- Heading into last years postseason the 'Boys were maybe the hottest team in the NFL. They finally won a game in December and even won a playoff game for the first time in 12 years. The goal this year is to "go home for the Super Bowl" that takes place in Dallas at Jerry Vision stadium. Dez Bryant should add another toy for Romo to throw to, and a hopefully clean bill of health for Felix Jones should make them dynamic. The defense was vastly improved at the end of the season as Mike Jenkins emerged as a shutdown corner and makes Terrance Newman one of the best second corners in the whole league. Expectations are high in Dallas, and they should be.
2. New York Giants
- Last year was a big disappointment for Big Blue jumping out to a fast start but stumbling down the stretch and missing the playoffs. Eli Manning actually had the best season of his young career statistically, but the running game lost their identity as Brandon Jacobs became a near non-factor. The defense was what let this team down. Losing Kenny Phillips and Osi Umenyiora really hurt last season as the Giants were consistently beat with the deep ball. The G-men addressed this by signing ballhawk Antrel Rolle to go with Kenny Phillips who will return from injury to make an all-U safety position (me likey). Keith Bulluck was also signed to bolster the linebacking core. This will be a very good team that always seems to play best with their back against the wall--with Coughlin under fire again, expect that to happen again and look for Ahmad Bradshaw to emerge as the best Giants back.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
- McNabb? Gone. Insert Kevin Kolb who was very impressive in 2 appearences last season and some spot duty from Mike Vick. DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and LeSean McCoy should combine to be a deadly young speed duo for the Eagles. On defense, Brandon Graham should help the pass rush and by all reports he's looked great in camp. Ernie Sims has been added to the linebacking core and if they can avoid all the injuries they had on defense last season they could contend for the division. But there are a lot of if's and when the majority of those lie at the QB position that could pose problems. The Eagles may still be good enough to make the playoffs but in the toughest division in football it won't be good enough to get the home playoff game.
4. Washington Redskins
- McNabb? He's here. So is Mike Shanahan who even in his first year in Washington should dramatically improve an offense that was horrendous over the last few seasons. I'm not sold that a Portis-Johnson-Parker combination is the answer at running back, but Shanny has made 1,000 yards rushers out of the likes of Olandis Gary and Mike Anderson so he may not need a star. Santana Moss should finally have a good QB throwing him the ball, and Chris Cooley should be back to being a good option as a fantasy tight end. The 'Skins are also switching to a 3-4 defense with or without Albert Haynesworth and DeAngelo Hall and Carlos Rogers is a solid start at the corner spot. The Redskins are building towards something good, with unlimited resources and a great coach in place it may happen sooner than later. Expect a vastly improved team, but not a playoff berth.
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