NFC East Preview

This is my first NFL divisional preview for 2009. I will list each team, based on my prediction for how they'll finish. I'll list their 2008 record, my projected record for 2009, and my take on each team. Here it is (teams in bold are teams I predict to make the playoffs):

1. New York Giants

2008 record: 12-4

My 2009 projected record: 12-4

My take: The Giants are a complete team, and only getting better. I believe they will duplicate their 2008 season this year. While their secondary is a little suspect, their defense line won't give the quarterback anytime to throw. D-ends Justin Tuck (12 sacks in 2008) and Osi Umenyiora (13 in '07) will give the quarterback heck.

Now to the offense. Eli Manning, while inconsistent, is one of the league's better QBs. Brandon Jacobs is an absolute wrecking ball, and Bradshaw is a good #2. While the wide receivers are young and inexperience, they are also talented. I think Steve Smith is going to have a breakout year.

Overall, the Giants should win the NFC East and go deep into the playoffs, baring any injuries.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

2008 record: 9-6-1

My 2009 projected record: 10-6

My take: The Eagles barely squeezed into the playoffs last year, but I think the team will do about the same as they did last year. While some have aged (McNabb, Westbrook), some have matured (DeSean Jackson, Akeem Jordan).

The Eagles offensive line has been the worry for all Eagle fans heading into the season. They are all talented players on that line, and they'll eventually pull it together. I think Brian Westbrook will decline as much as people are saying. He can be effective as a rusher, and receiver, if he can stay healthy, which I kind of have to assume.

The defense, I am worried about. If they had the kind of defense they had 5 years ago, this would be a Super Bowl team. But their defense had looked bad in the preseason and they are unproven. There are several game-breakers on the unit though. Trent Cole and Asante Samuel can change the game with their ability.

3. Dallas Cowboys

2008 record: 9-7

My 2009 projected record: 9-7

My take: The Cowboys again missed the playoffs, and I don't see any reason why they should make it this year. They lost their best wide out, Terrell Owens, and Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton don't really inspire confidence. The Cowboys collapse late season, and Romo has not done well under pressure.

The Cowboys defense is always good and I expect no change this year. Their defense is stingier than most. They have many playmakers on the defense side of the ball, but I think their schedule is the reason why they will miss the playoffs. The NFC East is an extremely tough division and they also have games against Seattle, Atlanta, and San Diego.

4. Washington Redskins

2008 record: 8-8

My 2009 projected record: 7-9

My take: The Redskins would finish 2nd in most divisions but not the tough East. Their only real improvement was signing monster tackle Albert Haynesworth. While he is a big man, on player can't make all the difference. Their defense is pretty good, but the offense lacks consistency.

When their offense is good, the Redskins look like a playoff team. When it isn't, they look like an average team with a good defense. Jason Campbell, while improving, is still the worst starting QB in the NFC East. Clinton Portis is a beast, but how much will he deteriorate with age, running in his usual physical style.

Bring On Arizona!

The Eagles are heading back to the NFC Championship game after their 23-11 win over the division-rival New York Giants at the Meadowlands. If you remember I picked the Eagles to win 24-14 prior to the game. My prediction came dangerously close.

The Eagles played very well earlier this afternoon. Well, let's say their defense played very well. Asante Samuel came up with a big pick that led to the game's first touchdown. Samuel has been worth every penny the Eagles gave him. He consistently comes up with clutch interceptions.

Donovan McNabb played alright in this game. He makes some good throws and he makes some throws that make you scratch your head. As long as he can score enough points, the defense will hold the other team. That's one of the things I have learned about the Eagles in their two playoff games.

The Eagles will now have a shot to go to their third Super Bowl in team history if they can just beat the Arizona Cardinals in the desert. They killed the Cardinals 48-20 on Thanksgiving Day earlier this season. So why can't they do it again? I have a feeling it won't be as easy as last time. It's always harder in the playoffs (just ask the New England Patriots). Even without their star wideout Anquan Boldin, the Cardinals will still be tough to beat.

Reminder: McNabb is 1-4 in NFC Championship games. But, hey, that's better than not getting that far at all. McNabb has had great games against the Cards in that past, but that's mostly because they stunk.

These Eagles may be ones destined to win the Super Bowl. They have no pressure on them. Most Eagles fans still can't believe their in the playoffs. That's why they are playing so well. Did you see McNabb pick up the phone on the Giant sideline? He calm, cool, and collected on the field. He is having fun and enjoying the moment. He used to get nervous in the big games (cough, puking incident, cough). He knows this may be his last chance. Not just his last chance, maybe team leaders Brain Dawkins and Jon Runyan's last chance to. They want to make the most of it.

Go Eagles!

Tomorrow afternoon the Philadelphia Eagles will face off against the defending champions New York Giants in the second round of the NFL Playoffs. Now you obviously know who I think will win. Tomorrow will be a tough game for both teams. It will be a low-scoring, defensive game where no team pulls away until maybe the end. I will compare several aspects of the way these teams play the game:

The Running Game
The Giants running game is one of the best in the league. Brandon Jacobs is an absolute Juggernaut when running it up the gut. He defies logic. He is bigger than a defensive end and can run just as fast as any other running back. Jacobs is coming back from an injury. An important note is that the Giants beat the Eagles in the first game they played with Jacobs but the Eagles beat the Giants late in the season when they were without him. Reliable backups Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw will come in to relieve Jacobs.

The Eagles also have a very good rushing attack, too bad their coach doesn't know that. Brain Westbrook is one of the versatile players in the entire league. He can run up the middle. He can use his speed to get outside. He can line up as a receiver. But his specialty is a screen pass, which he is liable to break open for 30-plus yards. All you have to do is give him space.

Slight Edge to the Giants (mostly because Andy Reid doesn't believe in running the ball)

The Passing Game
Both of these teams can throw the ball well (let's use that term loosely). Giants quarterback Eli Manning can throw well when he has time. But when he doesn't have time, he will sputter like a deer in the headlights. I will guarantee it. The Giants miss Plaxico Burress, even though they won't admit it. He was their red zone target because of his size.

Donovan McNabb can be a good quarterback. It really depends on how he starts off the game. If he leads the Eagles to a touchdown on the first drive, he'll probably have a good game. Now if he throws an interception on the first drive, the receivers will be getting the ball at their feet for the rest of the game. Wide out Jason Avant has been clutch on third downs this season.

Edge: Even

Defense

Edge: Eagles

Special Teams

Edge: Eagles

Predicted Score: 24-14, Eagles advance to NFC Championship