~~A division with less defense than France in a world war has, at the very least, potential for offensive explosion. Home of a revolutionary offense, a first-year head coach, an injury-depleted potential contender, and Eli Manning’s apparent comeback, the NFC East should be a fun division to watch in 2014.
Team-Team Quick Notes
Philadelphia Eagles
Fresh off a division title in Chip Kelly’s first season, the Eagles have lost a big-play offensive weapon, but added two more in Darren Sproles and Jordan Matthews. Zach Ertz is a breakout candidate at tight end, and this team will go just as far as Billy Davis’ defense takes it.
Dallas Cowboys
This will be an offseason to forget about, as Dallas watched Jason Hatcher and Demarcus Ware walk, only to find Sean Lee tear his ACL, leaving a defense with little hope for improvement. At the very least a strong offensive line and DeMarco Murray should be in for a productive season.
New York Giants
Ben McAdoo has taken over the play calling in New York, and the younger Manning brother is looking to take a step back in the right direction. The only issue is, will the rest of the offense support such a comeback? With issues everywhere from defensive tackle to wide receiver, the Giants’ hope they are in upswing, but may be middling out.
Washington Redskins
New head coach Jay Gruden has taken over one of the league’s worst teams from a year ago, and has yet to quell the headline surrounding Robert Griffin III’s poor play. People are siding with Kirk Cousins for the starting position, so you know this saga is getting overhyped. At least new additions DeSean Jackson#, Jason Hatcher, and veteran safety Ryan Clark should help provide leadership for a step forward.
Ranking the Quarterbacks
1. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
With far more ability and more experience than any but his counterpart in New York, Romo rightfully earns his spot as the top passer in the NFC East.
2. Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles
Coming off a breakout campaign the sky is the limit for the Eagles’ hopeful franchise passer. If Foles can follow up his 2013 season in a strong way, he could be topping this list next summer.
3. Eli Manning, New York Giants
What have you done for me lately? Yes Super Bowl rings are nice, but how about you win one without the best defense in football.
4. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
This once-promising rookie needs to prove he is a capable starter in his third year, or risk losing this job to a former fourth-rounder. No disrespect intended Russell Wilson.
Ranking the Running Backs
1. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
The NFL’s leading rusher from a season ago claims this slot as he beings his quest for a 2,000 yard season. Perhaps the most athletic rusher in the game today, McCoy truly is a spectacle to watch with the ball in his hands.
2. DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys
This was a tough choice as Murray’s counterpart in Washington is quite talented, but Murray’s ball carrier vision matched by his breakaway speed separates him from the third year back in D.C.
3. Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins
A bruising rusher and former sixth-round pick, Morris returns as the workhorse in Washington after posting consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
4. Rashad Jennings, New York Giants
A career backup with no 1,000-yard seasons to speak of hopes to bring life to a dormant ground game.
Ranking the Receivers
1. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
Bryant is one of the game’s best, and is alone in this division of middling talent at the wide receiver position.
2. Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins
Severely underrated, Garcon managed over 1,300 yards last season even with Washington’s struggles.
3. Victor Cruz, New York Giants
A home run threat as good as any but no great possession receiver, Cruz has yet to emerge as the elite talent the Giant’s thought he was amidst Eli Manning’s struggles.
4. Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
With more receptions and touchdowns from 2010-2012 than his former teammate ranking fifth on this list, Maclin edges out his redskin’s counterpart due to his overall ability as a receiver.
5. DeSean Jackson, Washington Redskins
A true threat to score every time he touches the ball, Jackson lacks the hands and possession receiving ability skills to be labeled elite.
6. Rueben Randle, New York Giants
Massive boom or bust potential, Randle should beat out rookie Odell Beckham Jr. for the second sting wide receiving spot in new York.
7. Terrance Williams, Dallas Cowboys
A second-year man looking to make his mark and ascend these rankings is the only other viable receiver in Dallas not named Dez.
8. Riley Cooper, Philadelphia Eagles
Great vertical skills but inability to create separation otherwise sums up Cooper’s game completely.
Ranking the Tight Ends
1. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
A sure-fire hall of famer, though he lost a step, Witten remains one of the best possession and blocking tight ends in the game today.
2. Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles
A major breakout candidate who has similar measurable to New England’s Rob Gronkowski, Ertz is primed for a major role with the Eagles.
3. Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins
A young player with injury history but tremendous upside will be the safety valve in Washington this season.
4. Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles
A veteran versatile tight end with a high floor but low ceiling, Celek plays very well within his role.
5. Larry Donnell, New York Giants
Someone has to play tight end for the Giants, right? Donnell is the best blocker of the bunch, but has limited upside in the passing game.
Ranking the Rookies
1. Jordan Matthews, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
2. Odell Beckham, Wide Receiver, New York Giants
3. Zack Martin, Right Guard, Dallas Cowboys
4. Weston Richburg, Center, New York Giants
5. Andre Williams, Running Back, New York Giants
6. Morgan Moses, Offensive Line, Washington Redskins
Ranking the Offensive Lines
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Helped LeSean McCoy to a rushing title last season and will return all five starters, after Lane Johnson returns from a four-game suspension. Jason Peters and Evan Mathis lead this elite group of linemen.
2. Dallas Cowboys
A talented yet youthful group includes two consecutive first-round picks in Zack Martin and Travis Frederick. Plenty of upside but two starters are still works in progress. Plus Tyron Smith can make his case for the best tackle in the game.
3. Washington Redskins
Trent Williams is the only thing keeping this unit relevant, Washington will hope for a big year from rookie Morgan Moses.
4. New York Giants
Injury and retirement have made this group completely incapable of protecting a quarterback, a big reason for the implementation of the west coast offense in New York.
Ranking the Defensive Lines
1. Washington Redskins
Bringing in Jason Hatcher should help this unit garner some pass rush, outside of Brian Orakpo the only bright spot on the Redskins’ defense.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
Depth is the key here more than elite-level players, while Fletcher Cox and Cedric Thornton are underrated talents.
3. New York Giants
Outside of Jason Pierre-Paul there is not much to look forward to in this stable.
4. Dallas Cowboys
A healthy Anthony Spencer would be the only thing capable of bringing this unit out of the cellar.
Ranking the Linebackers
1. Washington Redskins
Orakpo is an elite level talent taking this crop of backers to the top of the list in the NFC East.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks shore up the heart of Philadelphia’s defense, while Connor Barwin is still an excellent coverage linebacker.
3. New York Giants
Outside of Jon Beason there is nothing to see here.
4. Dallas Cowboys
A healthy Sean Lee would have changed this ranking, but without Lee there is not much upside within this unit.
Ranking the Secondaries
1. New York Giants
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Prince Amukamara are a nice pairing, supplemented by Antrel Rolle and Walter Thurmond.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
Brandon Boykin is the best slot-corner in the game today, but the pairing of Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher leaves much to be desired.
3. Dallas Cowboys
Morris Claiborne has not lived up to expectations, and there is palpable weakness at safety.
4. Washington Redskins
Apparently DeAngelo Hall still plays football, and is also the number one corner on the Redskins. I believe my point has been made.
Overall Offensvie Rankings
1. Philadelphia Eagles
The most electrifying offense in the league outside of Denver.
2. Dallas Cowboys
Tremendous talent on the offensive line and at the skill positions keeps Dallas relevant, at least on this side of the ball.
3. Washington Redskins
There is an incredible amount of potential on the offensive side, but a weak offensive line and poor quarterback play could spoil Jay Gruden’s fun.
4. New York Giants
No elite level talent to speak of, the best player here is Victor Cruz, but truly nothing exciting about a west coast offense with a lack of talent at the skill positions and a sieve of an offensive line.
Overall Defensive Rankings
1. Philadelphia Eagles
The best of the worst earned this ranking based on potential to improve this season.
2. New York Giants
Great secondary, but that front seven is shaky at best with only two playmakers.
3. Washington Redskins
After Orakpo and Hatcher, this is a unit devoid of talent at nearly every level.
4. Dallas Cowboys
Injuries and suspensions have rendered Dallas’ defense completely useless on nearly every level. They could be the worst in the league in 2014.
Final NFC East Power Rankings
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Best all-around talent with elite skill players at running back, the left side of the offensive line, and at slot corner. This team is truly a Super Bowl contender.
2. New York Giants
Shortcomings on both sides of the ball overshadow the winning history Tom Coughlin’s group has in its repertoire.
3. Washington Redskins
Upside offensively is overshadowed by a lack of talent on the defensive side of the ball.
4. Dallas Cowboys
Potent offense but a horrendous defense will see Dallas lose more than they win in 2014.