ESPN Reese: Who is feelin' the heat in the NFC East?
By Floyd Reese
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Over the years, the NFC East has been one of the NFL's best divisions. This division's history is loaded with legendary players, quality rivalries and multiple Super Bowl appearances. The NFC East is known for Hall of Fame coaches and stadiums loaded with super fans.
Dallas Cowboys: Marc Colombo and Leonard Davis
By appointing defensive guru Wade Phillips head coach, the Cowboys should build on an already solid defense. On offense, a young and healthy running back tandem of Marion Barber III and Julius Jones is certainly reason for excitement. Terrell Owens tends to make news for off-field issues, but there's no denying his talent. Owens pairs with Terry Glenn to give the Cowboys a productive receiving tandem. Quarterback Tony Romo is still young and maturing and he will strive to be more consistent in 2007. The key for the Cowboys' offensive success will be their offensive line and the key to the offensive line's success will be Marc Colombo and Leonard Davis. The Cowboys need Colombo to continue to improve and they need Davis to play up to the big contract they gave him this offseason.
New York Giants: Tom Coughlin
Whether its issues stem from the media glare of New York City, the organization, the players or the coaches, this franchise has been able to absorb some problems while winning, and yet all may be exposed when the Giants struggle.
You can find some faults and potential holes in this team, but in my opinion, the talent level is not going to determine the 2007 record. For several years when I was in Tennessee, we played a Tom Coughlin -coached Jacksonville Jaguars team. Coughlin is intelligent, hardworking, disciplined and he is a quality head coach. His task this season may have more to do with what goes on in the meeting rooms and the locker room than on the field. Getting everyone focused on the team and the ultimate goal will be Coughlin's biggest challenge.
Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabb
Over the last seven season the Eagles have averaged 10.7 wins per year. They have played in four NFC championship games and one Super Bowl. Ownership, coaching and talent have not been the issues. Health seems to have been their biggest roadblock. This year will be no different and nowhere is that truer than at the quarterback position. Donovan McNabb, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 11, has all of the tools to be a Super Bowl champion quarterback. His personal test, and the test of many players on this team, will be to stay healthy.
Washington Redskins: Gregg Williams
For years the Redskins have neglected the draft and relied heavily on highly paid veteran free agents. Since 2000, the Redskins have had one winning season. This year, if young Jason Campbell can continue to improve, the offense will have a chance to be special. On the other side of the ball, the Redskins have not had much success. The defense is a veteran unit that is highly paid and often injured. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams could be the finest defensive coordinator in the NFL. He is bright, experienced and hardworking. If there is anyone who can coach this defense into a playoff contender it is Williams, but it will be a colossal challenge even for him.
Former Tennessee Titans general manager Floyd Reese contributes frequently to ESPN.com.
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Over the years, the NFC East has been one of the NFL's best divisions. This division's history is loaded with legendary players, quality rivalries and multiple Super Bowl appearances. The NFC East is known for Hall of Fame coaches and stadiums loaded with super fans.
Dallas Cowboys: Marc Colombo and Leonard Davis
By appointing defensive guru Wade Phillips head coach, the Cowboys should build on an already solid defense. On offense, a young and healthy running back tandem of Marion Barber III and Julius Jones is certainly reason for excitement. Terrell Owens tends to make news for off-field issues, but there's no denying his talent. Owens pairs with Terry Glenn to give the Cowboys a productive receiving tandem. Quarterback Tony Romo is still young and maturing and he will strive to be more consistent in 2007. The key for the Cowboys' offensive success will be their offensive line and the key to the offensive line's success will be Marc Colombo and Leonard Davis. The Cowboys need Colombo to continue to improve and they need Davis to play up to the big contract they gave him this offseason.
New York Giants: Tom Coughlin
Whether its issues stem from the media glare of New York City, the organization, the players or the coaches, this franchise has been able to absorb some problems while winning, and yet all may be exposed when the Giants struggle.
You can find some faults and potential holes in this team, but in my opinion, the talent level is not going to determine the 2007 record. For several years when I was in Tennessee, we played a Tom Coughlin -coached Jacksonville Jaguars team. Coughlin is intelligent, hardworking, disciplined and he is a quality head coach. His task this season may have more to do with what goes on in the meeting rooms and the locker room than on the field. Getting everyone focused on the team and the ultimate goal will be Coughlin's biggest challenge.
Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabb
Over the last seven season the Eagles have averaged 10.7 wins per year. They have played in four NFC championship games and one Super Bowl. Ownership, coaching and talent have not been the issues. Health seems to have been their biggest roadblock. This year will be no different and nowhere is that truer than at the quarterback position. Donovan McNabb, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 11, has all of the tools to be a Super Bowl champion quarterback. His personal test, and the test of many players on this team, will be to stay healthy.
Washington Redskins: Gregg Williams
For years the Redskins have neglected the draft and relied heavily on highly paid veteran free agents. Since 2000, the Redskins have had one winning season. This year, if young Jason Campbell can continue to improve, the offense will have a chance to be special. On the other side of the ball, the Redskins have not had much success. The defense is a veteran unit that is highly paid and often injured. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams could be the finest defensive coordinator in the NFL. He is bright, experienced and hardworking. If there is anyone who can coach this defense into a playoff contender it is Williams, but it will be a colossal challenge even for him.
Former Tennessee Titans general manager Floyd Reese contributes frequently to ESPN.com.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:32 PM
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