2009 NFC East Prediction
Here are my predictions for the NFC East in 2009:
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Prediction: 10-6 (Eagles Schedule | Eagles Forum)
The NFC East is the strongest division from top to bottom. Although the signing of Michael Vick may have dominated the headlines, the team made other off-season moves. They traded for left tackle Jason Peters and signed him to a long-term contract. They also drafted LeSean McCoy as Brian Westbrook's future replacement and receiver Jeremy Maclin, who will give Donovan McNabb another playmaker. However, the team still lacks a true No. 1 receiver, but minus the T.O. days, the Eagles may have their best receiving corps in the McNabb era. Then again, that isn't saying much. In such a physical and talented division, the question will be how their defense reacts to the losses of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson (who passed away), LB Stewart Bradley (season-ending injury) and safety Brian Dawkins (who was released).
Strength of Schedule: 2009 opponents had a .535 winning percentage in 2008 (9th)
2008 Playoff Teams on Schedule (5): at Carolina, vs NY Giants, at San Diego, at Atlanta, at NY Giants
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 27 (9.0 per season)
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Prediction: 10-6 (Eagles Schedule | Eagles Forum)
The NFC East is the strongest division from top to bottom. Although the signing of Michael Vick may have dominated the headlines, the team made other off-season moves. They traded for left tackle Jason Peters and signed him to a long-term contract. They also drafted LeSean McCoy as Brian Westbrook's future replacement and receiver Jeremy Maclin, who will give Donovan McNabb another playmaker. However, the team still lacks a true No. 1 receiver, but minus the T.O. days, the Eagles may have their best receiving corps in the McNabb era. Then again, that isn't saying much. In such a physical and talented division, the question will be how their defense reacts to the losses of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson (who passed away), LB Stewart Bradley (season-ending injury) and safety Brian Dawkins (who was released).
Strength of Schedule: 2009 opponents had a .535 winning percentage in 2008 (9th)
2008 Playoff Teams on Schedule (5): at Carolina, vs NY Giants, at San Diego, at Atlanta, at NY Giants
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 27 (9.0 per season)
NEW YORK GIANTS
Prediction: 10-6 (Giants Schedule | Giants Forum)
The Giants signed Eli Manning to a contract extension making their franchise quarterback the highest-paid player in the league. While he may not deserve the amount of the contract or put up gaudy passing statistics, he has done what a franchise QB is expected to do -- win football games. The Giants drafted receivers Hakeem Nicks (first round) and Ramses Barden (third round) in this year's draft and they are hoping that Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Domenik Hixon can step up this year. Manning has struggled without Plaxico Burress and one (or the group) of their receivers will need to take a more prominent role in the offense. The strengths of the team (offensive line, defensive line, running game) will allow the Giants to push the Eagles for the division title.
Strength of Schedule: 2009 opponents had a .527 winning percentage in 2008 (10th)
2008 Playoff Teams on Schedule (7): vs Arizona, at Philadelphia, vs San Diego, vs Atlanta, vs Philadelphia, vs Carolina, at Minnesota
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 30 (10.0 per season)
DALLAS COWBOYS
Prediction: 9-7 (Cowboys Schedule | Cowboys Forum)
Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones had always said that chemistry is overrated. However, the 'Boys made several off-season, addition-by-subtraction moves that should improve the team's chemistry. Specifically, Terrell Owens, Pacman Jones and Tank Johnson are no longer on the roster. Wade Phillips, who's unlikely to return as head coach in 2010, will take over defensive coordinator responsibilities. The defense should be solid again in 2009. The biggest questions are (1) can Roy Williams step up as a true No. 1 receiver with T.O. in Buffalo and (2) can Tony Romo lead the team in December and January. In order to truly make the offense "Romo-friendly," the Cowboys need to run, run, run with their three-headed rushing attack of Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. If they rely on their rushing game (and use the passing game as a chance of pace) and defense, they might be able to win more than the seven games predicted by Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith.
Strength of Schedule: 2009 opponents had a .516 winning percentage in 2008 (T11th)
2008 Playoff Teams on Schedule (7): vs NY Giants, vs Carolina, vs Atlanta, at Philadelphia, at NY Giants, vs San Diego, vs Philadelphia
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 31 (10.3 per season)
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Prediction: 7-9 (Redskins Schedule | Redskins Forum)
The Redskins are the worst team in the NFL's toughest division. In several other divisions, they would be good enough to finish second. They added the $100-million man in Albert Haynesworth to a defense that was solid before him. The biggest question mark is how QB Jason Campbell responds to the off-season rumors that circulated about Washington going after other QBs. They were involved in the Jay Cutler trade sweepstakes with Denver and then reportedly tried to move up in the first round of the draft to get a chance to take Mark Sanchez.
Strength of Schedule: 2009 opponents had a .492 winning percentage in 2008 (16th)
2008 Playoff Teams on Schedule (7): at NY Giants, at Carolina, vs Philadelphia, at Atlanta, at Philadelphia, vs NY Giants, at San Diego
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 22 (7.3 per season)
Prediction: 10-6 (Giants Schedule | Giants Forum)
The Giants signed Eli Manning to a contract extension making their franchise quarterback the highest-paid player in the league. While he may not deserve the amount of the contract or put up gaudy passing statistics, he has done what a franchise QB is expected to do -- win football games. The Giants drafted receivers Hakeem Nicks (first round) and Ramses Barden (third round) in this year's draft and they are hoping that Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Domenik Hixon can step up this year. Manning has struggled without Plaxico Burress and one (or the group) of their receivers will need to take a more prominent role in the offense. The strengths of the team (offensive line, defensive line, running game) will allow the Giants to push the Eagles for the division title.
Strength of Schedule: 2009 opponents had a .527 winning percentage in 2008 (10th)
2008 Playoff Teams on Schedule (7): vs Arizona, at Philadelphia, vs San Diego, vs Atlanta, vs Philadelphia, vs Carolina, at Minnesota
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 30 (10.0 per season)
DALLAS COWBOYS
Prediction: 9-7 (Cowboys Schedule | Cowboys Forum)
Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones had always said that chemistry is overrated. However, the 'Boys made several off-season, addition-by-subtraction moves that should improve the team's chemistry. Specifically, Terrell Owens, Pacman Jones and Tank Johnson are no longer on the roster. Wade Phillips, who's unlikely to return as head coach in 2010, will take over defensive coordinator responsibilities. The defense should be solid again in 2009. The biggest questions are (1) can Roy Williams step up as a true No. 1 receiver with T.O. in Buffalo and (2) can Tony Romo lead the team in December and January. In order to truly make the offense "Romo-friendly," the Cowboys need to run, run, run with their three-headed rushing attack of Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. If they rely on their rushing game (and use the passing game as a chance of pace) and defense, they might be able to win more than the seven games predicted by Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith.
Strength of Schedule: 2009 opponents had a .516 winning percentage in 2008 (T11th)
2008 Playoff Teams on Schedule (7): vs NY Giants, vs Carolina, vs Atlanta, at Philadelphia, at NY Giants, vs San Diego, vs Philadelphia
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 31 (10.3 per season)
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Prediction: 7-9 (Redskins Schedule | Redskins Forum)
The Redskins are the worst team in the NFL's toughest division. In several other divisions, they would be good enough to finish second. They added the $100-million man in Albert Haynesworth to a defense that was solid before him. The biggest question mark is how QB Jason Campbell responds to the off-season rumors that circulated about Washington going after other QBs. They were involved in the Jay Cutler trade sweepstakes with Denver and then reportedly tried to move up in the first round of the draft to get a chance to take Mark Sanchez.
Strength of Schedule: 2009 opponents had a .492 winning percentage in 2008 (16th)
2008 Playoff Teams on Schedule (7): at NY Giants, at Carolina, vs Philadelphia, at Atlanta, at Philadelphia, vs NY Giants, at San Diego
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 22 (7.3 per season)
