2008 NFC East Best/Worst Scenarios
East Division Could Represent the NFC in the Superbowl…Again
It could be a dogfight (not a Vick dogfight) to determine the East champion in 2008. Here’s a look at the NFC East best/worst case scenarios and predicted order of how this division stacks up.
1) Dallas Cowboys
Best Case Scenarios
- Reinstated cornerback Adam Jones returns to shut down opposing receivers.
- Receiver Patrick Crayton steps in nicely for departed Terry Glenn.
- Quarterback Tony Romo continues to play at a MVP level.
- The addition of middle linebacker Zach Thomas makes defense even tougher (3rd overall in ’07).
- Running backs Marion Barber and rookie Felix Jones combine for dynamite one two punch.
Worst Case Scenarios
- Terrell Owens returns to his prima donna ways and disrupts team chemistry.
- The offense disappears as it did at the end of ’07 and the playoffs.
- Zach Thomas can’t stay healthy leaving a hole in the middle of the field for tight ends to exploit.
- Patrick Crayton can’t produce consistently.
2008 Cowboys Prediction
The Cowboys should win the division outright. They have a soft schedule so thirteen wins as in ‘07 should repeat in 2008. If all cylinders are running the Cowboys will be the class of the NFC. Getting through the playoff meltdowns of Romo is another story.
2) Washington Redskins
Best Case Scenarios
- New west coast offense makes quarterback Jason Campbell even better. Campbell controlled the west coast at Auburn where he went 13-0.
- Clinton Portis stays healthy and continues running over opponents; and scoring touchdowns (11 in ‘07).
- Receivers Antwaan Randle El and Santana Moss combine for more than the four touchdowns of ‘07.
- Defensive end Jason Taylor makes an already stout defense even better.
Worst Case Scenarios
- Portis doesn’t stay healthy allowing defenses to queue on Campbell forcing turnovers.
- Anymore injuries to the defensive line could doom defense.
- Jason Campbell fails to fully mature as a NFL quarterback.
2008 Redskins Prediction
Campbell should shine in new coach Jim Zorn’s offense, making Portis’ workload lighter. With Portis having less on his shoulders and healthy the offense should run smoothly. The defense should remain strong, if not stronger with the arrival of Taylor. The ‘Skins went 9-7 in 2007, look for ten or eleven wins in 2008.
3) New York Giants
Best Case Scenarios
- Michael Strahan comes out of retirement.
- Eli Manning can perform as sharp as he did in the playoffs last year.
- Bruising running back Brandon Jacobs continues to pound defenses.
- Tight end Kevin Boss plays at a Jeremy Shockey level.
Worst Case Scenarios
- Manning remains inconsistent.
- Another injury to the defense could prove fatal.
- Cornerback Sam Madison’s age starts to show and he can’t defend opposing receivers.
- Brandon Jacobs get hurt leaving a huge void at running back.
2008 Giants Prediction
When Strahan retired it left a void on a great defensive line. Justin Tuck stepped on to fill that void. Now that end Osi is out for the year with an injury who fills that role? The defense lost two of it’s leaders and most productive players. The D-line was the strength of last season’s Superbowl team. In 2008 it may be it’s weakness…go figure. If Eli can’t stay consistent it will be a long season for the G-men. Look for eight, maybe nine wins in 2008.
4) Philadelphia Eagles
Best Case Scenarios
- Quarterback Donovan McNabb stays healthy and again leads offense as only McNabb can.
- Rookie receiver DeSean Jackson is the electrifying player the Eagles think he is.
- Running back Brian Westbrook finally plays a full season and continues to put up big numbers.
- Asante Samuel and other cornerbacks don’t allow opposing offenses any pass completions that hurt.
Worse Case Scenarios
- McNabb can’t maintain health putting team in jeopardy.
- Westbrook also can’t stay injury free.
- DeSean Jackson turns out to be a over glorified kick returner.
- The defense fails to get the job done versus the run or pass.
2008 Eagles Prediction
The Eagles improved their 18th ranked pass defense by signing Asante Samuel but didn’t do much else on defense. If McNabb can stay healthy along with Westbrook, putting points on the board won’t be a problem. On defense it will be up to them how far Philly goes in 2008. If everyone is healthy the Eagles challenge for a playoff spot. If not, look for another 8-8 or worse season andthe possible departure of McNabb. Chicago could use a hometown QB.
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