The NFC East got turned on its ear last season as the once cellar-dwelling Redskins rose to power to and snatched the crown from the New York Giants.
With Robert Griffin III nursing another knee injury, could the NFC East champs stay on top?
Here’s a preview of how things may shape up by the end of the season in the NFC East.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS OUTLOOK: FOURTH IN THE NFC EAST
It’s no secret the Redskins success hinges on the health of Robert Griffin III’s knees, and right now, they’re not looking so good.
RG3 recently underwent his second ACL surgery on his right knee and third overall.
Yikes!
With a quarterback hobbled by injuries, a secondary that ranked nearly dead last in passing defense last season, and a serious lack of talent in the receiving core, Washington’s fall from the top will be quick and painful for a franchise that just got back to competing.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES OUTLOOK: THIRD IN THE NFC EAST
The Eagles will be a very interesting team in 2013, as their new coach, Chip Kelly, will attempt to try out his widely publicized college offense at the pro level.
One analyst, Ron Jaworski, is skeptical about Kelly’s offense translating onto the NFL stage, and with turnover machine Michael Vick at the helm, things will definitely be more of trial and error than crisp execution.
A new system is hard to implement on an offense full of veterans, so the 2013 season won’t be filled with much other than a few highlight reels for the birds.
DALLAS COWBOYS OUTLOOK: SECOND IN THE NFC EAST
The Cowboys have all the pieces, and after the missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season, everyone is going to be held accountable this year.
Tony Romo passed for nearly 5,000 yards, Dez Bryant reeled in 1,300 receiving yards, and DeMarco Murray has shown he can be a top rusher in the NFL.
So what’s keeping Big D from succeeding?
While Dallas ranked 19th in total defense last season, the only thing really standing in the way of the Cowboys is the Cowboys, as they have been their own worst enemy for the better part of the last decade.
If they can cut down on the turnovers and improve on their giveaway/takeaway numbers, (they finished -13 last season), Dallas can be a serious contender for not only the NFC crown, but a Super Bowl title as well.
NEW YORK GIANTS OUTLOOK: FIRST IN THE NFC EAST
Call me a homer, but the Giants have the best team in the NFC East with all factors considered.
They are healthier than the Redskins at key potions, upgraded their offensive and defensive lines through the draft, and still have one of the best quarterbacks going in the NFL, regardless of what Chris Canty thinks.
Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz (assuming he’s back) make up one of the deadliest receiving duo’s in the league. New York also picked up tight end Brandon Myers to replace Martellus Bennett, which should give New York more stability at the position.
The Giants still has a poor secondary, but if the G-Men can get to the quarterback like have in the past, those opposing wide outs won’t have time to get down the field if their quarterback is running for his life.