Around the NFL: NFC East (Preseason Predicitons)

[MTK]

Last year's standings:

Eagles 13-3: Lost to the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

NY Giants 6-10: A team in transition with a new head coach, rookie QB.

Cowboys: 6-10: After a strong first season, Parcells and the boys slipped to a disappointing 6 win finish.

Redskins 6-10: Another typical Snyder-era team, new coach, new QB, same old results.

Here's my predictions for 2005:

Eagles 11-5: The TO saga should tone down once the season gets rolling and the Eagles will get back to business winning games. Still the cream of the crop in this division and perhaps the entire NFC.

Redskins 10-6: The retooled offense will give the Skins just enough to compliment a strong D and running game... and compete for a wildcard. Everyone's trendy pick of the Cardinals in the NFC will suddenly change to the Redskins by midseason.

Cowboys 8-8: Solid improvements have been made on defense, but I'm not sure if Bledsoe is what the doctor ordered for that offense, especially if they can't protect him.

NY Giants 6-10: Manning should be improved, but not enough to make a huge difference. The Giants still have holes up front and not enough weapons.

[PSUSkinsFan21]

Eagles 10-6: I actually think the Eagles see a big dropoff this year for the first time in a long time. 10-6 may still take the division, but I think some bad luck starts to come their way. Over the past year or two, the Eagles have made an art form out of winning the lucky game......it's time that tide turns the other way. Their WR corp is very thin. One more injury to ANY of their WRs and they are in serious trouble. The RB situation could be better this year, but there are a lot of reports that C-Buck is still not 100%, and his durability is always a concern. Other than Trotter, I think their LBs are mediocre at best. The secondary is young, but overall very good. The O-line is solid, and the D-line could be solid if they work out some holdout issues. Overall though, this team has one thing over the rest of the division: continuity. There isn't a lot of turnover or new faces in this organization, and that gives them a rather significant advantage because they all know how to play together in a system that hasn't changed in many years.

Redskins 9-7: Big question: can Ramsey be THE Guy? The offense will be better with Ramsey under center, but will it be good enough in a division filled with tough games against hated rivals? I think the offense improves over last year because the O-line is healthier (Jansen), better (Raybach) and has another year under Bugel's coaching. Expect Portis to raise those YPC, and new schemes should open things up for him to have a big year. The Defense will be strong, but may need a few games to have the secondary and MLB position solidified. Overall, I fear the team gets off to a slow start, but comes back very strong for the second half of the season. Playoffs are a real possibility in a weak NFC.

Cowboys 7-9: I'm just not sold on the Cowboys. They may have gotten some better personnel on Defense, but that D needs to come a long way from last year to be competitive. I've also never been a big fan of the 3-4, and don't see it working in the NFC East. As for their offense? Well, they brought in Bledsoe, and I don't think that actually helps them that much. Maybe another game or two over last year, but that's it. The WR corp is weak. Keyshawn sucks, Glenn is ok, and God only knows who their #3 is (ok, it's Quincy Morgan.....but my point stands). The moves on the O-line, though, were very smart. Witten is still their #1 receiving weapon, and Jones looks to be a very good RB. Overall, better than last year, still not a playoff team.

Giants 7-9: Eli will be good, but it's going to take him longer than Peyton to get there. Plaxico, while talented, is a headcase, so it's hard to judge what his signing will mean. The Giants should still have a strong running game (Tiki may be one of the most underrated backs in the NFL), and the word is Toomer is looking healthy and better than last year. Shockey has also had a very good offseason, and could be in probowl form. The weakness? Their Defense doesn't scare me one bit. I'm stuggling right now to even think of a Defensive name on that team other than Strahan (getting old), Emmons (injury risk), and Pierce (playing in a new system). Young QB and weak D in the NFC East gets them a 7-9 record.

[Kope]

That is about how I see it.

Two things that worry me are:
- Parcells does a great job and the Cowfelons are much better

- The gints running game (their 265 lbs running back being hard to stop) does enough to help Manning.

I am less worried about the second; but Parcells on the Cowfelons sideline always worries me.

[BrudLee]

My pick for the finish:

Eagles (10-6): There is just about no way the Owens saga ends with him playing out the season. The first inaccurate pass will be cause for vocal complaints, which will mercifully ends his tenure in Philly. I'd say the over/under on his season is 10 games, and I'm taking the under. That being said, they won the East a few years ago with McNabb hurt and A.J. Feeley at QB for four games, because of a dominating defense that (while older) is still there.

Redskins (10-6) - Wild Card: This time, it's about consistancy. The same coaching staff (except the QB coach) is in place, which is about as frequent as a Halley's Comet sighting in D.C. The positional turnover at WR is troubling, but remember that the two players that left were responsible for around a dozen drops - not a healthy stat. Even if the overall receptions from the WRs goes down, if that number is reduced and the routes spread the field, the effectiveness of Portis will skyrocket.

Giants (7-9): There may actually be a two-headed monster at RB this year. Barber, who saved my fantasy season last year (like you care), should see his numbers drop because of 4th round pick Brandon Jacobs. 6'4", 265 lbs, and 4.6 speed should give Jacobs some angry yards so Barber can rest in short yardage situations. The defense, however, is old; and Eli Manning still has some growing to do.

Cowboys (5-11): Worse than last year? You bet. A team that loses 7 games by 14 or more points, then acquires (a) a slower quarterback in Bledsoe, (b) an injured offensive lineman in Rivera (who required neck surgery two days after signing), and (c) a new defensive alignment - but not necessarily the personnel to run it - well, that team doesn't rise in my brown eyes (How's that for a run-on sentence?). As for Julius Jones, an eight game season (albeit a very good one) shouldn't be enough to give every Cowboys fan the hope required to dream about a winning season.

[SmootSmack]

Eagles: 11-5: Every year I say this is the year they'll falter. But they never do. I'm not sure how they'll manage without Freddie Mitchell and Todd Pinkston but somehow they'll find a way.

Redskins: 11-5: Wild Card. Wishful thinking? Maybe. But with the defense the Skins have they only need to be slightly better on offense. And really a lot of that comes down to better clock management and fewer penalties, not just talent. I don't think there will be any "Has Gibbs lost it" talk this season

Cowboys: 8-8: I don't think Bledsoe is going to enjoy any sort of career revival in Dallas, and I keep hearing that Henson continues to struggle. And I really doubt Romo is the guy. They're going to run Julius Jones into the ground and while he's good he's not enough to carry this team. Plus I'm interested to see how all the new players gel in the new defense

Giants: 6-10: Somebody has to finish in the cellar

[Gmanc711]

#1- Redskins (10-6). Someone said it once, I'll say it again...can RAMSEY be THE MAN?? He dosent have to be Peyton Manning, because our offense dosent rely on our passing game, but can he be consistant. I like how our line looked thusfar, Portis should have a good year. I dont even need to get into our defense.
#2- Philladelphia Eagles (9-7). I think they are gonna fall off. The TO saga will take its toll, and I just dont think this team is as good as they were last year. I think they fall off a little this year, and they are on the way down.
#3- Dallas Cowboys (8-8). Unfortunatley, I think this is a team on the way up. Bledsoe, while a statue, is still a capable QB. Julius Jones is quickly becoming one of hte better backs in the leauge. I dont like their recivers, and think their defnese is going to take some time to gel.
#4- New York FOOTBALL Giants (7-9). Manning still needs some time to get going. Thats really what I base my record on.

HOnestly, I dont see a bad team in the divison. I think that everyone (Dal,Was,NY) have taken some steps up, and Philly has taken some steps down. This is going to make for a nice race...won of course by the skins.

[Schneed10]

Philadelphia Eagles 11-5
I hate to admit it, but by the time the season starts, TO is going to have his mouth shut and he's going to start playing. The guy has always been a pain, but when have we ever known him to not produce. He just gets it done, and he'll do it again. You don't hear about it nationally, because TO overshadows everything else, but supposedly they're having an amazing camp. Especially the D. I hate to say it... and I mean I really hate to say it. But the Eagles are going to the Super Bowl in my book. Hopefully Carolina can stop them.

Washington Redskins 10-6
Ramsey and/or Brunell manage the offense well enough. Portis gets back to 4.5 yards per carry. And we get a goalline power back from Nemo. The chains keep moving, and that's all we need. Antonio Brown gives us a boost in the return game. GW keeps the defense rolling along, as Sean Taylor develops into an Ed Reed caliber game-changer.

Dallas Cowboys 9-7
I see big production from Julius Jones, but not from Bledsoe. And I see a strong defense. But the Skins sweep them, making the difference. Gibbs finally gets the best of Parcells, and the Redskins finally get the best of the Cowboys!

NY Giants 4-12
I just think they stink. And I don't think much of Tom Coughlin.

[firstdown]

Someone mentioned that the two WR's we lost this year acounted for about 12 drops. I was wondering which game he was talking about. If he was talking about the saeson I think 12 drops is about half correct.

[Paintrain]

1. Philadelphia Eagles 10-6. Until proven otherwise they are the class of the division. McNabb and TO will co-exist, but it will be a bumpy ride. The defense will again be solid, but not as dominant as some key personnel begins to show thier age.

2. Washington Redskins 8-8. Inconsistency on offense will continue to plauge the Redskins. As opposed to 2004 they will win the games they should win by doing just enough to win, but will not be able to beat teams that are of equal or better talent.

3. New York Giants 8-8. Eli Manning starts to establish himself among the top young QB in the game. Paired with a solid receiving corps (Burress, Toomer, Shockey) and a strong running game, they will have to outscore teams to beat them to account for their sorry defense.

4. Dallas Cowboys 7-9. The Drew Bledsoe experiment fails due to a stagnant passing game and pourous line play. The defense is somewhat improved, but not to the level that it can carry the team.

[BrudLee]

Originally Posted by firstdown

Someone mentioned that the two WR's we lost this year acounted for about 12 drops. I was wondering which game he was talking about. If he was talking about the saeson I think 12 drops is about half correct.

That was me. I know twelve is actually a low number for the season, but I am unsure of the exact number, I didn't want to unfairly malign Coles and Gardner by inflating the number.

That number was, of course, for the season. If it were a game, both players would be dead in a Manassas ditch by now.

[EternalEnigma21]

Redskins 11-5.
I think our losses come from SD, PH, KC, DN, and maybe another division game. Seatlle may give us a run for our money, but I think we'll beat them. A sweep in NY and Cowboys would be nice, but not certain, but even if we do the raiders is iffy. C'mon guys, get those glasses on.

Dallas 9-7
Dallas has a running game to get them through alot of games this year and I know their new defense is anchored by rookies, but (at least on TV) their rookies looked great. Bledsoe is a decent QB, and thats all that team really needs. Their defense will look alot better this year in a new scheme and they may hit a wild card spot.

Philly 8-8
No bettter. I actually tallied them at 7-9, but I'm gonna give them one more game. I think (more hope really) that the eagles are on the decline and will no longer reign over the NFC east. cowboys will sweep them this year and we'll split the series. add in losses to Raiders, Chiefs, Broncos, us, Chargers, Falcons/Green Bay (i think they win one and lose one of those games) and they're no better than 8-8. The second they start to lose a game, TO's mouth will overrun the sideline. It will affect the way the team functions and become a cancer. I can't wait to see it.


Giants 4-12
Eli isn't ever going to be a peyton, and thats what they were counting on when they traded for him. Plexico is about as consistant and talented as Rod Gardner, and Tiki, while he is a great back, can't carry around all the weight. Their defense is getting old and will continuously get pushed around next year. Antonio Pierce isn't the guy they thought he would be either. He's being brought in to lead this defense, and pretty much piece it together and that's not going to happen. He was given alot of credit for earning a starting job last year, but he isn't going to be a pro bowler by any means. Omar Stoutmire was one of the names I remembered from their secondary, but isn't he battling it out in our training camp with the other 50 starting safeties this year? I think when bowen goes down this year, Stoutmire or Piroleau turns it up a notch and has a pro-bowl caliber year.

[gortiz]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

1. Philadelphia Eagles 10-6. Until proven otherwise they are the class of the division. McNabb and TO will co-exist, but it will be a bumpy ride. The defense will again be solid, but not as dominant as some key personnel begins to show thier age.

2. Washington Redskins 8-8. Inconsistency on offense will continue to plauge the Redskins. As opposed to 2004 they will win the games they should win by doing just enough to win, but will not be able to beat teams that are of equal or better talent.

3. New York Giants 8-8. Eli Manning starts to establish himself among the top young QB in the game. Paired with a solid receiving corps (Burress, Toomer, Shockey) and a strong running game, they will have to outscore teams to beat them to account for their sorry defense.

4. Dallas Cowboys 7-9. The Drew Bledsoe experiment fails due to a stagnant passing game and pourous line play. The defense is somewhat improved, but not to the level that it can carry the team.

I think this is right on with the exception of the Giants and Cowboys, I'll flip flop that, and say that the Giants will be 6-10 and the Cowboys 8-8. Eli is still raw, and they won't be better than the skins were last year. Parcells has never had two losing seasons in a row - they upgraded, and didn't lose anyone. The Eagles are the Eagles, and as long as Reid AND Mcnabb are there, they will be competitive... I don't think the skins are going to improve much on O, and that breaks my heart! As of today, with how stagnate they still look, and from reports I read this morning from yesterdays practice in "The Examiner" It seems we are moving in the wrong direction. We'll improve, to maybe 18 points a game, less mistakes, penalties and giving up defensive TD's, but thats it. I'm starting to think that Ramsey will not even finish the season. We better find a corner quick, because we could go down the same road the Dallas D went down last year.

[D'BOYZ]

OK I didn't believed I'll find a lot of objectivity in a Skin's fan Forum I enjoyed some of the analysis specially Mattyk72 and PSUSkinsFan21 I think they're both objective and semirealistic offcourse I expect that as a Skin fan you're going to put you're team reaching the playoff because if you don't believe that as a Fan whats the point of looking foward to the season. Some are just to optimistic as saying that the skins are tacking the division that just noit realistic to many holes.

So here's my insight hope you see it in the objective way It's based on acquisitions, reports, paper roaster and team development.

Eagles 10-6: I agree on this 1 the Eagles domination of the NFC East start this season there's 2 many disconfort in their players to keep dominating, they type of managment they have played for teh last 8 years in wich they cut players that are becomming 2 expensive and developing new players is starting to hurt them, the players becasue of the TO downfall has erupt thsi disconfort all the team players are starting to feel under appreciated for their selfinesh toward the team goal, also TO is making division and rivalies between their own group, Their WR corps is poor, if TO plays will hurt them and if he doesn't it will also hurt them maybe less. But they still have a great defense and I still think they will take the division this year just because dallas can't beat them they have their number as easy as that maybe split the series but no way Dallas comes away with both.

Dallas 10-6: I do believe of the Redskins and Dallas, Dallas made the best moves freee agency and draft and have a more consistent and team atmosphere so far they didn't lose any major player trought free agency insted they drop some bad apples (Wiley) and they are a better team that 2 years ago (10-6) season they have a complete RB corp that they haven't had in years (JJ,A-Train,Barber and Thompson wach out for this kid he's fast) their wr corps is back full straignt even thought it's old it can still produce KJ 19 yard shy of 1000 last year they upgraded their OL and the DL it's just Redicusly talented. they got 3 first round talent (maybe 4 Burnett it's developing into a starter) Canty who fel into hte 4th round becasue of injuries is proving every one wrong. And we really improved or secondary wich was our achillies heel we were a 1 dimensional defense no need to run they could find everyone open. Also even thought Bledsoe isn't a top 15 qb it's an upgrade from testaverde and believe me he's pumped he has a lot to prove. Our own demonds are RT and Bledsoe if he does just his job will be ok if not we can say bye bye to the season.

Redskins: 8-8 tops sorry but to many holes and discomfort in this team I don't believe Ramsey is the Guy to many mental mistakes as Carter wasn't the guy for us? The worst flaw of your team is your owner (hey we have our own charecter) but yours hurt you every single year there's almost no continuity in this team you lose mayor players every year Smooth and Pierce to key players lost you downgraded your WR corps Coles for Moss and Gardner traded. You have disgruntled players that don't believe in the coach and systems he's trying to apply (coles, garder and Arrignton) 2 are gone but the last 1 the Core of thsi defese feels betrayed because of a roster bonus and because greg williams is changing his role on the defense. You have a great O-line, Portis is going to show his value this year and have a excellent front seven on the D. But as a told you your secondary is week I still don't understand the draft move to the first round Campbell when everyone belived he was a 2nd round talent and no ones showed real interest before the draft, Taylor even thought has a lot of talent and can be a Pro Bowler he has TO written all over his face asking for a raise after 1 year off the field issues etc... he's going to be a mayor headaches for rivals and teamates. I really don't see parcell comeback in gibbs has been out of the game to long and don't see the same passion sorry I see improvment but you're just there yet and hope your owner stop losing great team and overall players and stops overpaying free agents that are just names and not mayor contributions.Also like the Eagles has domminated us we have domminated you so like I said in the upper explanation I believe Cowboys will take them both or split at best playing the numbers thats all.

Giants 6-10: I'm not sold out on Eli I saw him play in College and never saw anything amasing I just don't believe he has the same talent as his brother and passion for the game I do believe he's in there for the check maybe I'm wrong but I just see a spoiled child, Barber is a verry underated rb Brandon Jacobs seems to be a amayor acquisition OL upgrade LB core Upgrade wr corps upgrade but still 2 young in some areas qb learning curve and not so good Secondary I just don't see it for them yet. and the mayor reason they only win 6 is taht of last year 6 wins Elli only had 1 the last game vs the Boys in a game that didn't count for the boy's

Hope you use it as a analisys ain't trying to trash talk or anything just pointing out an outside view.

[BrudLee]

Originally Posted by D'BOYZ

OK I didn't believed I'll find a lot of objectivity in a Skin's fan Forum I enjoyed some of the analysis specially Mattyk72 and PSUSkinsFan21 I think they're both objective and semirealistic offcourse I expect that as a Skin fan you're going to put you're team reaching the playoff because if you don't believe that as a Fan whats the point of looking foward to the season. Some are just to optimistic as saying that the skins are tacking the division that just noit realistic to many holes.

So here's my insight hope you see it in the objective way It's based on acquisitions, reports, paper roaster and team development.

Eagles 10-6: I agree on this 1 the Eagles domination of the NFC East start this season there's 2 many disconfort in their players to keep dominating, they type of managment they have played for teh last 8 years in wich they cut players that are becomming 2 expensive and developing new players is starting to hurt them, the players becasue of the TO downfall has erupt thsi disconfort all the team players are starting to feel under appreciated for their selfinesh toward the team goal, also TO is making division and rivalies between their own group, Their WR corps is poor, if TO plays will hurt them and if he doesn't it will also hurt them maybe less. But they still have a great defense and I still think they will take the division this year just because dallas can't beat them they have their number as easy as that maybe split the series but no way Dallas comes away with both.

Dallas 10-6: I do believe of the Redskins and Dallas, Dallas made the best moves freee agency and draft and have a more consistent and team atmosphere so far they didn't lose any major player trought free agency insted they drop some bad apples (Wiley) and they are a better team that 2 years ago (10-6) season they have a complete RB corp that they haven't had in years (JJ,A-Train,Barber and Thompson wach out for this kid he's fast) their wr corps is back full straignt even thought it's old it can still produce KJ 19 yard shy of 1000 last year they upgraded their OL and the DL it's just Redicusly talented. they got 3 first round talent (maybe 4 Burnett it's developing into a starter) Canty who fel into hte 4th round becasue of injuries is proving every one wrong. And we really improved or secondary wich was our achillies heel we were a 1 dimensional defense no need to run they could find everyone open. Also even thought Bledsoe isn't a top 15 qb it's an upgrade from testaverde and believe me he's pumped he has a lot to prove. Our own demonds are RT and Bledsoe if he does just his job will be ok if not we can say bye bye to the season.

Redskins: 8-8 tops sorry but to many holes and discomfort in this team I don't believe Ramsey is the Guy to many mental mistakes as Carter wasn't the guy for us? The worst flaw of your team is your owner (hey we have our own charecter) but yours hurt you every single year there's almost no continuity in this team you lose mayor players every year Smooth and Pierce to key players lost you downgraded your WR corps Coles for Moss and Gardner traded. You have disgruntled players that don't believe in the coach and systems he's trying to apply (coles, garder and Arrignton) 2 are gone but the last 1 the Core of thsi defese feels betrayed because of a roster bonus and because greg williams is changing his role on the defense. You have a great O-line, Portis is going to show his value this year and have a excellent front seven on the D. But as a told you your secondary is week I still don't understand the draft move to the first round Campbell when everyone belived he was a 2nd round talent and no ones showed real interest before the draft, Taylor even thought has a lot of talent and can be a Pro Bowler he has TO written all over his face asking for a raise after 1 year off the field issues etc... he's going to be a mayor headaches for rivals and teamates. I really don't see parcell comeback in gibbs has been out of the game to long and don't see the same passion sorry I see improvment but you're just there yet and hope your owner stop losing great team and overall players and stops overpaying free agents that are just names and not mayor contributions.Also like the Eagles has domminated us we have domminated you so like I said in the upper explanation I believe Cowboys will take them both or split at best playing the numbers thats all.

Giants 6-10: I'm not sold out on Eli I saw him play in College and never saw anything amasing I just don't believe he has the same talent as his brother and passion for the game I do believe he's in there for the check maybe I'm wrong but I just see a spoiled child, Barber is a verry underated rb Brandon Jacobs seems to be a amayor acquisition OL upgrade LB core Upgrade wr corps upgrade but still 2 young in some areas qb learning curve and not so good Secondary I just don't see it for them yet. and the mayor reason they only win 6 is taht of last year 6 wins Elli only had 1 the last game vs the Boys in a game that didn't count for the boy's

Hope you use it as a analisys ain't trying to trash talk or anything just pointing out an outside view.

I'll take it as such. I'm aware my own predjudices are built into my analysis, and I think your predjudices are built into yours.

My rule of thumb is that any team that relies on the immediate impact of rookies to succeed is likely to be disappointed. Roethlisberger aside, it's extremely rare that a rookie starter makes enough of a positive impact on a team to make it a contender. By your own admission, you're expecting four rookies to impact the defense alone. That's a lot to ask - especially on a team where the veterans will largely be playing in a new defensive scheme, and won't have the same comfort level they normally would. Add the fact that though Julius Jones performed at a very high level for the 8 games he was healthy, he has never withstood the rigors of a 16 game season, and it would be unrealistic to projected last year's numbers over a 16 game span (394 carries is a little much for a 205 lb back). I'll stick with my number - but it's just my opinion.

[D'BOYZ]

I do agree JJ can't have the same production he had last year with 30+ carries that's why I pointed out the other RB aditions this year remember our back up was eddie "cement feet" Gorge, and how this rb are going to help the running game be more complete also there's a big difference on playing a rookie qb,lb and secondary that a rookie DL, RB, OL and WR those are easier transitions I don't expect all 4 rookies to start from the first game jsut expressing their potential and what has been raved and seen in trainning camp I expect ware to be used some like Terrell Suggs was used in his first year 3rd down and passing downs specialist untill he feel confortable in his positions also burnett will be used in some type of allignments and might be a starter after the 8th game I do believe Spears will be a starter by the second game if he gets back fro mhis injury in time he has the talente and body type to star and has shown alot in camp and canty will be used also in situations taltent wise they can all be starters in any team and they're are just upgrading a DL that has ferguson,glover, and ellis (colman has also shown alot as the left DE) thats it and we have a betteran base cb taht we didnt had years before wich will be translated into alot more passrush. and better cover. Newman, Henry and Glenn have looked dominating so far.