With a few short weeks until the NFL season begins, predictions have already been made as to which teams will prosper or fail during the season. Here are the predictions for the NFC East:
1 . Dallas Cowboys
After clinching the division last year and winning a playoff for the first time in more than a decade, the Dallas Cowboys have emerged as the sexy pick in the NFC to reach Super Bowl XLV. Emerging star Miles Austin returns as the team's number one wide receiver alongside Roy Williams and first round draft pick Dez Bryant from Oklahoma State. Dallas is relying on Felix Jones to be a starting running back as he enters his sophomore year with Marion Barber coming in as backup. Dallas enters the season stacked on both sides of the ball, along with a talented special teams unit. Their biggest opponent this year will be themselves as they battle egos and try to satisfy their eccentric and very demanding owner Jerry Jones.
Prediction: 12-4 (Division Winners)
2 . Washington Redskins
After suffering a disastrous 4-12 season with one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, the Washington Redskins decided to clean house for 2010. The Redskins acquired Donovan McNabb, from the Philadelphia Eagles, and signed head coach Mike Shanahan. After a drama-filled summer centered on defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and his conditioning tests, expectations are high in Redskins Nation. The defense will be looking to force more turnovers and put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks in their new 3-4 defensive scheme. The Redskins are going into the season looking impressive on paper, as in previous years. In order for them to be successful, they must click on both sides of the football and avoid injuries.
Prediction: 10-6 (Wild Card Berth)
3 . New York Giants
The New York Giants started off hot last year winning their first five games, but their hot streak cooled down as they finished their last 11 games 3-8, resulting in a .500 record. Ranking 15th in passing defense last year, the Giants boosted their secondary by acquiring safeties Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant. Another key move was the firing of defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan and replacing him with Perry Fewell from the Buffalo Bills. Up and coming wide receivers Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks are both returning healthy with Eli Manning under center, who is becoming one of the NFL's best signal callers. Without a doubt the Giants are very talented on offense, but its up to their defense to dictate how well they play this year.
Prediction: 9-7 (Miss Playoffs)
4 . Philadelphia Eagles
After 11 years in Philadelphia, one Super Bowl berth, and five NFC championship games, the McNabb era finally came to a close as the Eagles handed over their franchise to young signal caller Kevin Kolb. The Eagles are obviously building their team through youth, cutting Brian Westbrook and placing LeSean McCoy in a starting role. Multidimensional talent Desean Jackson returns after a great year catching and returning kicks. Philadelphia fans may face a letdown this year, with an inexperienced quarterback under center offering potential headaches. Philadelphia has a lot of young talent that can win in the future. But with a very tough schedule, youth will come back to bite them in the end. Maybe after this season Philadelphia fans will appreciate all that McNabb has done for the franchise.
Prediction: 6-10 (Miss Playoffs)
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