NFC East Preview

The NFC East hasn’t had a repeat champion in 20 years. No, that’s not a typo. Not since the Donovan McNabb/T.O. Eagles of 2004 has a team won the division two straight seasons.

While not all division champs have been created equal, the interchangeable nature of this division, along with the tradition and history of these storied franchises, puts this division towards the top of the must-watch games list every season. This season, like others in the past, may be a bit underwhelming.

Dallas Cowboys

I’ve finally figured out why the Cowboys are America’s team. Nobody is talked about as much as the Cowboys. Nobody is hated as much. Nobody moves the needle as much, all while creating false hope that things will be different despite nothing changing. The Cowboys are America. And while most international countries roll their eyes when our country is even mentioned nonetheless proclaimed as the greatest (not a political blog), so do NFL fans with the Cowboys.

SportsCenter in June is talking about Dak’s expectations next season. Every other First Take segment is Cowboys-related, with Southern Steve pulling out his pipe and hyena laugh when the question if they’re closer to Super Bowl or missing the playoffs is brought up for the third straight week. I love the NFL but hate this team, and it has nothing to do with the guys in their uniform.

But if we’re talking about the guys in uniform, let’s mention that Ezekiel Elliott is their RB1. Lol. That their third through sixth receivers are guys even Bill Barnwell’s never heard of. That they were the least active club in the league in free agency, despite losing several key pieces on both sides of the ball. And let’s not forgot Dak, the most analyzed player in sports. He’s good not great. That’s my take. If you want more depth opinions on Dak watch TV, I’m sick of listening to people talk about him.

I don’t see this team being as dominant as last year. I don’t expect their boom or bust defense to create as many booms. I don’t expect Zeke to be even what Tony Pollard was last year. So it’s no surprise I don’t expect them to win the division. Record: 10-7

New York Giants

Let’s try to stay positive with the G-men. The front four is no joke, adding Brian Burns to Sexy Dexy and Kayvon Thibodeaux to form one of the scarier units in the league.

Ok, positivity over.

The rest of this team is ass to put it lightly. The only bright spot on offense they’ve had in years took I95 to a division rival, and was replaced with Devin Singletary. Daniel Jones has had one good year in the league, when Saquon went scorched Earth and took so much attention off DJ he had as much pressure as a trust fund kid to land a job right out of college. They drafted Malik Nabers who I LOVE, but who cares when he won’t have a QB that can get him the ball the few times he’ll be given time by a shitty offensive line to do so. This may be a worse roster than the New England Patriots and that’s saying something. At least the Pats have hope for the future.

The only hope the Giants have is Danny Dimes being so bad they move on mid-season and let the Italian Stallion take over New York for a few weeks like last year. The Giants led the league in turnover margin last year and won 6 games. That feels impossible. This will be the worst team in football, mark my words. Record: 4-13

Philadelphia Eagles

After Philly’s season went south quicker than the French’s synchronized swimming medal hopes,

there’s a lot to be hopeful for in the city of Brotherly Love. Some of that is what I mentioned about the two teams above, Cowboys in particular. Part is having history on their side after losing the division last year, which I mentioned at the top of the blog. And part is the defense can’t possibly be worse than last year.

The Eagles were 30th or worse in passing defense, scoring defense, third down and red zone defense. The fact they won 11 games is insane. If those improve to even top 20, there’s no way they win less games.

But improvements are needed on both sides of the ball. The running game wasn’t what it was previously, and Jalen was much more turnover prone last year. I expect both of those to improve, especially with Saquon in the backfield. Jason Kelce or no Jason Kelce this O line is one of the best in football. Whether the tush push stays effective is fascinating to me. Kelce had more to do with the success of that play than people give him credit for. At least having Saquon provides a better secondary option. The division is weak, and they should improve. NFC East title streak climbs to 21. Record: 11-6

Washington Commanders

I fucking nailed my Commanders prediction last year:

“I think Ronny may have lost the magic, and I can’t see Sam Howell and co. being the ones who bring it back. I think the Commandos struggle this season, a season which may end up being the last for Ronny Riv in DC. The ghost of Snyder hangs around Landover for one more year, then they clean house and start from scratch.”

So let’s run it back. I will once more complain that the Commanders got to pick before the Patriots despite beating the Patriots hence being a better team, but due to this bullshit fluke got Jayden Daniels whom I have very little reason to believe won’t be a stud.

I won’t say he’s loaded with talent around him but won’t not say that either if you’re following. Why they traded Jahan Dotson doesn’t comprehend in my brain, because with him I think this offense had the chance of being potent. Yes, potent. Without him it will still be okay, but that’s a huge loss. Scary Terry is primed for a breakout year finally having a real QB to throw him the ball, and the running game which has habitually been at the bottom of the league should be better with Brian Robinson tag teaming with Austin Ekeler who went through one of the great single season falls from grace we’ve ever seen. I like Dan Quinn to get that defense turned around but there’s not enough talent on that side to make me feel like that turnaround is immediate.

I can’t tell you how much I like Jayden Daniels. The nation’s capital has their captain. The Eagles and Cowboys better strike now, cause these boys are coming, but they’re not ready yet. This year we’ll just see glimpses of it. Record: 6-11