Carolina be that same nemesis? Depth in the secondary could rear its ugly head during the season at some point, but then again, something has to give with the cap.
Verdict
The Giants are a definite Super Bowl contender, and should make the playoffs, even in a division as tough as this one. All the teams will struggle to get a bye, but I have the feeling if Ken beats Doug once, it could be his division at the end of the season. Also….Brian Thomas Jr joins the team next year, so it won’t get easier.
3) Dallas Cowboys
How can the Cowboys make the division interesting?
Len moved the #1 overall pick for significant talent and picks, so this team is definitely stronger than the one that ended the season last year. There is some solid depth at the RB position and, of course, the Cowboys boast perhaps the top OL in the league. Ball control and even an average play at QB could allow Dallas to cover up some flaws on the other side of the ball
How could Dallas fall short?
Dallas has always been a team you could run on, and while this team is better than some in the past, it is still an issue. This year the secondary is just ok as well, so getting crucial stops on certain downs will dictate Dallas’ success this season
Verdict
Dallas will not end up with the #1 overall pick again…that I can say with confidence. That said, I just don’t think they have the horses to win this tough chariot race, but should be in the running for the playoffs.
4) Philadelphia Eagles
How could the Eagles make the playoffs and push to be in the top 3?
Rick is in transition with the Eagles this season, but didn’t forget how to coach, and will play offense behind a good OL and a QB committee that isn’t all that bad. He has plenty of carries, and if managed right, he will be a tough matchup on any given week, and his defense is a bit above average.
How could the Eagles fall short of the playoffs?
This is a team in transition, without a doubt, and it is going to take another year or two to fully restock the bench. The 3 teams I listed above him simply have better rosters and Rick will need to pull a rabbit from his football helmet to try to beat them
Verdict
Injuries and age have taken their toll on what was not so long ago a championship roster; while Philly with most likely score an upset or two this season, it will also find games where it struggles, so getting close to 8 wins will be a job well done.
5) Washington Redskins
How could Washington finish out of last place?
Every season it is noted that Washington is slowly getting better, all while being in last place. Next year though, they are slated to add the OROY and DROY to the team, which does absolutely nothing this season. That said, they do have talent on both sides of the ball, so the Commanders will not be a push over and will win a few surprises.
How could Washington finish in the basement?
Depth. There are some guys that will be playing for the Commanders that aren’t all that young and aren’t all that good, or even as good as some free agents still out there. During the season, injuries happen, and if there were better backups, Washington would be a better team.
Verdict
Andy will add his franchise QB next year, and his DL is getting better as well. This is a tough division so getting that last place schedule next year should be a good thing for a team on the rise.
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