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.

Are the Eagles Done?

The Eagles are now sitting at two wins and three losses. That's hard to believe considering how well they played in the first two weeks. But a close, heartbreaking loss to the Cowboys, a terrible loss to the Bears, and a Washington victory changed all that. The Eagles look all but alive in the rugged NFC East.

This week's 23-17 loss is just another example of the fact that Eagles NFC empire is crumbling. I have to confess that I didn't watch too much of the game, because the Phillies were playing in a far more important game. I did catch some of it, and it wasn't pretty. The Eagles jumped ahead to a 14-0 lead early in the game, and I thought it was over. The Eagles looked dominant early on. How foolish am I? Expecting the Eagles to hold a commanding lead? Stupid!

Some more bad news has just come out of Eagle Land. Brian Westbrook has two broken ribs. That's the nail in the coffin for me. Westbrook is the only guy who keeps this team in playoff talk, and now he's racking up injuries like traffic tickets.

There needs to be a change. Andy Reid's crap is getting old, and the fact that his team keeps choking in games doesn't help him. Eagles fans either think Reid is a wonderful strategist (there are some crazy people out there) or a bumbling buffoon. I think it's safe to say that more people side with the latter.

Donovan McNabb seems to play worse as the season goes on. I think he has one, maybe two, years left as the starting quarterback. He seems to choke after the first quarter. If he continues to do that, he shouldn't be back next year.

Eagles Face Tough Test This Week

The NFL season is going on? I thought October was for baseball. The Eagles will have a very important game this Sunday against the pesky Washington Redskins. No, this game is not as important as any game the Phillies will play in the near future, but the Eagles are 2-2 and would love to get a divisional win against the 'Skins this season.

Some good news for the Eagles is that Brian Westbrook (above) will most likely play this week. Westbrook participated fully in team workouts today. He will give the Eagles a big lift in this game. If Westbrook would have played last week, the Eagles would have scored when they were in the red zone, and they would have beaten the Bears.

The Redskins are coming off a BIG win over the Cowboys. Jason Campbell looked great, and is clearly maturing each week. The Eagles will have to be careful with him, because he can definitely throw the deep ball.

The Eagles defense has looked very good through the first four games. They are third in the NFL in total defense, and first in rushing D. The young linebackers (Stewart Bradley, Omar Gaither, and Chris Gocong) look like they have been playing together for years. The Eagles D-line has really pressured the passer so far.

The Eagles really have to avoid the stupid mistakes that caused them to lose their last two games. Desean Jackson really has to get his act together. I do think Andy Reid is putting to0 much pressure on him to carry the offense. But who was he going to trust to carry the offense? Westbrook wasn't playing, and I'm not exactly comfortable with Lorenzo Booker being the main playmaker. But it's not like Jackson is dropping passes. He is fumbling the ball and making mental mistakes, and it HAS to stop.

Donovan McNabb really has to avoid throwing interceptions and fumbling the ball on key drives. Sometimes it looks like the Eagles are going to take over the game, but then McNabb throws a pick or coughs up the ball.

My Pick: Eagles 24, Redskins 17