2012 NFC East Preview

The NFC East was the dominate division for many years in the NFL, but over the last few years has tapered off despite the Giants winning two Super Bowl titles. The Cowboys are arguably the best franchise in history, but I don't see a return to glory anytime soon. The excitement in this division will come from rookie Robert Griffin III and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are usually a fun team to watch and played great at the end of last season. The Redskins need to find a consistent running game as you never know about Roy Helu. This division when all said and done should be decent, but nothing spectacular.

1. New York Giants- The defending champions lost Mario Manningham and Brandon Jacobs this offseason, but look for some new talent to emerge. I like rookie RB David Wilson who will share time with vet Ahmad Bradshaw in the backfield. The Giants still have the best Manning in football, and Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz to throw it to. I would have put the Eagles in this position if not for Michael Vick and his injury issues at QB. They have the top pass rush in the league, and are fairly solid on defense as a whole. The Giants will not repeat, but they are still pretty good.
2012 Projection- (10-6)

2. Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles are an explosive team when they are healthy. LeSean McCoy is a beast in the backfield, both rushing and receiving. DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are both solid wideouts if Michael Vick can stay healthy, and actually get them the ball. The defense is always hit or miss, but the Eagles have a pretty good pass rush. They also hold tons of talent in the secondary, especially at CB with Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
2012 Projection- (9-7)

3. Dallas Cowboys- The Cowboys are a team with a lot of talent, but far too many injuries to compete a full season. Miles Austin has constant hamstring injuries, and Dez Bryant has the combination of injuries and locker room problems. Demarco Murray has been injury prone since college, Felix Jones same thing. Jason Witten is getting older, and Tony Romo has never won games when it matters. The offense is still good when they are on the field, but the defense should be the bright spot this season. The Cowboys brought in Brandon Carr and drafted Mo Claiborne to improve on a terrible secondary last season. Rob Ryan actually has something to work with now.
2012 Projection- (9-7)

4. Washington Redskins- The Redskins will be the focus of the division as everyone wants to see RG3. I believe Griffin will impress many in Washington and will have a great rookie season. RG3 has Pierre Garcon and Leonard Hankerson to look for at WR. Josh Morgan and veteran Santana Moss will also be targeted in the passing game. The RB situation is always up in the air with Mike Shanahan, and Roy Helu has not done much to help his cause staying injured. When Helu is healthy, he is the best on the team. The defense will struggle early, but will improve drastically over the second half of the season. The Skins remind me of the Seahawks from last season. They have a better QB of course!
2012 Projection- (6-10)