NFC East Preview

Cowboys:


Key Losses:  Stephen Bowen, Marc Colombo, Marion Barber, Roy Williams


Key Additions:  Abe Elam, Tyron Smith, DC Rob Ryan


Summary:  The Cowboys' offseason was greatly affected by the new Salary Cap and forced them to do a lot more cutting, than signing.  They made sure to hold onto LT Doug Free and kept the defense mostly intact while adding a good safety in Abe Elam.  The line improves a little with rookie Tyron Smith, but this team looks eerily similar to last year's 6-10 squad.  The addition of Rob Ryan as Defensive Coordinator is a strong move that I do believe will pay dividends.

2011 Record Prediction:  8-8


Eagles:


Key Losses:  Quintin Mikell


Key Additions:  Nnamdi Asomugha, Cullen Jenkins, Jason Babin, Ronnie Brown, Steve Smith, Donald Lee, Ryan Harris, Jarrad Page, Vince Young


Summary:  The "Dream Team" is earning it's name if you just go by big name Free Agents.  However, this looks a lot like the 2009 Redskins and just about any other Redskins team in the Daniel Snyder era pre-Shanahan.  I do not deny that on paper they're the best team in the NFC East and possibly the whole NFC, but putting these names on the same team and expecting immediate chemistry just won't be happening.  This team can go one of two ways this season and I for one look forward to seeing which they take.

2011 Record Prediction:  10-6


Giants:


Key Losses: Steve Smith, Barry Cofield, Plaxico Burress (if you count it), Kevin Boss, Shaun O'hara


Key Additions: Keeping Ahmad Bradshaw and Mathias Kiwanuka


Summary:  The Giants were incredibly inactive in the Free Agent market, and didn't really even bring back some of their star players.  I do believe their Wide Receiving corps will still be strong with Nicks and Manningham, but Steve Smith has a star when healthy.  I still believe this team has a strong front four, but with injuries to 2 DBs and Rookie DT Marvin Austin I see the season starting off rough.  This is another team that could do really well or be a complete flop.  I have faith in Tom Coughlin to keep the team afloat, but any given Sunday.

2011 Record Prediction: 9-7


Redskins:


Key Losses: Albert Haynesworth, Donovan McNabb, Clinton Portis, Derrick Dockery


Key Additions: Tim Hightower, Jabar Gaffney, Chris Chester, OJ Atogwe


Summary: The Redskins were pleasantly quiet during Free Agency and I see that being a positive thing for the team this season.  Each player brought in for this team serves a direct purpose.  Getting rid of Haynesworth and McNabb for anything at all was a win for the team since everyone and their mother knew they would have been cut anyway.  The only HUGE question is the Quarterback situation.  I will stand by my prediction of John Beck starting and doing well but we shall see.


2011 Record Prediction: 8-8