NFL 2007: A look at the upcoming season, by divisions (NFC EAST only)
from SportingNews.com
NFC EAST
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (10-6)
Strengths: If healthy, Donovan McNabb is the NFC's best quarterback. RB Brian Westbrook is as versatile as they come, and the O-line is dependable. New LB Takeo Spikes and a strong secondary lead the defense, and Andy Reid is a fine coach.
Weaknesses: Where will the pass rush come from; the Eagles need to blitz too often to get pressure. Someone must emerge as the No. 1 receiver.
Players to watch: Westbrook, WR Kevin Curtis.
Biggest change: Depth at receiver.
Schedule key: Late-season stretch vs. Patriots, Seahawks, Giants, Cowboys and Saints, three of them on road.
Why they will finish first: Eagles have improved from last season, when they rallied to win division.
DALLAS COWBOYS (10-6, wild card)
Strengths: RB duo of Julius Jones-Marion Barber is first-rate, as is receiving corps. QB Tony Romo appears to be rising star. Look for big years from LBs DeMarcus Ware and Akin Ayodele, S Roy Williams and TE Jason Witten.
Weaknesses: New coach Wade Phillips has a mediocre record as head man. Offensive line is not as steady as it has been. CB Terence Newman has been plagued by foot injury. Expectations might be a bit too high in Big D.
Players to watch: Ware, WR Terrell Owens.
Biggest change: No more Tuna; Romo at QB from outset for new coach Phillips.
Schedule key: Successive midseason games with Eagles, Giants and Redskins.
Why they will finish second: Philly has the edge in several areas, including coaching.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (7-9)
Strengths: RBs Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts are almost as good as the Jones-Barber combo in Dallas. The defense will hit hard, led by LB Marcus Washington and safeties Sean Taylor and rookie LaRon Landry.
Weaknesses: That secondary doesn't cover very well, though, and the front four must bring more pressure. Young QB Jason Campbell will have growing pains, and the OL is unpredictable, although addition of G Pete Kendall helps.
Players to watch: WR Santana Moss, LB Washington.
Biggest change: Campbell as the starter from Week 1.
Schedule key: Face Patriots, Jets and Cowboys on road, Philly at home in midseason stretch.
Why they will finish third: Joe Gibbs is a Hall of Fame coach working with too many ordinary players.
NEW YORK GIANTS (7-9)
Strengths: DE Osi Umenyiora could become a special pass rusher. The receiving corps of TE Jeremy Shockey and WRs Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer (if he recovers fully from knee injury) can dominate games.
Weaknesses: The defense is suspect, particularly the secondary. The offensive line is in flux, although G Chris Snee is a comer. Injuries in preseason piled up. DE Michael Strahan held out.
Players to watch: RB Brandon Jacobs, Umenyiora.
Biggest change: Loss of best player, Tiki Barber, actually could improve locker room environment.
Schedule key: Three division games in first four weeks, two on road.
Why they will finish fourth: Still too much discord and distractions, which can't help Tom Coughlin's job security.
NFC EAST
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (10-6)
Strengths: If healthy, Donovan McNabb is the NFC's best quarterback. RB Brian Westbrook is as versatile as they come, and the O-line is dependable. New LB Takeo Spikes and a strong secondary lead the defense, and Andy Reid is a fine coach.
Weaknesses: Where will the pass rush come from; the Eagles need to blitz too often to get pressure. Someone must emerge as the No. 1 receiver.
Players to watch: Westbrook, WR Kevin Curtis.
Biggest change: Depth at receiver.
Schedule key: Late-season stretch vs. Patriots, Seahawks, Giants, Cowboys and Saints, three of them on road.
Why they will finish first: Eagles have improved from last season, when they rallied to win division.
DALLAS COWBOYS (10-6, wild card)
Strengths: RB duo of Julius Jones-Marion Barber is first-rate, as is receiving corps. QB Tony Romo appears to be rising star. Look for big years from LBs DeMarcus Ware and Akin Ayodele, S Roy Williams and TE Jason Witten.
Weaknesses: New coach Wade Phillips has a mediocre record as head man. Offensive line is not as steady as it has been. CB Terence Newman has been plagued by foot injury. Expectations might be a bit too high in Big D.
Players to watch: Ware, WR Terrell Owens.
Biggest change: No more Tuna; Romo at QB from outset for new coach Phillips.
Schedule key: Successive midseason games with Eagles, Giants and Redskins.
Why they will finish second: Philly has the edge in several areas, including coaching.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (7-9)
Strengths: RBs Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts are almost as good as the Jones-Barber combo in Dallas. The defense will hit hard, led by LB Marcus Washington and safeties Sean Taylor and rookie LaRon Landry.
Weaknesses: That secondary doesn't cover very well, though, and the front four must bring more pressure. Young QB Jason Campbell will have growing pains, and the OL is unpredictable, although addition of G Pete Kendall helps.
Players to watch: WR Santana Moss, LB Washington.
Biggest change: Campbell as the starter from Week 1.
Schedule key: Face Patriots, Jets and Cowboys on road, Philly at home in midseason stretch.
Why they will finish third: Joe Gibbs is a Hall of Fame coach working with too many ordinary players.
NEW YORK GIANTS (7-9)
Strengths: DE Osi Umenyiora could become a special pass rusher. The receiving corps of TE Jeremy Shockey and WRs Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer (if he recovers fully from knee injury) can dominate games.
Weaknesses: The defense is suspect, particularly the secondary. The offensive line is in flux, although G Chris Snee is a comer. Injuries in preseason piled up. DE Michael Strahan held out.
Players to watch: RB Brandon Jacobs, Umenyiora.
Biggest change: Loss of best player, Tiki Barber, actually could improve locker room environment.
Schedule key: Three division games in first four weeks, two on road.
Why they will finish fourth: Still too much discord and distractions, which can't help Tom Coughlin's job security.
posted by The Gryphon at 10:46 AM
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