Cowboys the class of the NFC East
Sunday, August 31, 2008
BY MARK ECKEL
STAFF COLUMNIST
This is the final in an eight- week series taking a look at each division. Next Sunday is the NFL season preview package. In all reality, it doesn't really matter what the Dallas Cowboys do during this regular season.
A year ago, the Cowboys proved to be the best team in the NFC over the 16-game regular season only to crash and burn against a Giants team it had defeated twice, in the playoffs.
Dallas, the best team on paper once again in the conference, has not won a playoff game since 1996 when it beat Minnesota, 40-15, in a wild-card game. The only team with a longer playoff drought is the Detroit Lions and that's not exactly the company you like to keep.
After their last playoff win, the Cowboys lost the following week to Carolina beginning a string of six consecutive playoff failures.
Quarterback Tony Romo has never won a playoff game; neither has head coach Wade Phillips.
This year is all about changing that, not what happens in the regular season.
Here's a quick look at what the Cowboys and the rest of the NFC East did during the offseason and what to expect.
DALLAS COWBOYS
What's New -- The biggest pick-up was cornerback/ returnman Adam "Pacman" Jones (Tennessee), a high-risk, higher reward player who, if noth ing else, adds even more personality to the team. Linebacker Zach Thomas (Miami) came to Dallas to try to get to his first Super Bowl as well.
Who's Gone -- Running back Julius Jones (Seattle) left as a free agent, but will be replaced by rookie first-round pick Felix Jones. Wide receiver Terry Glenn was released.
Strengths -- Offensively, the team is loaded. Romo has the look of a MVP. And also has the weapons with wide receiver Terrell Owens, tight end Jason Witten and backs Marion Barber and Jones to make it happen. The offensive line is solid as well. Defensively, the strength of the team is at linebacker, led by De Marcus Ware, but the secondary is much improved.
Weaknesses -- Hard to find any, but someone has to emerge as a No. 2 wide receiver. The team has to make sure second- year kicker Nick Folk doesn't suf fer a sophomore jinx.
Could Surprise -- Jones, with his speed, could have a major im pact on the offense.
Still in Question -- Does the playoff drought end?
EAGLES
What's New -- The personnel department added seven new faces through free agency, but the only one who figures to mat ter is highly-priced cornerback Asante Samuel (New England). The team is relying heavily on second-round draft pick wide receiver DeSean Jackson to make a difference on special teams and in the passing game.
Who's Gone -- Fullback Thomas Tapeh (Minnesota) left as a free agent, but he was only used about 25 percent of the time. Veterans Jevon Kearse (Tennessee) and Takeo Spikes (Detroit) were released. Wide receiver Kevin Curtis (sports her nia) figures to miss at least half the season.
Strengths -- Quarterback Donovan McNabb had a strong preseason, but must show he can stay on the field for 16 games, something he hasn't done since 2004. Brian Westbrook has emerged as one of the league's top backs and will finally get paid like it, too. The secondary, especially at cornerback, is loaded with Samuel, Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown.
Weaknesses -- The wide receivers, before Curtis' injury, were average at best. There's a glaring hole at left defensive end opposite Pro Bowl player Trent Cole. Despite one stellar preseason game, special teams need to get better.
Could Surprise -- Tight end L.J. Smith, in a contract year, could finally fulfill his expecta tions, or at least mine.
Still in Question -- Does McNabb have one last hurrah in him?
GIANTS
What's New -- After winning the Super Bowl, the Giants didn't feel the need to add much to the roster. Back-up quarterback David Carr (Carolina) was the only significant addition.
Who's Gone -- The biggest loss came last week when All-Pro defensive end Osi Umenyiora went down with a season-ending knee injury. Couple that with Michael Strahan's retirement and that vaunted pass rush took two big hits. Safety Gibril Wilson (Raiders) could be missed, too, but rookie Kenny Phillips is a nice replacement.
Strengths -- Quarterback Eli Manning grew up in the playoffs last year and his poise in the Super Bowl was remarkable. The trio of running backs -- Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward -- has a little bit of everything. The offensive line showed marked improvement. Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwa nuka have to have big seasons as pass rushers.
Weaknesses -- There have been some unhappy campers over contract issues, most notably wide receiver Plaxico Burress. That's never a good way to go into a season. The defense lost four starters from last year's unit. Special teams are average.
Could Surprise -- Tuck could be ready to make his move as the next premier pass rusher.
Still in Question -- How do you replace Strahan AND Ume nyiora?
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
What's New -- Defensive end Jason Taylor (Miami) was a major addition and could make the entire Redskins defense bet ter. Head coach Jim Zorn comes from Seattle with a version of Mike Holmgren's West Coast offense and some fresh ideas for a team that might surprise.
Who's Gone -- Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs retired again. Zorn cleaned house, getting rid of a dozen players he inherited, none of whom figure to missed very much.
Strengths -- Running back Clinton Portis could flourish the way Shaun Alexander did in Seattle. The offensive line, healthy again with Jon Jansen back at right tackle, could be much improved. Taylor gives the front four a legitimate pass rusher. Safety LaRon Landry is a bud ding star.
Weaknesses -- Quarterback Jason Campbell, yet in another system, has to prove he's the man. Taylor can't do it alone on defense. Andre Carter needs to show last year wasn't a fluke. And the play of the linebackers has to get better.
Could Surprise -- Defensive tackle Anthony Montgomery might be the biggest benefactor of having Taylor.
Still in Question -- Can Campbell get it done?
BY MARK ECKEL
STAFF COLUMNIST
This is the final in an eight- week series taking a look at each division. Next Sunday is the NFL season preview package. In all reality, it doesn't really matter what the Dallas Cowboys do during this regular season.
A year ago, the Cowboys proved to be the best team in the NFC over the 16-game regular season only to crash and burn against a Giants team it had defeated twice, in the playoffs.
Dallas, the best team on paper once again in the conference, has not won a playoff game since 1996 when it beat Minnesota, 40-15, in a wild-card game. The only team with a longer playoff drought is the Detroit Lions and that's not exactly the company you like to keep.
After their last playoff win, the Cowboys lost the following week to Carolina beginning a string of six consecutive playoff failures.
Quarterback Tony Romo has never won a playoff game; neither has head coach Wade Phillips.
This year is all about changing that, not what happens in the regular season.
Here's a quick look at what the Cowboys and the rest of the NFC East did during the offseason and what to expect.
DALLAS COWBOYS
What's New -- The biggest pick-up was cornerback/ returnman Adam "Pacman" Jones (Tennessee), a high-risk, higher reward player who, if noth ing else, adds even more personality to the team. Linebacker Zach Thomas (Miami) came to Dallas to try to get to his first Super Bowl as well.
Who's Gone -- Running back Julius Jones (Seattle) left as a free agent, but will be replaced by rookie first-round pick Felix Jones. Wide receiver Terry Glenn was released.
Strengths -- Offensively, the team is loaded. Romo has the look of a MVP. And also has the weapons with wide receiver Terrell Owens, tight end Jason Witten and backs Marion Barber and Jones to make it happen. The offensive line is solid as well. Defensively, the strength of the team is at linebacker, led by De Marcus Ware, but the secondary is much improved.
Weaknesses -- Hard to find any, but someone has to emerge as a No. 2 wide receiver. The team has to make sure second- year kicker Nick Folk doesn't suf fer a sophomore jinx.
Could Surprise -- Jones, with his speed, could have a major im pact on the offense.
Still in Question -- Does the playoff drought end?
EAGLES
What's New -- The personnel department added seven new faces through free agency, but the only one who figures to mat ter is highly-priced cornerback Asante Samuel (New England). The team is relying heavily on second-round draft pick wide receiver DeSean Jackson to make a difference on special teams and in the passing game.
Who's Gone -- Fullback Thomas Tapeh (Minnesota) left as a free agent, but he was only used about 25 percent of the time. Veterans Jevon Kearse (Tennessee) and Takeo Spikes (Detroit) were released. Wide receiver Kevin Curtis (sports her nia) figures to miss at least half the season.
Strengths -- Quarterback Donovan McNabb had a strong preseason, but must show he can stay on the field for 16 games, something he hasn't done since 2004. Brian Westbrook has emerged as one of the league's top backs and will finally get paid like it, too. The secondary, especially at cornerback, is loaded with Samuel, Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown.
Weaknesses -- The wide receivers, before Curtis' injury, were average at best. There's a glaring hole at left defensive end opposite Pro Bowl player Trent Cole. Despite one stellar preseason game, special teams need to get better.
Could Surprise -- Tight end L.J. Smith, in a contract year, could finally fulfill his expecta tions, or at least mine.
Still in Question -- Does McNabb have one last hurrah in him?
GIANTS
What's New -- After winning the Super Bowl, the Giants didn't feel the need to add much to the roster. Back-up quarterback David Carr (Carolina) was the only significant addition.
Who's Gone -- The biggest loss came last week when All-Pro defensive end Osi Umenyiora went down with a season-ending knee injury. Couple that with Michael Strahan's retirement and that vaunted pass rush took two big hits. Safety Gibril Wilson (Raiders) could be missed, too, but rookie Kenny Phillips is a nice replacement.
Strengths -- Quarterback Eli Manning grew up in the playoffs last year and his poise in the Super Bowl was remarkable. The trio of running backs -- Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward -- has a little bit of everything. The offensive line showed marked improvement. Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwa nuka have to have big seasons as pass rushers.
Weaknesses -- There have been some unhappy campers over contract issues, most notably wide receiver Plaxico Burress. That's never a good way to go into a season. The defense lost four starters from last year's unit. Special teams are average.
Could Surprise -- Tuck could be ready to make his move as the next premier pass rusher.
Still in Question -- How do you replace Strahan AND Ume nyiora?
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
What's New -- Defensive end Jason Taylor (Miami) was a major addition and could make the entire Redskins defense bet ter. Head coach Jim Zorn comes from Seattle with a version of Mike Holmgren's West Coast offense and some fresh ideas for a team that might surprise.
Who's Gone -- Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs retired again. Zorn cleaned house, getting rid of a dozen players he inherited, none of whom figure to missed very much.
Strengths -- Running back Clinton Portis could flourish the way Shaun Alexander did in Seattle. The offensive line, healthy again with Jon Jansen back at right tackle, could be much improved. Taylor gives the front four a legitimate pass rusher. Safety LaRon Landry is a bud ding star.
Weaknesses -- Quarterback Jason Campbell, yet in another system, has to prove he's the man. Taylor can't do it alone on defense. Andre Carter needs to show last year wasn't a fluke. And the play of the linebackers has to get better.
Could Surprise -- Defensive tackle Anthony Montgomery might be the biggest benefactor of having Taylor.
Still in Question -- Can Campbell get it done?
posted by The Gryphon at 9:18 AM
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