NFC EAST - Preview and Prediction
NFC EAST Preview - THE NFC East was long considered a tough and uncompromising division full of bitter rivalries and tough football teams. While the rivalries remain, the division has fallen on hard times of late with all 4 teams experiencing recent turbulence. While this division may be close to the worst in football currently with no genuine Super Bowl contenders in the eyes of many experts. However it does contain 4 big market teams, and historic franchises that draw hype and scrutiny like no other division. The Redskins won a weak NFC East in 2015, scrapping through as division champions with a 9-7 record. The Giants despite winning two Super Bowls under Tom Coughlin again flattered to deceive . The Giants and Eagles decided that a change at Head Coach was the way forward. Dallas entered the season as clear division favourites. However a series of long term injuries and some poor form saw them spectacularly fall to last in the division. This division may well be the biggest head scratcher in football right now, where you can make a case for all 4 teams to win, even if that win tally might not be in the double digits.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Last Season (4-12, Last in NFC East)
The Cowboys suffered a truly horrendous 2015 going 4-12 after heading into the season as Division favourites and considered a Super Bowl contender. However multiple injuries to Tony Romo, and more injuries on both sides of the ball, meant the Cowboys had plenty of their salary cap often sitting on the sidelines. Cowboys' fans will argue their 12-4 record in 2014 is far more reflective of what this team is capable of, however with Tony Romo already down with injury the same dark clouds of injury loom around this team heading into this season. Romo has a small fracture in the back and his status is unknown at this stage. Some suggested he could miss up to 2 months while other rumours suggest he will be rushed back inside the first few games. Romo at 36 enters another season battered and bruised, and, while at his best he can be truly elite, Cowboys fans will be frustrated that his durability is again in huge question. Romo was outstanding in 2014 throwing for nearly 4000 yards with 34 touchdowns to only 9 interceptions. However last year he only managed 4 games and in those 4 games threw 9 interceptions. With Dak Prescott impressive in the pre-season the Cowboys might finally have a rookie that can replace Romo. Prescott showed poise and precision passing in the pre-season and in the 4th round may well be the steal of the NFL Draft. Dallas made a huge decision at running back in the off-season drafting Ezekiel Elliott with the 4th overall pick. The Cowboys have a huge offensive line that made an ageing Darren McFadden look like a superstar at times last season. Elliott notched a remarkable 1000 yards after contact in his last college season and the Cowboys will be expecting big production heading into 2016. As well as getting Romo back healthy, it might be just as important for the Cowboys to get a full season out of potential super star Dez Bryant. For 3 straight seasons between 2012 and 2014 Bryant comfortably managed over 1000 yards of receiving, however last year he struggled and only managed 9 games. Dallas have plenty of question marks on defence heading into this season as they aim to get back to the top of the pile in the East. Their secondary is a major concern, with the returning group of secondary starters allowing a remarkable 14 touchdowns without intercepting a single pass in 2015. The Cowboys front seven have the potential to be strong however suspensions are knocking them around and there appears little quality in depth.
Verdict 10-6, 1st in NFC East
I'm rolling with Dallas to bounce back and win the NFC East this season. I think Dak Prescott is an impressive rookie quarterback and can win them some games with Romo out injured. The Cowboys have the best offensive line in football and Ezekiel Elliott should be able to really dominate running the ball. Defensively the Cowboys can be suspect, however they have talent on their roster and if they can stay relatively healthy they are a threat in the NFC. I just think Dallas offence can be really explosive and get the nod in a division with lots of questions marks.
NRL Team Comparison - The Dallas Cowboys are the Sydney Roosters. A glamour team that like to make headlines and big name signings. Never far form drama, they also have elite talent on their roster and are always considered a threat when at full strength.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Last Season (9-7, NFC East Champions, Eliminated 1st Round of Playoffs
The Redskins under Jay Gruden went on a late season surge to remarkably win the NFC East last season with a moderate 9-7 record. The Redskins rode the back of Kirk Cousins catching hot and winning 6 of their last 9 games to go from last to first in a wild division. Cousins won the controversial starting quarterback over Robert Griffin III and repaid head coach faith in him by throwing 29 touchdowns to only 11 interceptions on his way to passing for over 4000 yards at a really good completion percentage of over 69%. The Redskins are yet to re-sign Cousins to a long term deal so they obviously have a few nagging doubts that he can repeat his break-out season after a few poor seasons in the league. Cousins might be expected to carry the load this year with Matt Jones and Chris Thompson the Redskins look very skinny as far as production at running back goes. Jones did not impress in his rookie season failing to find space and having 5 fumbles and curiously the Redskins did little in free agency or the draft to address the problem in the off-season. Luckily, Kirk Cousins has an excellent group of receivers and tight ends to throw to this year that have talent and depth. With DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Jordan Reed the Redskins have a mix of explosiveness and production. Reed ranked behind just Rob Gronkowski and Greg Olsen, having over 1000 yards for the season. The Redskins offensive line remains relatively intact this season and should be able to provide good protection for Cousins. The Redskins defence was middle of the road last season despite not having many big names to call on. Most of Washington's returning front seven played poorly at times last season and question marks about that group remain heading into this season. The Redskins made a huge off-season purchase bringing in star Carolina cornerback Josh Norman. With steady depth around Norman, the Redskins' secondary could have one of their better years in recent memory.
Verdict 8-8. 2nd in NFC East. No Playoffs
I think last season the Redskins took advantage of teams falling over in the NFC East. For most of the season the Redskins themselves looked pretty ordinary before getting things together late. In Kirk Cousins and Jay Gruden I see a starting quarterback and Head Coach with still plenty to prove. Cousins ended the year playing really strong football, however you also can't forget his recent history where he has flattered to deceive. Most people have the Redskins a little higher this year given their trade for Josh Norman and coming off a Division One, however I think they might flop and come right back to the field this year.
NRL Team Comparison - The Redskins are a bit like the Gold Coast Titans. They over achieved last season when a bunch of high profile teams fell over. Like the Titans they are being lauded for their recent impressive season, however there is that nagging doubt that other teams could rebound in the off-season and surpass them.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Last Season (6-10, 3rd in NFC East)
The New York Giants are one of hardest teams to measure in football. You could say they have had a glorious last decade given they are the only team alongside the Steelers in the past decade with multiple Super Bowl Championships. However the Giants flabbergastingly have only made the playoffs once in the last 7 seasons and have been stuck in mediocrity at the same time. The Giants have had 3 straight losing seasons and made a host of changes in the off-season including veteran Head Coach Tom Coughlin standing down. In a surprising move to many, the Giants elevated offensive coordinator of the past 2 seasons Ben McAdoo to Head Coach. At first glance Eli Manning's 2015 season looks close to elite with 35 touchdown to 14 interceptions for over 4400 yards at a completion percentage over 62%. However like the previous 3 seasons Manning threw some crucial and game changing interceptions and padded some of his stats in garbage time of some games. Manning can play at an extremely high level and without much of a running game in recent years he has been often left on an island carrying the can for the whole Giants offence. Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen should be able to provide a stable running game this season that can give New York a more balanced offence. The Giants receiving core is carried by Odell Beckham Jr who has been sensational the past 2 seasons. Beckham in each of the last 2 seasons has had over 90 receptions and over 1300 yards of receiving for a combined 25 touchdowns. Beckham is a spectacular athlete with his freakish catches and jumping ability making him unplayable at times. The Giants have added a couple of key pieces to their defence this year especially up front. In Damon Harrison and Olivier Vernon they have two big bodies that are capable of putting pressure on the quarterback and tightening the run defence. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie leads the Giants secondary after coming off another fantastic season in 2015. Joined by Janoris Jenkins, the Giants look strong at cornerback, however their safeties lack experience and could easily be exposed.
Verdict 7-9. 3rd in NFC East. No Playoffs
I just can't trust the Giants. I think they will be similar to the last 5 years in that they will beat some good teams and lose to some bad teams. They really lack consistency in games and throughout a season and I see that continuing this season. I think Eli Manning at 35 still remains a good quarterback, however he still throws crucial interceptions and the Giants do not have the run game to keep Eli from throwing 40 times a game and being exposed.
NRL Team Comparison - The Giants are a bit like the NZ Warriors. Capable of beating any team on their day but also capable of putting in flat out awful performances. They are picked to make the playoffs most seasons but rarely do, just like the Warriors.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Last Season (7-9, 3rd in NFC East)
The Eagles came into last season as one of the favourites for the NFC title after back-to-back 10-6 seasons under Chip Kelly. However a series of questionable roster moves saw them regress to a 7-9 which saw Chip Kelly get fired. Kelly moved on explosive players like LeSean Mccoy and DeSean Jackson last off-season as his trades for quarterback Sam Bradford and DeMarco Murray failed to pay dividends. The Eagles appointed Doug Pederson as their new head coach after he spent 3 seasons as Kansas City's offensive coordinator. Pederson is no stranger to the Eagles having played quarterback for them in 1999, and served on the staff as Quality Control and Quarterback's Coach between 2009 and 2012. In a shock move last week, the Eagles traded starting quarterback Sam Bradford to the Vikings in securing draft picks for 2017. This has opened the door for the number 2 overall pick in the draft, Carson Wentz, to start the season as a rookie quarterback. The North Dakota State product has impressed Eagles officials in the off-season with his command of the playbook and his leadership abilities. The original plan was for him to be back-up this season so it will be interesting to see how he goes now he has been thrown into the fire. Wentz should be able to rely on a strong offensive line with Brandon Brooks and Stefen Wisniewski brought in to upgrade an already strong unit. In Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles the Eagles don't have a dynamic running game. Sproles was dynamite early in his career, however at 33 he is in the twilight and coming off a couple of seasons of poor production. The Eagles might be relying on their tight ends rather than their receivers in 2016. At tight end they have Zach Ertz and Brent Celek who both ranked among the top 20 players at tight end in 2015. The Eagles receiving core is young and raw, and while they have potential none have proved it at NFL level. While the Eagles have a strong looking defensive front their lack of depth at linebacker is concerning. In the secondary Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod are both capable of playing at a high level.
Verdict 4-12. Last in NFC East
I just think the Eagles are a bit of a mess. Carson Wentz has been thrown into the fire and this team's roster has been picked apart the last two years. I see this team really struggling this year on both sides of the ball.
NRL Team Comparison - The Eagles are a bit like the Parramatta Eels. A proud club with a passionate fan base but plenty of off-field turmoil. Unfortunately that starts to take its toll and this side looks underprepared coming into this season.