Dallas and Philadelphia: The elite of the NFC East
By Andy Targovnik
Two teams will compete for the NFC East title: The Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles .
Why won't the New York Giants contend? The 2005 Giants finished 11-5 and had one of the easiest schedules in the NFL including a ninth home game versus New Orleans, courtesy of Hurricane Katrina. They also played Arizona, St. Louis, Minnesota, San Francisco and Oakland. Compare those teams to some of their 2006 non-division opponents: Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, Chicago, Carolina and Atlanta. This year's schedule is a little harder wouldn't you say?
What's more, the Giants didn't play the Philadelphia Eagles until week 10 last year; well after Philly was decimated by injuries and had given up on their season. The Giants showed their true colors when the Carolina Panthers wiped them all over the field in last year's playoffs. Big Blue simply hasn't improved enough to overcome the upgrade in their schedule.
The Washington Redskins 2006 schedule is also more difficult than their 2005 slate. But their bigger problem is that they are relying on an injury prone 36-year-old quarterback who is already hurt. If Mark Brunell goes down for any length of time during the season, either Jason Campbell or Todd Collins will call the signals. And like the Giants, the Redskins haven't upgraded their talent enough to offset their difficult schedule.
The Eagles, who have the easiest schedule in the division, will be the Cowboys' main competition. When Dallas travels to Philly in week 5, the Eagles may very well be 4-0, thanks to games versus Houston, the Giants, San Francisco and Green Bay. Plus, not only has their offensive backfield recuperated from their 2005 injuries, but they've upgraded their offensive and defensive lines through the draft.
And the Dallas Cowboys ? Their schedule is tough, but easier than the Giants and Redskins. Moreover, America's team has improved in all facets: offense, defense and special teams.
How will the NFC East actually play out? Nobody knows. But as of early summer, the NFC East looks like a two team race.
Two teams will compete for the NFC East title: The Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles .
Why won't the New York Giants contend? The 2005 Giants finished 11-5 and had one of the easiest schedules in the NFL including a ninth home game versus New Orleans, courtesy of Hurricane Katrina. They also played Arizona, St. Louis, Minnesota, San Francisco and Oakland. Compare those teams to some of their 2006 non-division opponents: Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, Chicago, Carolina and Atlanta. This year's schedule is a little harder wouldn't you say?
What's more, the Giants didn't play the Philadelphia Eagles until week 10 last year; well after Philly was decimated by injuries and had given up on their season. The Giants showed their true colors when the Carolina Panthers wiped them all over the field in last year's playoffs. Big Blue simply hasn't improved enough to overcome the upgrade in their schedule.
The Washington Redskins 2006 schedule is also more difficult than their 2005 slate. But their bigger problem is that they are relying on an injury prone 36-year-old quarterback who is already hurt. If Mark Brunell goes down for any length of time during the season, either Jason Campbell or Todd Collins will call the signals. And like the Giants, the Redskins haven't upgraded their talent enough to offset their difficult schedule.
The Eagles, who have the easiest schedule in the division, will be the Cowboys' main competition. When Dallas travels to Philly in week 5, the Eagles may very well be 4-0, thanks to games versus Houston, the Giants, San Francisco and Green Bay. Plus, not only has their offensive backfield recuperated from their 2005 injuries, but they've upgraded their offensive and defensive lines through the draft.
And the Dallas Cowboys ? Their schedule is tough, but easier than the Giants and Redskins. Moreover, America's team has improved in all facets: offense, defense and special teams.
How will the NFC East actually play out? Nobody knows. But as of early summer, the NFC East looks like a two team race.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:47 AM
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