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NFC
EAST |
| Jim's
Outlook |
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Cyd's
Outlook |
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PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
Outlook: This will be the last season the Eagles will play at
Veterans Stadium, which has the league’s worst field (picture
laying a thin carpet over asphalt and you have the Vet’s surface).
The Eagles are especially glad to be moving. While Philadelphia
won the NFC East and made it to the conference finals, the Eagles
were only 4-4 at home. They will have to do better to hope to get
a crucial bye. This is one of the NFL’s elite teams, led by QB
Donovan McNabb. But I don’t like their running backs or receivers
and think they’ve taken a step back on defense (still not sure why
they let LB Jeremiah Trotter go).
Forecast:
The Iggles win a weak division but go out in the Divisional round. |
1 |
PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
Outlook: Having steadily improved every year
for the last two years, the Eagles are now the team to beat in
the NFL. They now have it all: a tough defense, a
game-winning quarterback, a solid receiving corps and not one,
but two, top running backs. The additions for former
Packers WR Antonio Freeman and RB Dorsey Levens add the depth
and experience this team needed to put them over the top.
Coach Andy Reid is a bear's dream, and is one of the best
coaches in football.
Forecast: 12-4. Barring an injury
to Donovan McNabb, the Eagles are in the Super Bowl. |
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DALLAS
COWBOYS
Outlook: I never
have liked the Cowboys and the HBO behind-the-scenes look at their
training camp only reconfirmed why. The organization looks like
it’s run by a bunch of good-‘ol-boy yahoos, embodying the worst
stereotypes of Texas. Coaches talk about players crapping in their
pants, revel in on-field fights and challenge players to be men by
“fucking up” their opponent. Plus, Jerry Jones’ facelift looks
awful. Yuck. On the field, the ‘Boys have a young, fast defense
that will keep them in games. The quarterbacking is suspect and
the skill players are nothing to be excited about.
Forecast:
8-8 looks about right. |
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DALLAS
COWBOYS
Outlook: The loss of Raghib Ismail for the
season is a devastating blow. Second year quarterback
Quincy Carter is now throwing to Joey Galloway and a bunch of
guys who have never touched the ball. Plus, Emmitt Smith
is simply getting on in years. This team will rely on a
very strong defense to pull them to .500.
Forecast: 8-8. Anything over 6-10
would be an accomplishment - and, given their defense, they can
pull it off. |
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WASHINGTON
REDSKINS
Outlook: Steve
Spurrier brings the fun back to the NFC East. The arrogant,
outspoken coach is just what the league needs. He’ll try and run
up the score and opponents will do the same. In the preseason,
Pittsburgh shut out the 'Skins first-team offense, prompting this
from Steelers linebacker Lee Flowers: "They would've never moved
past the 50 unless we allowed them. I don't see the big deal about
it. I've seen better offenses than that in my eight-year career.
This is not college." At least the Skins will be interesting. The
defense, led by LaVar Arrington and Champ Bailey have a chance to
be special. The offense will be inventive but I can’t see it being
successful with Danny Wuerffel or Shane Mathews (the starter) at
the controls.
Forecast:
Spurrier’s press conference will be more entertaining than his
offense. |
3 |
WASHINGTON
REDSKINS
Outlook: The talk of the NFL again, the
Redskins made some - interesting - moves this offseason.
First, they got "offensive genius" Steve Spurrier to
helm the ship. Then, they got "defensive genius"
Marvin Lewis to run the defense. Then, they went about
reassembling old Gator teams - with WRs Reidel Anthony and
Jaquez Greeen and QBs Shane Matthews and Danny Wuerffel.
With a defense that could shut people down, Spurrier won't have
to score much. But, what will undermine this team is
something that Spurrier has built himself: hatred.
Every team in the League is going to want to bury this team that
is walking, and talking, with a ton of attitude. Look for
an 0-4 start before Spurrier can get his team on track.
Forecast: 7-9. The second half
will look a lot better than the first, setting up for a run in .
. . 2004. |
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NEW YORK GIANTS
Outlook: Jason
Sehorn spent the offseason hosting a History Channel series on
American road trips. Apparently, he was solid doing it, which is
good since his skills at cornerback seem to be eroding. The Giants
have the look of a team on the downslide. The defense will miss
linebacker Jessie Armstead and coordinator John Fox, while the
offense will be as inconsistent as QB Kerry Collins.
Forecast:
This might be the league’s most boring team and one of its most
mediocre. |
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NEW YORK GIANTS
Outlook: This team, like no other team (except
the Texans), have a great shot at being the worst in
football. After finishing 7-9 last year, they lost a slew
of veterans on both the defense (Jessie Armstead, Sam Garnes,
Emmanuel McDaniel) and offense (Lomas Brown, Greg Comella, Joe
Jurevicius). Plus, what has happened to the
"thunder" half of their running game, Ron Dayne?
Forecast: 4-12. Coach Jim Fassel
finally gets the boot. |
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