NFC East Predictions: Cowboys & Eagles Fight For First Place Over Questionable Giants, Redskins
The NFC East is always the most dramatic and compelling division in the NFL. This division has had four winners in the last four years. It's produced the most Super Bowl champions in league history, and expectations are always high.
Let's preview the NFC East this season.
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys won the division last year. We haven't seen "America's Team" win the NFC East in back to back seasons since 1995 and 1996. Last season they won a playoff game over the Detroit Lions but couldn't beat the Green Bay Packers in the second round. They were able to re-sign Dez Bryant, but star running back DeMarco Murray is now on the Philadelphia Eagles. Losing cornerback Orlando Scandrick was a big blow, and now it's time for Morris Claiborne to finally start playing like a No. 6 overall draft pick. Tony Romo will have another solid season behind the best offensive line in the league and don't sleep on Joseph Randle either. The Cowboys secondary has a lot of work to do, but the Cowboys defensive line is much improved. After four games of play Greg Hardy will be on the field. Ultimately, quarterback play will make the difference for the Cowboys over the Eagles.
Prediction: 11-5
2. Philadelphia Eagles
Chip Kelly's squad will duke it out with the Cowboys for first place. The Eagles have gone 10-6 each of the last two seasons but stumbled last year with Mark Sanchez at the helm. The Eagles stunned fans when they traded Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy away, but adding cornerback Byron Maxwell was a tremendous move for them. Tim Tebow may not make the final roster cut, but that will depend on just how good or healthy Sam Bradford plays. The Eagles also have one of the best offensive lines in the league, which sets up great for Murray. The Eagles will miss Foles and Jeremy Maclin. A wild card spot is still available.
Prediction: 10-6
3. New York Giants
The New York Giants have the best head coach in the division, but there's just too many question marks. Can Victor Cruz rebound with a big year? Is the offensive line going to be atrocious again? Can the running game improve? Last year the Giants defense ranked 29th overall, and the rushing attack ranked 23rd. The biggest issue is defeating tough competition. The Giants were swept by both the Cowboys and Eagles and did not beat a single playoff team last season. This team still has a lot of work to do to hit the 10-win mark as their win total has decreased the last three consecutive seasons.
Prediction: 8-8
4. Washington Redskins
With seven combined wins over the last two years, the Washington Redskins are the mess of the NFC East. Robert Griffin III still hasn't learned how to quarterback slide, resulting in injuries; Jay Gruden is getting constantly criticized; and the injuries are piling up. The Redskins have only won this division one time in the 21st century. Don't expect that to change any time soon. The Redskins will once again be south of .500 with their mediocre defense and offensive line.
Prediction: 5-11
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1
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