2007-2008 NFL Picks (NFC East)
The Cowboys get the top spot, but it won't be pretty
All of the teams in this division are struggling in some way or another, but the Cowboys will be able to curb their woes better than the others
NFC East:
1) Dallas Cowboys (10-6) - What a train wreck of a division. The only reason that the Cowboys are on top here is the lack of competence in the other three teams. Tony Romo might be the most overrated quarterback in the NFL this side of Ben Roethlisberger, Terry Glenn is injured again, and Terrell Owens is a thorn in everyone's side. There's nothing that Wade Phillips or anyone else can do about that. Cornerback Terrance Newman just went down for the season with an injury and Phillips has been quoted saying that his choice of personnel to fill Newman's spot is not ideal. That being said, the Cowboys are still very talented. Phillips has brought in a new and aggressive defensive scheme that includes a lot of blitzing. Whether that can stop teams has yet to be determined, but it seems like anything that's not in the Bill Parcells mold is ideal in Dallas. The running back duo of Julius Jones and Marion Barber III will be dynamic and tough to stop, and it will open up Romo for some big yardage if they can be successful on the ground. Owens probably won't see the light of day from defenses, which now have just one elite receiver to worry about.
2) New York Giants (9-7) - Here's another team in some trouble. And it starts with Tom Coughlin. Actually, the problem isn't Coughlin, it's that he's coaching in the wrong era. When players didn't have entitlement issues, you could get away will everything that Coughlin does, which includes team rules that some people might call silly. But it hurts the Giants when the players don't buy in, and they haven't with Tom Coughlin. The coach has reportedly tried to soften up a bit during this training camp after discovering the media's loathsome view towards him. We'll see how that goes. If there isn't a dramatic turn around, this might be it for him. As far as football is concerned, the Giants have a talented offense (although aging at tight end and wide receiver) with a fresh start at running back. Brandon Jacobs will take over for Tiki Barber, and the Giants are ready to give Jacobs the complete work load to start the season. Jacobs is just one of several question marks for the Giants, which include injuries to Jeremy Shockey and how well the deteriorating Amani Toomer will perform. And let's not forget Eli Manning, who is in the unfortunate position of being Peyton Manning's little brother. The expectations were always too high for this kid, and they will remain that way until he explodes, which might be sooner rather than later. He is talented, but mentally he's a wreck.
3) Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) - If Donovan McNabb stays healthy, this team could have 10 wins. But that 'if' is way too large to pick the Eagles as a contender for the division. There are also questions about McNabb's ability to win the big game, which are probably bogus considering he's been to the Super Bowl once and the NFC Championship three times. All running backs hit a wall and decline fast, so it's only a matter of time before Brian Westbrook becomes a victim. Philadelphia's defense got a lot younger with the release of Jeremiah Trotter. Andy Reid has some talented young linebackers that he is going to rely on heavily this season, including the inimitable Takeo Spikes. They seem to have a lot of confidence in them, but there's still a long season ahead of them with new responsibility.
4) Washington Redskins (6-10) - It all depends on Jason Campbell. In three starts at the end of last season, Campbell didn't throw an interception. But how he can lead a team as the main guy remains to be seen. He doesn't have an overwhelming supporting cast, either. Clinton Portis is a wild card, and will be splitting carries with Ladell Betts, who is not an overwhelming runner. The coaches have been pleased with the Redskins' defense, and though an improvement is likely after the hideous 2006 season, it probably won't be enough to seriously improve their chances.
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