NFC East Preview: Eagles Should Rise

It’s been an amazing streak in the NFC East—one without a repeat champion since the Eagles won four straight titles from 2001-2004. The past 19 years, a different team has won it each year.
This streak should stay intact because the Dallas Cowboys are the defending NFC East champions, but the Eagles are clearly the team to beat. Here is a look at how we feel the NFC East will end and our predicted order of finish:

1. Philadelphia Eagles
Last year: 11-6 (2nd in the NFC East; lost wild card playoff game, 32-9 to Tampa Bay).
Key additions: CB Quinyon Mitchell (first round pick from Toledo); DE Bryce Huff (10 sacks with the NY Jets), SS CJ Garder Johnson (17 tackles, 1 INT in three games for Detroit)  LB Devin White (83 tackles for Tampa Bay) WR Jahan Dotson (49 receptions, 518 yards, 4 TDs for Washington), RB Saquon Barkley (962 yards rushing, 3.9 avg. 6 TDs for the NY Giants); RG Mekhi Becton (from NY Jets).
Key to the season: The play of Jalen Hurts. While Hurts never complained, he was not 100 percent last season due to a knee issue. Hurts appears to have regained his burst according to training camp reports. With so many weapons, including a top receiving tandem of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, Hurts won’t have to do it all. He just has to get the ball to his playmakers. 

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In addition, the Eagles will have to get a pass rush. With the departure of Haason Reddick, the Eagles’ may not have one of the league leaders in sacks, but must get sacks from several players. 
Outlook: The Eagles are clearly the class of the NFC East. Last year they suffered from poor coaching but bringing in offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, should make a world of difference. 

2. Dallas Cowboys
Last year: 12-5 (1st in NFC East; lost wild card game, 48-32 to the Green Bay Packers).
Key additions: OT Tyler Guyton (1st round pick from Oklahoma), LB Eric Kendricks (117 tackles with LA Chargers), RB Ezekiel Elliott (642 yards rushing, 3.5 avg., 3 TDS for New England).
Key to the season: Dak Prescott. He is a quarterback good enough to lead the team to the playoffs, but his postseason resume is lacking. He is 2-5 in the postseason. Prescott doesn’t necessarily elevate the play of others. He needs plenty of playmakers. After a long holdout, the Cowboys have signed receiver CeeDee Lamb, which is the first good news out of training camp.
Outlook: Dallas should be a playoff team, however there is very little depth on both sides of the ball and a few key injuries will really hurt. Business-wise, this is a well-run franchise, but football wise, owner Jerry Jones has run the team into the ground and while this could be a playoff team, it would likely again have a quick exit. 

 

3. Washington Commanders
Last year: 4-13 (fourth in the NFC East)
Key additions: Head coach Dan Quinn, QB Jayden Daniels (Heisman Trophy winner from LSU), WR Luke McCaffery (3rd round pick from Rice); TE Zach Ertz (27 receptions, 187 yards, 1 TD for Arizona), C Tyler Biadasz (from Dallas), LG Nick Allegretti (from Kansas City), WR Olamide Zaccheaus (10 receptions, 164 yards, 2 TDs with the Eagles). LB Bobby Wagner (183 tackles for Seattle), S Jeremy Chinn (30 tackles for Carolina), CB Mike Sainristil (2nd round pick from Michigan).
Key to the season: The development of both Daniels and the offensive line. Daniels is a true dual threat, but he can’t be running for his life the way previous Commanders QB have had to do. Daniels has a chance to be a special player, but he will need a lot of help. The receiving corps, other than Terry McLauren is questionable and a player such as speedster Dyami Brown, will have to develop. 
Outlook: This could be the most improved team in the NFC East. While some may suggest the Commanders could be an outside playoff contender, an 8-9 record seems more realistic. 

 

4. New York Giants
Last year: 6-11 (third in the NFC East)
Key additions: RB Devin Singletary (898 yards rushing, 4.2 avg., 4 TDs), QB Drew Lock (543 yards passing, 3 TDs, 3 INT with Seattle), WR Malik Nabers (1st round pick from LSU), LG Jon Runyan (from Green Bay), OG Jermaine Eluemunor (from the Las Vegas Raiders), DE Brian Burns (50 tackles, 8 sacks with Carolina), CB Dru Phillips (3rd round pick from Kentucky), 
Key to the season: Consistency of Daniel Jones at QB. Jones was limited to six games last season due to injury, but in his five years he has thrown for 62 TD passes and 40 interceptions, not a great ratio. The offensive line, must also show significant improvement.
Outlook: Nabers could be a Rookie of the Year candidate, and the Giants will have to get him the ball often to be competitive on offense. This team appears to have too many holes on both sides of the ball to have a winning record. 

Next Week: A look at the Eagles, strengths, weaknesses and season win total prediction.