Ultimate Building Blocks: NFC East

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

I can't figure it out either. The Eagles have not done very well since their one run to the SB. But for what ever reason every one is predicting them to go to the SB this yr.

Dallas had a couple of good yrs and last yr I didn't see them looking as good as they have in past yrs. To me they look to be on the decline and losing their best weapon on offense that teams had to adjust and account for does not make them better. I'm supprised they were not put at the bottom of the East.

I look at the Giants and I see them slipping but they still made the play offs so they are the team to beat right now.

I look at the Skins and see a team that was not that bad on defense but needed a good pass rusher...we got two and one will command a double team. We picked up a decent CB and perhaps one decent LB. I guess the media knowing we sucked on offense last yr is simply saying it was due to Campbell and the team tried to get rid of him but couldn't so they will be the same. All the while they are failing to see that our problems were several fold......injured O-line, New system, Only one decent WR threat. We've upgraded the O-line ( they don't all have to be 24 y/o's) by adding depth/ talent. Our two WR's have been working their butts off during the off season to learn the offense to help the team, and they are healthy. and due to everyone knowing the offense better and play calls the team is looking more decisive, and faster including Campbell. I know we were in last place last yr with an 8-8 season but we also were learning a new offensive scheme. The Eagles did not fair much better so what was their problem?

I'm confortable in saying as long as people stay healthy (as with any team) we can make it to the playoffs. I like our chances better then the Eagles and Dallas.

I don't know why analysts want to hand the SB trophy to the Eagles or the Giants so quickly. Nothing against those two teams, but once again the NFC East is pretty even. The success of all 4 teams will depend on some key issues...

Eagles: Their success will depend on McNabb's health and attitude (32 yrs old and just got a raise), Westrbook's health, and whether DeSean Jackson or Maclin develop into the wideouts that the Eagles have been sorely missed.

Giants: I think the Giants are trying to convince themselves that they don't need a player like Plax. Had they traded for Boldin or even Braylon Edwards, I'd be handing them the division too. Otherwise, I think this is still a big question mark, especially since they appear to miss Plax in the playoffs.

Cowboys: The Cowboys season rests squarely on the shoulders of Roy Williams. If Williams doesn't perform, Witten will become Romo's only target, and well he'll be well covered by defenses. I still think that one of JJ's biggest mistake was to bring a softy coach to run the locker room. If they had brought someone with some balls, they'd still have TO.

Redskins: I feel that a mild improvement on the offense should get us over the playoff hump. However, last season I made the argument that our defense wasn't elite, well I think this year our defense has the potential of becoming an elite unit, allowing them to carry the team. Ideally both situations happen, but realistically only one will.

So there, why can't an analyst say that?