Dallas Cowboys
Projected Record: 12-4
Last year the Cowboys won their first postseason game since 1996 by absolutely embarrassing the Eagles. What is more significant is the fact that the Cowboys had just beaten the Eagles handily the week before. Last year Dallas also handed the Superbowl Champion Saints their first loss. Even in two losses against the Giants the Cowboys out gained and to a certain extent outplayed New York. What does all this mean? It means that Cowboys are one of the best teams in the NFC and week in, week out they give themselves a chance to win most games.
Tony Romo appears to have turned the corner and appears ready to ascend to an elite level. Romo has a new target to work with in first round pick Dez Bryant. As for receiver Miles Austin and veteran tight end Jason Witten, all they do is get open and make plays. The running back trio of Jones, Barber, and Choice is formidable and should be effective provided they stay healthy. The offensive line needs Doug Free or Alex Barron to step up and replace left tackle Flozell Adams.
Demarcus Ware is the best player and leader on a Cowboys front seven that maybe the best in the league. Defensive lineman Anthony Spencer and linebackers Brady James and Keith Brooking are solid veterans who always make the routine plays and prevent the spectacular ones. Mike Jenkins is a budding star at corner.
There is optimism this season that the Cowboys could be the first team to play in a Super Bowl in its home stadium. If they stay healthy and pick up where they left off last season, I see no reason to bet against them.
New York Giants
Projected Record: 9-7
The Giants started last season 5-0. Then they met the Saints in week 6 in what was billed to be a possible NFC Championship game preview. Instead it ended up being a preview to the destruction of the Giants season. The Giants were humiliated in that game and preceded to lose 7 of their next 10 games to finish at 8-8.
Last year the Giants struggled rushing the passer which is why they spent their first round pick on Jason Pierre Paul, an exciting freakishly athletic defensive end. He is a bit raw but he will learn from the veterans on the Giants defensive line, Justin Tuck and Osi Uemnoyria who also look to rebound from injuries and regain their form from a couple of season ago. The Giants also signed free agent safety Antrel Rolle to help out a secondary that struggled mightily against the pass. A healthy Kenny Phillips will also help the Giants on defense.
Eli Manning set career highs in yardage and touchdowns last year throwing to a young group of pass catchers led by Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks. They all should get better this year so expect the Giants passing game to continue to be productive. The big question mark is whether or not Brandon Jacobs can regain his bruising form and help the Giants establish a running attack that teams will fear. Without a healthy and productive Jacobs the Giants are only an average offensive team.
The Giants are moving into a new stadium so expectations are high, but then again they play in New York (figuratively speaking) so there is always pressure. Eli Manning and the passing game will continue to improve but, the running game and the defense need to return to form if the Giants want to be playing for something in January.
Washington Redskins
Projected Record: 9-7
Talk about an off season face lift. Head coach Mike Shanahan and quarterback Donovan McNabb headline some of the major acquisitions that the Redskins made during the off season. There were also major changes in management with Vinny Cerrato stepping down and former Buccaneers GM Bruce Allen stepping in.
The Eagles don't think McNabb has much left in the tank after sending him 100 miles south to division rival Washington. Donovan will look to prove the Eagles and the rest of his critics wrong while he throws passes to Santana Moss and Chris Cooley. The Redskins picked up talented tackle Trent Williams in the draft to protect McNabb's back as well as open up holes for running back Clinton Portis.
The 100 million dollar man, Albert Haynesworth, has been balking at the proposition of playing the nose in the 3-4 but has agreed to report to training camp on time. Rocky Mcintosh and Brian Orakpo are both outstanding playmakers on a defense that was formidable at times last season. Laron Landry is the leader in the Redskins secondary. His hard hitting style and aggressive play set the tone for the Redskins defense.
Washington has certainly taken heed to Einsteins perspective on insanity, but will it be enough to make a playoff run? If McNabb stays healthy and Haynesworth plays at the level he is capable I would say yes.
Philadelphia Eagles
Projected Record: 7-9
Donovan Mcnabb. Brian Westbrook. Brian Dawkins. Those are three names that were always associated with Philadelphia's near decade long run of playoff and championship game appearances. The business part of football aside, veteran leadership does not grow on trees. The Eagles may have gotten younger but I don't know if they are better.
The pressure is squarely on Kevin Kolb to produce but the cupboard is not bear. The trio of Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Brent Celek gives Kolb plenty of places to go with the football. If you're into weather euphemisms when it comes to describing contrasting running styles Lesean McCoy and Leonard Weaver play the part of lightening and thunder, respectively. Michael Vick returns as the backup and will see action if Kolb struggles or is injured.
Philly got a lot younger and faster on defense. Defensive end Brandon Graham is a young pass rusher who will fit in nicely with the Eagles aggressive schemes. Nathaniel Allen could be the long term replacement for Brian Dawkins at safety. Veterans Trent Cole and Mike Patterson will continue to anchor the Eagles defensive line and corner back Asante Samuel will continue to make life difficult for quarterbacks in the secondary.
Philadelphia has a lot of young talent and there is a lot of upside for this team. If Kolb develops and the young players on the defense start to gel I think Philly could be looking at another run of dominance over the coming years. However, this year Philly's growing pains will keep them out of the postseason.
Frank Turner is the primary contributor for Frank Football. For more season previews, fantasy football news, and game picks visit Frank Football.
