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2009 NFC East Preview
Published by JM Van Horn on August 7, 2009
Throughout the 2008 season, the NFC East was touted as the toughest division in the NFL. Though some may argue with that point, there is no denying that some of the top teams in the NFC call the division home.
The upcoming 2009 season could be a different story.
Can the Eagles put things together and make a serious run at the playoffs or can the Giants, without Plaxico Burress, earn another division championship.
The Cowboys sent Terrell Owens packing while the Redskins did what they do best; spend money on defensive players like Albert Haynesworth.
Find out what we can expect out of the NFC East and where the teams will end up, ranked first to last.
Philadelphia Eagles
Time has already started to wind down for Eagles head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Donovan McNabb.
After losing in the NFC conference championship game in 2008, no one is sure how much time they have left before team management decides to start the rebuilding process.
The Eagles offense, led by veteran players like, McNabb and running back Brian Westbrook bounced back in the second half of 2009 and helped carry them into the playoffs.
To help with the passing game and development of wide receiver DeSean Jackson, the Eagles drafted wide receiver Jeremy Maclin to help bolster a passing game.
If McNabb can continue to playing at the same level during the last five games of the season, 1,146 yards with nine touchdowns and one interception, the Eagles will be a force in 2009.
The Eagles will need to find a way to replace perennial Pro Bowler and team leader Brian Dawkins, who left for Denver.
It does help to have to young stud linebackers, Akeem Jordan and Stewart Bradley, who can close down the running lanes. The key for their defense in 2009 will be whether they can remain physically and mentally tough throughout the season.
The Eagles will be battling the Giants for the NFC East but unlike last year, they will not need to wait until the last game of the season to clinch a playoff spot. Expect the Eagles to wrap up another division title by Week 15.
New York Giants
Last year, the New York Giants stormed through the regular season, causing many experts to discuss the chance of a repeat Super Bowl champion.
Things did not work out so well for the Giants who did not earn a win in the playoffs and were sent home packing. Can they bounce back in 2009?
The Giants made news recently by making quarterback Eli Manning the highest paid player at his position. Though he may not light up the scoreboard, Manning has showed he can manage a balanced offense.
The problem is the Giants lost two key contributors. Running back Derrick Ward went to Tampa Bay and wide receiver Plaxico Burress is probably headed to jail.
The Giants will need rookie wide receiver Hakeem Nicks to step up because we saw Manning’s production drop when he lost Burress for the year. Expect running back Brandon Jacobs to have a monster year and lead the NFL with rushing touchdowns.
The centerpiece of the Giants recent success has been their dominating defense and we should expect more of the same in 2009.
With the return of Pro Bowler defensive end Osi Umenyiora to the lineup, Jason tuck should see less double teams, opening up his game.
The increased pass rush will help the young secondary, led by Kenny Phillips and Aaron Ross, who will continue to develop into top tier players at their position.
The Giants will have their hands full battling the Eagles for the NFC East division championship. During their first eight games, the Giants have five road games, which could cause them problems.
Though they will not win the division, expect the Giants to reach the playoffs with a wildcard berth.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys spent the off-season purging their roster of high-priced talent, like Terrell Owens, Roy Williams, and Zach Thomas, who had either become ineffective or too much of a distraction.
Will this be enough for the Cowboys to turn around their postseason misfortune?
The success of the Cowboys offense in 2009 will land squarely on the shoulders of quarterback Tony Romo. Wide receiver Terrell Owens is gone and no longer a distraction to this offense that has the potential to be one of the best in the league.
The running back tandem of Marion Barber and Felix Jones will drive defensive coordinators mad. Look for wide receiver Roy Williams to prove he can be a top receiver in the game as he returns home to play professional football.
If the Cowboys are going to compete in the NFC East, their overall success will be determined by their defensive unit.
Led by DeMarcus Ware, the Cowboys defense gave up 22.8 points per game in 2008, something that will need to change in 2009. Linebacker Keith Brooking and defensive end Igor Olshansky should shore up this unit and make them a force again.
The Dallas Cowboys will not be as bad as some NFL pundits are predicting. They will make a serious run at a wild card spot but their brutal schedule during the last month of the season will be too much to overcome.
Washington Redskins
Though the Washington Redskins ended the 2008 season with an 8–8 record, they still finished last in the NFC East division.
The struggles on the offensive side of the ball in 2008 will need to be rectified in 2009 if the Redskins are going to have any success.
Quarterback Jason Campbell will need to overcome any issues he had with team management who were trying to replace him during the off-season.
If Campbell does not continue to improve his performance on the field, it will be a long season for Redskins fans. Running back Clinton Portis had another solid season and still remains one of the top backs in the league.
If he can continue to shoulder the load and force defenses to crowd the line, the Redskins should have a better chance passing the ball.
The addition of free agent Albert Haynesworth to the defense should make this one of the top five units in the game, if Haynesworth remains motivated after receiving a $100 million contract.
Keep an eye on rookie defensive end Brian Orakpo, who should benefit from the attention Haynesworth will be getting. The key to their success in 2009 will be if they can increase their turnover total from 14 interceptions and nine forced fumbles.
The 2009 season is going to be the same old story for the Redskins. More money spent on free agents followed by no playoff appearances and last place in the NFC East. Eventually team owner Daniel Snyder will learn how to build a championship team.
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