2011 NFC East Preview & Predictions

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles have clearly made the biggest splash this off-season, signing shut down cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha along with countless others. The self-proclaimed ”dream team” has a ton of talent and an abundance of weapons on offense as well as a trio of top-level corners. The Eagles are all in for the Super Bowl, and it looks like they’ll be one of the favorites going into the season.

Key Arrivals – Nnamdi Asomugha, Cullen Jenkins, Ryan Harris, Vince Young, DRC, Jason Babin, Ronnie Brown, Steve Smith

Key Departures – Brodrick Bunkley, David Akers, Stewart Bradley, Quintin Mikell, Ernie Sims, Sav Rocca

Prediction – 12-4/First in NFC East

New York Giants

The Giants’ cap constraints forced them to release two stalwarts on the offensive line and ultimately led to the departures of starting tight-end Kevin Boss and starting defensive tackle Barry Cofield. Throw in the disgruntled Osi Umenyiora and his contract dispute and you have a team that looks to be behind the proverbial eight-ball. With all that being said, I think the G-Men’s top 5 defense and above average running game will lead to double-digit wins in the end.

Key Arrivals – Prince Amukamara, David Baas, Gabe Watson, Ben Patrick, Steve Weatherford, Marvin Austin

Key Departures – Rich Seubert, Shaun O’Hara, Kevin Boss, Madison Hedgecock, Barry Cofield, Steve Smith

Prediction – 10-6/Second in NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys had a very quiet off-season in terms of free agent signings, but new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan might be one of the best additions in all the NFL. Ryan brings a tenacity to the Cowboys’ defense that was lacking under former head coach/coordinator Wade Phillips. Head coach Jason Garrett is an offensive genius and had the ‘Boys playing well down the stretch last season. A healthy Tony Romo also provides playmaking ability at the QB position. The Cowboys will be better this year, but I just can’t trust their secondary and thus don’t think they will be a factor in the post-season.

Key Arrivals – Abram Elam, Tyron Smith

Key Departures – Roy Williams, Marion Barber, Leonard Davis, Stephen Bowen, Marc Colombo

Prediction – 9-7/Third in NFC East

Washington Redskins

Mike Shanahan’s power trip has completely dismantled what was a pretty talented Redskins team. The losses of Haynesworth and Rogers will definitely hurt the defense. The inexperienced John Beck will presumably be under center, which doesn’t bode well for Redskins fans. I look for the Redskins to be one of the bottom-feeders in the league this season and will definitely be looking up at the other 3 teams in the NFC East.

Key Arrivals – Tim Hightower, Ryan Kerrigan, Kellen Clemens, Dante’ Stallworth, Barry Cofield, Stephen Bowen, Sav Rocca, Jabar Gaffney

Key Departures – Vonnie Holliday, Macho Harris, Derrick Dockery, Carlos Rogers, Albert Haynesworth, Andre Carter

Prediction – 4-12/Last in NFC East

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