Mike's NFL Preview: NFC East

Suntan Superman

WC's Resident Samoan

Part 2 of 8

1. Dallas Cowboys
Key Additions:
OG Leonard Davis(ARI)
SS Ken Hamlin(SEA)
QB Brad Johnson(MIN)
DE Anthony Spencer(1st)
Key Losses:
QB Drew Bledsoe(Retired)
DE Kenyon Coleman(NYJ)
RG Marco Rivera(Retired)
LB Al Singleton(Cut)

The Cowboys who haven't won a playoff game since '96 have all signs pointing ahead this year. The Free Safety position has been a revolving door since Darren Woodson had his back injury in 2004, Ken Hamlin should be a decent 1 year fix. Tony Romo took the league by storm in his first six games going 5-1, however all skeptics have to do is point to the end of last year and his 1-4 record. Skeptics have one more thing to point at, Wade Phillips, the Cowboys won't call him it, but the whole world knows he's a lame duck coach. They hired Jason Garrett(former QB) as the Offensive Coordinator BEFORE they hired Wade Phillips. And yes, I just did a synopsis of the Cowboys without mentioning he-who-shall-remain-unnamed.

2. Philadelphia Eagles
Key Additions:
WR Kevin Curtis(STL)
QB Kelly Holcomb(BUF)
WR Bethel Johnson(MIN)
DT Montae Reagor(IND)
DT Ian Scott(CHI)
LB Takeo Spikes(BUF)
QB Kevin Kolb(1st)
Key Losses:
QB Jeff Garcia(TB)
LB Dhani Jones(Cut)
SS Michael Lewis(SF)
DT Sam Rayburn(Cut)
WR Donte' Stallworth(NE)
DT Darwin Walker(BUF-CHI)


Two Years ago, I would've said their success depends on Donovan McNabb, not any longer. HB Brian Westbrook proved he is MORE than capable of carrying the load and WR Reggie Brown emerged as a true #1 WR last year. Hopefully with the addition of Takeo Spikes the Defense will be better than the lack-luster 15th it finished last year. The loss of SS Michael Lewis hurts, a lot. Brodrick Bunkley wasn't quite the run-stuffing DT they had hoped for right away but he should be fine. Sean Considine will try to pick up where Lewis left off.


3. Washington Redskins
Key Additions:
LB London Fletcher-Baker(BUF)
CB David Macklin(ARI)
CB Fred Smoot(MIN)
SS Omar Stoutmire(NO)
FS LaRon Landry(1st)
Key Losses:
SS Adam Archuleta(CHI)
OG Derrick Dockery(BUF)
PK John Hall(Cut)
FS Troy Vincent(cut)


If it's one thing Daniel Snyder has proven over the past few years, he knows nothing of football. The Redskins who's pass defense was about as effective as an Umbrella with holes in it register 19 sacks 19! Are you kidding me? So you figure ok, they'll go out and sign a big free agent this off-season Redskin style. Look at the Additions, how many DE's or DT's are there? Here I'll let you count again...... None. How do they possibly hope on getting better if they make no improvements. One high note, Ladell Betts finished last year with 1,154 yards rushed for 100+ yards in 5 of the last 6 games. Betts is a better fit for Gibbs' style and may see a few more carries this year, but Portis will still be the feature back.


4. New York Giants
Key Additions:
RB Reuben Droughns(CLE)
LB Kawika Mitchell(KC)
QB Anthony Wright(CIN)
CB Aaron Ross(1st)
WR Steve Smith(2nd)
Key Losses:
LB LaVar Arrington(cut)
RB Tiki Barber(Retired)
WR Tim Carter(CLE)
LB Carlos Emmons(Cut)
PK Jay Feely(MIA)
LT Luke Petitgout(TB)
LB Brandon Short


The Giants are a mess. Mathias Kiwanuka, last years top pick was going to move to SLB, but it looks like they're going to need him at DE unless Justin Tuck takes the place of Strahan. If there is one coach on a tremendous hot seat it's Tom Coughlin. Brandon Jacobs takes over at RB which causes some concern as he had some fumble trouble last year. Eli Manning, where he isn't really a bust, has proven he is nowhere near worth what the Giants gave up for him. This could be a bad year for the G-Men and could be looking at the top of the draft the entire year.


I'll try to do one a day...

Slimdust

Good read mike. I agree with what you said.

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