Around the league: My NFC East projections

Jan 8, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates with fans after winning the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium. Giants won, 24-2. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

Hello everyone hope you’re all enjoying our last few days of the “offseason”. As we begin the 2012-2013 year I thought it might be fun to put my divisional projections for each NFL division out there. This is something I do every year and now I thought I’d get some of your opinions and ideas about mine. Please feel free to tell me what you think of my rankings in the comments and let’s have a great year everybody.

(Before I begin let me note that this rankings will not include projected records, however I will tell you who I believe will make the playoffs. Also my projections are my honest opinion and me being as unbiased as possible, if you disagree that’s great.)

4. Washington Redskins: The Redskins took RG 3 second overall which is a huge improvement over any of their former quarterbacks. However, I do not believe it will greatly improve their record or playoff chances this year. I think the defense is close, the offensive line is ready, they have one of the better receiving corps in the league in my opinion, butGriffin may be a year or two away. By 2015 I see Washington becoming a real powerhouse in this division and in the NFC.

3. The Dallas Cowboys: The boys are one of the most talented teams in the league however pressure to win now and distractions will keep them, from reaching any potential. They’re certainly good enough to win this division and maybe go deep in the postseason. I think Tony Romo is the most underrated quarterback in the league and during the regular season can be lights out. ThatDallas defense should scare anyone, with Demarcus Ware in the front and the addition of Brandon Carr, they’re not going to be top 10 but they’re definitely one of the better groups in the league. The receiving corps are strong at this point best in the division, however Dez Bryant’s arrest (which I have some very strong feelings about but that’s for another time) and lack of production, effort, from Miles Austin are the only things holding this team back, well except for maybe the owner, but none the less.

2. The New York Giants: Coming off a solid super bowl run the Giants are already talking repeat and if the super bowl was won on cockiness, they’d be a dynasty. On a serious note I do not believe they make the postseason this year. They lost Hakeem Nicks in the offseason and there’s no guarantee Victor Cruz will repeat that same kind of year he had last. Another loss was running back Brandon Jacobs, while their running game was last in the league last year they need to run the ball effectively so Eli won’t make mistakes. The defense is really good and should be for the next 2-3 years however, key losses in the offseason will keep this team from returning to the postseason.

1. The Philadelphia Eagles: Before you jump all over me for jumping on the bandwagon, let me say this I can’t stand the Eagles, I hate them, but I have to put my feelings aside for this post. They are a very good team. Michael Vick is top tier in the league when healthy and can lead this team far. If they get full effort and participation, specifically from DeSean Jackson, the offense can lead the league in scoring with LeSean McCoy. The defense is also very solid the front end will be led by Jason Babin and the wide-9 scheme while the back end can be protected by the strong cornerbacks and safeties they’ve collected, most notably Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. This team will win the east and make the postseason, the only thing that could hold them back from the big game is the coaching staff.

That is my NFC East divisionally projections for the year, thanks for reading and in a few days I’ll have the next post out. Thanks again and please let me know what you think.

-RRR