NFC East preview

NFC East preview: Boys separate themselves from pack

Dallas is the team to beat in the NFC East with strength on both sides of the ball. But off-season moves by the Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins make this competitive division even more interesting than usual.

Fans for these teams who frequent chat rooms and community forums can make a case for any one of these teams to supplant the Cowboys as division champions. Still, questions remain.

Can the Giants’ defense and a struggling running game from last season rebound in 2010? Can the changing of the guard in Philadelphia, led by new starting quarterback Kevin Kolb, maintain the success that Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook provided the past 10 years? Will McNabb make an immediate impact in Washington despite a mediocre receiving corps and aging running backs?

Dallas Cowboys

Projected win total: 10

Prediction: Over

What’s new: Not much, actually. The ‘Boys released veteran offensive tackle Flozell Adams because they believe Doug Free is ready to take his place protecting QB Tony Romo. Free showed promise last season when he did a solid job of replacing injured right tackle Marc Colombo. If Free struggles, newcomer Alex Barron (played for the Rams) is capable of starting in the position.

Dallas improved their depth at receiver by drafting Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State) who is expected to help the Cowboys in the red zone. Linebacker Bobby Carpenter is with the Rams now but Sean Lee (Penn State) made him expendable.

What’s the same: Romo got one monkey off his back by winning a playoff game last season. But can he meet owner Jerry Jones’ expectations of reaching Super Bowl XLV in a season where Dallas will host the Big Game?

The receiving corps remains strong with wideouts Roy Williams and Miles Austin and tight end Jason Witten. Patrick Crayton might be the odd man out if Bryant performs well early.

The running game is solid – when healthy - with Marion Barber, Felix Jones and backup Tashard Choice. The defense is solid led by linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer and cornerbacks Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman.

Key stat to remember: The Cowboys were 5-9 in December games with Romo at quarterback before he won the final two games in December last season.

New York Giants

Projected win total: 8.5

Prediction: Over

What’s new: The Giants added defensive coordinator Perry Fewell who should help them rebound from allowing the third most points in the NFL last season (26.7 a game).

Rookie defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (South Florida) provides another solid pass rusher and newcomer safety Antre Rolle (Cardinals) improves a defensive secondary that struggled in 2009. Defensive tackle Linval Joseph (East Carolina) should improve the run defense.

The Giants suffered a blow when they lost receiver and return specialist Domenik Hixon for the year due to a knee injury when practicing on the new turf field at the new Meadowlands stadium.

What’s the same: Quarterback Eli Manning carried the team on his shoulders last season, developing chemistry with relatively new receivers and making up for a struggling rushing game. Bruising back Brandon Jacobs needs to rebound or will see more carries taken away. Receiver Steve Smith emerged as Manning’s go-to guy with over 100 receptions. He also connected with receivers Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks and tight end Kevin Boss.

Manningham struggled a bit and dropped passes but could emerge as the team’s No. 3 receiver behind Smith and Nicks. Jacobs needs to improve on last season’s 3.7 yards per carry or Ahmad Bradshaw will likely move up the depth chart.

Key stat to remember: The Giants started 5-0 last season, ended up 8-8 and were outscored 85-16 in their final two games.

Philadelphia Eagles

Projected win total: 8

Prediction: Under

What’s new: Kevin Kolb finally gets his shot as a full time starter with Donovan McNabb now in Washington. In two starts last season Kolb threw for 718 yards combined against the Saints (48-22 loss) and Kansas City Chiefs (34-14 win) and he should excel in coach Andy Reid’s West Coast offense.

The limited playing time has been impressive for Kolb who has showcased a strong, accurate arm. The key is how well the offensive line protects him.

Defensive ends Darryl Tapp (Seahawks) and Brandon Graham (Michigan) provide pass-rushing depth, complementing veteran Trent Cole. Ernie Sims (Lions) is a solid player who should help the linebacker group.

Running back Mike Bell was a workhorse last season as a backup in New Orleans, leading the team in carries for an injury-riddled backfield. Safety Nate Allen (South Florida) could make an immediate impact.

A wild card for the Eagles could be the recent signing of fifth round draft pick and big receiver Riley Cooper (6-3, 220 pounds) of Florida. He will likely compete for the fourth/fifth receiver spot.

What’s the same: Kolb has the benefit of some experienced receivers with DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant and tight end Brent Celek. Speedy LeSean McCoy, who can also catch the ball, is the No. 1 back and should take some pressure off of Kolb.

Bell will be McCoy’s No. 1 backup with fullback Leonard Weaver providing depth in the backfield. The key will be scoring points to compensate for a defense that will likely allow double-digit points each game.

Key stat to remember: The Eagles’ offensive line allowed 38 sacks last season.

Washington Redskins

Projected win total: 8

Prediction: Under

What’s new: Owner Daniel Snyder whipped out his wallet and voila, a retooled Redskins team that has fans excited with the team’s 2010 potential. Gone is quarterback Jason Campbell who went to Oakland and receiver Antwaan Randle El who is with Pittsburgh.

Enter new coach Mike Shanahan, defensive coordinator Jim Haslet, quarterback Donovan McNabb and running backs Larry Johnson (Chiefs) and Willie Parker (Steelers). One of the first things Shanahan did is improve an offensive line that allowed 43 sacks last season with the addition of offensive tackles Trent Williams (Oklahoma), Jammal Brown (New Orleans Saints) and Artis Hicks (Minnesota Vikings).

Haslet and Shanahan have decided to switch from a 4-3 defense to 3-4 defense and high-priced defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has made it known to the world he doesn’t like the move. The Redskins have added players who can fit the new system with nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu (Panthers), defensive tackle Adam Carriker (Rams), defensive end Vonnie Holliday (Broncos) and linebacker Chris Draft (Bills).

What’s the same: Receiver Santana Moss and tight end Chris Cooley will be the primary targets for McNabb this season. The big key here is for all three players to remain healthy. Devin Thomas is the likely secondary receiver. Fred Davis, who started the second half of 2009 with Cooley sidelined with an ankle injury, is a solid backup tight end. The often injured Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker comprise the running back committee. Age is a factor with Portis and Johnson while speed, or rather the lack of it last season, was a problem for Parker in Pittsburgh.

Key stat to remember: First-year head coaches in the Daniel Snyder era are 29-35 straight up.