2009-2010 NFL Preview - Episode I: NFC East

In a short time, this blog will be a more freeform expression of various sports-related opinions ranging from humorous to aggravating and from analytical to contemplative. However, it is early August already and time is quickly running out on me to do a much anticipated (by myself, that is) NFL season preview. Therefore, my first 8 posts will most likely be complete division-by-division previews of all 32 NFL teams and what is in store for them during the upcoming 2009-2010 NFL season. Included will be both season previews and projections regarding every team's needs leading up to and most likely to be addressed in the 2010 NFL Draft. So, let's kick off Episode I, which hopefully will contain more organic and sophisticated language and fewer plot holes than that other Episode I, The Phantom Menace.


1st: Philadelphia Eagles


The Best They Can Reasonably Expect in 2009

In short, an NFL Championship. If Jeremy Maclin can at least provide a few big plays in the return and receiving games, that will go a long way in promising a successful season in Philadelphia. Also, Bryan Westbrook's health and LeSean McCoy's ability to spell him when needed will be key. Most importantly, however, will be Donovan McNabb's production. If he can play more like he did late in 2008 than he did early in 2008, one has to like the Eagles' chances.


The Worst They Can Reasonably Expect in 2009

If McNabb struggles again this season and DeSean Jackson has a sophomore slump, the Eagles could miss the playoffs in a very difficult NFC East. Also, the passing of Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson could make the season a difficult one for the Eagles emotionally.


Prediction

Winning 11 or 12 games, I think the Eagles will edge out the Giants for the division crown and make a deep playoff run, likely earning a Super Bowl berth.


Top 3 Needs Likely to be Addressed Early in the 2010 NFL Draft

1. Tight End – Andy Reid's offense employs a pass-first approach and Brent Celek isn't a game-changing replacement for L.J. Smith. The Eagles would do well to give McNabb, and possibly eventually Kevin Kolb, a safety valve at the position.

2. Possession Receiver – DeSean Jackson looks promising as a deep threat or possibly a slot receiver and Jeremy Maclin will likely be a playmaker in time. However, Philadelphia was poor in the red zone last year and does not have a bonafide go to receiver on third and fourth downs or in the red zone. A solid possession receiver would complement their current young group terrifically.

3. Cornerback – Sheldon Brown is unhappy in Philly and Ellis Hobbs is nothing to get excited about. The Eagles could use a right cornerback to start alongside Asante Samuel.


2nd: New York Giants


The Best They Can Reasonably Expect in 2009

The Giants are a superior squad with a lot of talent and solid playoff experience. The key for them is at receiver. If their young corps can combine their talents to replace gun totin', toe shootin' Plaxico Burress, they are, without a doubt, a Super Bowl contender and a certain inclusion on any short list of NFC favorites.


The Worst They Can Reasonably Expect in 2009

After Plaxico Burress's departure last season, the Giants' offensive production plummeted. If the new young receiving group fails to give Manning a couple of reliable weapons at a position that generally demands some maturity to make a significant impact, New York could suffer in an always-strong NFC East and lose a Wild Card game or barely miss the playoffs altogether.


Prediction

While the Giants' young receivers will provide some bright spots (Hakeem Nicks), they will still not be the explosive offense they were with Plaxico Burress. I see them having a solid 10-12 win season and making a deep playoff run, but losing in middle to late January.


Top 3 Needs Likely to be Addressed Early in the 2010 NFL Draft

1. Strong Safety – The Giants don't really have a glaring weakness. However, with C.C. Brown and Michael Johnson competing for the starting job at strong safety, they could use a playmaker beside free safety Kenny Phillips. Again, however, New York is in the enviable position to make all luxury picks.

2. Weakside Linebacker – While New York's linebacking corps is very solid, the Giants could use a superior blitzer to use on passing downs. A situational pass rusher would only make the New York Giants' defense that much scarier.

3. Left Tackle – David Diehl is a very good run blocker, but a questionable pass protector who struggles against speed rushers, of which the NFC East has plenty. While Diehl is very serviceable, a great pass protector would be icing on the cake for an offense that throws the ball a lot and will need to give a young receiving corps a little more time to get open than they needed with Plaxico Burress.


3rd: Dallas Cowboys


The Best They Can Reasonably Expect in 2009

Even after the departures of Terrell Owens, Adam Jones and Tank Johnson, Dallas still has a ton of talent on both sides of the ball and a ceiling, like that of their new stadium, tall enough to touch Xanadu. If the Cowboys indeed achieve addition by subtraction (Owens, Jones, Williams) and said subtractions help allow Tony Romo to emerge as a leader who can succeed late in the season and in the playoffs, the Cowboys are a Super Bowl caliber team.


The Worst They Can Reasonably Expect in 2009

If Roy Williams cannot fill the void of production left in the wake of T.O.'s departure, Tony Romo continues to succeed only when his success matters least and Dallas' secondary still cannot produce interceptions, Wade Phillips will need to begin updating his resume to be a defensive coordinator somewhere else. If only 'perpetually flummoxed' and 'no leadership skills' looked good on resumes.


Prediction

The Cowboys level of success will lie somewhere between the above scenarios. 7-9 wins will amount to 3rd or 4th in the NFC East, the Cowboys will miss the playoffs and Wade Phillips will find himself searching for a new job and home.


Top 3 Needs Likely to be Addressed Early in the 2010 NFL Draft

1. 3-4 Left Defensive End – Marcus Spears is in the final year of his contract and needs a good 2009 if he intends on not being considered a bust. If he can absorb blocks and stop the run more effectively, he will take some pressure off of DeMarcus Ware and free him up to do what he does best, rush the quarterback.

2. Left Tackle – Flozelle Adams is on the downside of his career and nearing the end. He seems to be tiring well before January, a month during which Dallas needs to be both playing and winning sometime soon. The Cowboys must find his eventual replacement to protect Tony Romo's blind side.

3. Free Safety – While Ken Hamlin hasn't been horrible, he hasn't been outstanding either. The Cowboys need another ballhawk (aside from Terrence Newman at cornerback) to help them come up with a few more interceptions than they had last season.


4th: Washington Redskins


The Best They Can Reasonably Expect in 2009

The Redskins are a team with a lot of holes and little hope despite being big players in free agency. Their best hope is that newly acquired and heavily paid Albert Haynesworth makes a huge impact on defense and Jason Campbell has a breakout season helped by the emergence of second year receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly and second year tight end Fred Davis. If all of this happens, the Redskins could be a bubble playoff team.


The Worst They Can Reasonably Expect in 2009

With no revelations, the Redskins will likely flounder and find themselves, yet again, at the bottom of the NFC East. Their worst case scenario sees Campbell and his receivers failing to make any significant strides, running back Clinton Portis continuing to decline due to age (though he's only 28) and Haynesworth's play reflecting little desire after his monstrous payday. In this scenario, the Redskins find themselves with a top 5 pick in next April's draft.


Prediction

I see a year closer to the latter scenario than the former. With 3 or 4 wins, the Redskins will be considering whether they prefer Sam Bradford, Jevan Snead or Colt McCoy by the middle of November.


Top 3 Needs Likely to be Addressed Early in the 2010 NFL Draft

1. West Coast Quarterback – Jason Campbell is not a good fit in Jim Zorn's West Coast system and severe diffidence in Campbell has already been shown during flirtations with acquiring both Jay Cutler and Mark Sanchez. Assuming Jim Zorn isn't fired after this season, one would have to dislike Campbell's chances of not being replaced by a new young toy in the form a blue chip rookie quarterback; especially with Campbell entering the final year of his contract.

2. Run Stopping Defensive End – The Redskins drafted Orakpo to be a pass rushing defensive end and he'll likely replace Andre Carter there. However, Phillip Daniels is 36 and not the future on the other side. Look for Washington to be searching desperately for his replacement.

3. Strongside Linebacker – Outside of middle linebacker London Fletcher, Washington's linebackers all seem to be best suited at the weakside position. The Redskins need a run stopper who can cover a tight end on the strong side.

Up Next - Episode II: NFC North