Division Series Preview, Part 5: NFC East
Combined Record: 30-34
2011 Division Winner: New York Giants (9-7, 3-3 Division)
2011 Playoff Teams: New York Giants
I remember the days when the NFC East was the glorious, untouchable division powerhouse of the NFL. Those days have long been over. Their games are still always worth tuning in to. Fun Fact: The last season the NFC East had 3 teams in the playoffs was 2007 (Giants, Redskins, Cowboys). We all know the story of the Giants from last season. The routing of the Falcons 24-2 in the Wild Card round at home, and then two on the road playoff victories. The Divisional Game was at the #1 Packers, which they won with ease 37-20 in the Frozen Tundra. The Championship Game was at the #2 49ers, which they won in overtime 20-17. Of course, the Super Bowl win over the Patriots was no easy feat, as Eli Manning lead another 4th Quarter comeback to win 21-17. The Mario Manningham catch on the Giants final drive paid hommage to David Tyree, and how fitting was it that it came four years later against the same team? This season, the NFC East will play the NFC South & AFC North.
New York Giants (9-7, 3-3 Division, 5-7 Conference)
Noteworthy Arrivals: Martellus Bennett, Shaun Rogers, Keith Rivers, Antwaun Molden, Dante Hughes, David Wilson (DRAFT), Rueben Randle (DRAFT)
Noteworthy Departures: Brandon Jacobs, Mario Manningham, Jake Ballard, Kareem McKenzie, Dave Tollefson, Jonathan Goff, Aaron Ross, Deon Grant
2012 Predicted Record: 10-6
Remember back in August when Eli Manning said he was elite, and in a class with Tom Brady? Remember laughing at that? Looks like Eli got the last laugh. Now all this other nonsense about Romo being compared to Manning. What are you smoking Amani Toomer? Let's just go ahead and put Tom Coughlin on the hot seat for 2012. It seems to work. The 2011 Giants weren't exactly impressive to say the least, but they're rise was fueled by a Week 14 37-34 win in Dallas. I like the Giants to repeat as a division winner, which is worth stating the last team to repeat as NFC Champs, and did so in impressive fashion, were the Eagles (2000-2004). Their offense may show signs of sluggishness early, and I only say that because of their new weapons like Rueben Randle & David Wilson will be getting used to things. The only burning question I have would be how Victor Cruz will fair this season, repeat or bust? Their defense lead the league in sacks last year with 59 (Houston was second with 53), and they will stay the course which will lead to some 'W's. Games of interest include: NFL Season Opener against Dallas (that's a Wednesday too folks), @SF, PIT, GB, NO, @ATL, BAL, @PHI (last game of season)
What's your favorite Manning Face?
Philadelphia Eagles (8-8, 5-1 Division, 6-6 Conference)
Noteworthy Arrivals: Demetress Bell, OJ Atogwe, DeMeco Ryans, Fletcher Cox (DRAFT), Mychal Kendricks (DRAFT), Mat McBriar
Noteworthy Departures: Vince Young, Owen Schmitt, Steve Smith, Juqua Thomas-Parker, Asante Samuel, Trevor Laws, Jamaal Jackson, Winston Justice
2012 Predicted Record: 8-8
Philly was more of a Nightmare/Odd-Ball instead of Dream last season. It's safe to say that Vince Young cursed the team in the offseason. They were all but cooked it seemed, but in their last 5 games, they went 4-1, winning their last 4 games....and they nearly had a clean sweep of the division. They spoiled Dallas' chance of making the playoffs in a head to head matchup in Week 16, which is always a moral victory. Michael Vick struggled compared to the previous year, and it was evident. All of that aside, the Eagles still managed to finish Top 10 in the offensive categories. The only way the Eagles are going to do better than the 8-8 prediction is doing well in the middle of the season, and it will rely heavily on Vick, Lesean McCoy, and Desean Jackson. The defense arguably got better, which could help bail them out. We can all agree that Trent Cole is a beast. However, they face some monster offenses this season. While we're on the topic of defense.....sorry Casey Matthews, you are not Clay. I look for Demeco Ryans & rookie Mychal Kendricks to make a huge difference in the LB dept for the Iggles. Games of interest include: Baltimore in Week 2, and then 6 out of 7 weeks featuring tough/interesting matchups of NYG, @PIT, DET, BYE, ATL, @NO, DAL.....ouch.
Philly was more of a Nightmare/Odd-Ball instead of Dream last season. It's safe to say that Vince Young cursed the team in the offseason. They were all but cooked it seemed, but in their last 5 games, they went 4-1, winning their last 4 games....and they nearly had a clean sweep of the division. They spoiled Dallas' chance of making the playoffs in a head to head matchup in Week 16, which is always a moral victory. Michael Vick struggled compared to the previous year, and it was evident. All of that aside, the Eagles still managed to finish Top 10 in the offensive categories. The only way the Eagles are going to do better than the 8-8 prediction is doing well in the middle of the season, and it will rely heavily on Vick, Lesean McCoy, and Desean Jackson. The defense arguably got better, which could help bail them out. We can all agree that Trent Cole is a beast. However, they face some monster offenses this season. While we're on the topic of defense.....sorry Casey Matthews, you are not Clay. I look for Demeco Ryans & rookie Mychal Kendricks to make a huge difference in the LB dept for the Iggles. Games of interest include: Baltimore in Week 2, and then 6 out of 7 weeks featuring tough/interesting matchups of NYG, @PIT, DET, BYE, ATL, @NO, DAL.....ouch.
It was a 'Dream Team' on Madden?
Dallas Cowboys (8-8, 2-4 Division, 6-6 Conference)
Noteworthy Arrivals: Kyle Orton, Lawrence Vickers, Pat McQuistan, Nate Livings, Dan Connor, Brandon Carr, Brodney Pool, Morris Claiborne (DRAFT)
Noteworthy Arrivals: Kyle Orton, Lawrence Vickers, Pat McQuistan, Nate Livings, Dan Connor, Brandon Carr, Brodney Pool, Morris Claiborne (DRAFT)
Noteworthy Departures: Laurent Robinson, Martellus Bennett, Montrae Holland, Kyle Kosier, Bradie James, Terence Newman, Alan Ball, Abram Elam, Mat McBriar
2012 Predicted Record: 9-7
It's simple in Dallas: Do or die time for Mr. Romo, who turns 33 in April. All they had to do was complete the wide open pass against the Giants, and Miles Austin failed to come away with it. Romo played through injuries most of the year, but as we saw, couldn't go the distance as they were forced to call upon Jon Kitna & Stephen McGee. The biggest problem for the Cowboys were choking in games they should have won, and let's not forget icing your own kicker. Good move Jason Garrett. Laurent Robinson revived his career as he was a favorite of Romo, but left for purgatory in Jacksonville. They bolstered their secondary, which has had more holes than swiss cheese, by adding Brandon Carr, and drafting Morris Claiborne. They still kept Mike Jenkins, but hopefully he's not put in a situation where he has to tackle (see New York Giants game). It's clear, cut, and dry for the Cowboys this season....get into the postseason, and go deep. If not, you'll see Big Changes in Big D. When you take a look at the SOS, and games of interest, tough to say it will happen. Those games include: @NYG in Week 1, CHI, BAL, NYG, @ATL, @PHI in 3 game stretch, then those December games....PHI, @CIN, PIT, @NO, @WSH
It's simple in Dallas: Do or die time for Mr. Romo, who turns 33 in April. All they had to do was complete the wide open pass against the Giants, and Miles Austin failed to come away with it. Romo played through injuries most of the year, but as we saw, couldn't go the distance as they were forced to call upon Jon Kitna & Stephen McGee. The biggest problem for the Cowboys were choking in games they should have won, and let's not forget icing your own kicker. Good move Jason Garrett. Laurent Robinson revived his career as he was a favorite of Romo, but left for purgatory in Jacksonville. They bolstered their secondary, which has had more holes than swiss cheese, by adding Brandon Carr, and drafting Morris Claiborne. They still kept Mike Jenkins, but hopefully he's not put in a situation where he has to tackle (see New York Giants game). It's clear, cut, and dry for the Cowboys this season....get into the postseason, and go deep. If not, you'll see Big Changes in Big D. When you take a look at the SOS, and games of interest, tough to say it will happen. Those games include: @NYG in Week 1, CHI, BAL, NYG, @ATL, @PHI in 3 game stretch, then those December games....PHI, @CIN, PIT, @NO, @WSH
Romo would rather forget his last trip to Seattle.
Washington Redskins (5-11, 2-4 Division, 5-7 Conference)
Noteworthy Arrivals: Pierre Garcon, Josh Morgan, Jonathan Goff, Cedric Griffin, Tanard Jackson, Brandon Meriweather, Neil Rackers, Robert Griffin III (DRAFT)
Noteworthy Departures: Jabar Gaffney, Donte Stallworth, Kedric Golston, Rocky McIntosh, LaRon Landry, OJ Atogwe
2012 Predicted Record: 6-10
A lot of analysts are getting on the Redskin bandwagon, and it's because of the RG3. He's clearly the face of the franchise from here on out, but he's not the most popular person in the locker room yet. Griffin will have some toys to play with on offense like Fred Davis (assuming he stays clean) & Pierre Garcon. Roy Helu & Evan Royster could prove to be integral parts of the offense as well. RG3 is also having numerous comparisons to Michael Vick, and is so-say 'light years ahead of him as a Rookie'. The offense finished the 2011 campaign with 18 points/game, which ranked 26th in the NFL. The Skins have not made the playoffs since 2006, and I don't expect this season to be any different. I've heard 8-8 predictions for them, which is laughable when you see the SOS/opponents they play are HARD. One thing is for certain, I can't wait until Week 1 against New Orleans in the Dome against the 'new look' defense. Games of interest: @NO (Week 1), @TB, ATL, @PIT, CAR (Sophomore vs. Freshman), BAL.
A lot of analysts are getting on the Redskin bandwagon, and it's because of the RG3. He's clearly the face of the franchise from here on out, but he's not the most popular person in the locker room yet. Griffin will have some toys to play with on offense like Fred Davis (assuming he stays clean) & Pierre Garcon. Roy Helu & Evan Royster could prove to be integral parts of the offense as well. RG3 is also having numerous comparisons to Michael Vick, and is so-say 'light years ahead of him as a Rookie'. The offense finished the 2011 campaign with 18 points/game, which ranked 26th in the NFL. The Skins have not made the playoffs since 2006, and I don't expect this season to be any different. I've heard 8-8 predictions for them, which is laughable when you see the SOS/opponents they play are HARD. One thing is for certain, I can't wait until Week 1 against New Orleans in the Dome against the 'new look' defense. Games of interest: @NO (Week 1), @TB, ATL, @PIT, CAR (Sophomore vs. Freshman), BAL.
One day I'll buy me a championship.
NFC East - 2012 Bold Predictions
- RG3 will not finish Rookie of the Year
- The Giants will win the division, and go out in the Wild Card round
- Michael Vick will not be a Top 10 QB this year
- Demarco Murray will rush for over 1,200 yards
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