For fans of the most analyzed division in professional sports, the 2013 season was a bit of a down year. Unless anyone in an Eagles jersey was consulted. After winning the division in the final game of the year against the Dallas Cowboys, Chip Kelly’s Eagles fell to the New Orleans Saints in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. All was not lost for Philadelphia though, as the team still managed to top its division and make progress towards the ultimate goal: winning a Super Bowl.
The other three teams in the NFC East did not enjoy their time in 2013, as the 3-13 Redskins and 7-9 Giants were all but irrelevant over the course of the season. While Dallas was competitive, the Cowboys boasted the worst defense in football and finished with a record symbolic of the team’s mediocrity at 8-8. Yet 2014 is a new year, and as we enter training camp it is time to look ahead to what looks to be an intriguing season in the NFC East.
Top Newcomers
Jason Hatcher, Defensive Tackle, Washington Redskins
After leading the Cowboys in sacks in 2013 with 13, Hatcher left Dallas in search of some cash. We all know Dan Snyder likes to throw his money around, so this was a match made in heaven. Hatcher should prove to be quite the complement to Washington’s already established pass-rusher Brian Orakpo.
Malcolm Jenkins, Safety, Philadelphia Eagles
A 26 year old and first round selection of the New Orleans Saints in 2009, Jenkins will bring experience to a unit that was one of the league’s worst in 2013. In five seasons with the Saints Jenkins had six interceptions, four and a half sacks, and started 63 of 71 contests.
Rashad Jennings, Running Back, New York Giants
What does New York truly expect from a 29 year old career-backup behind a lackluster offensive line? Jennings has never eclipsed 733 yards in a season, yet is expected to shoulder the load for the Giants when the season starts. Luckily for the team David Wilson has been cleared for all football activities.
DeSean Jackson, Wide Receiver, Washington Redskins
Another familiar face in a new place, Jackson was released by Philadelphia before being signed by division-rival Washington this offseason. Jackson adds yet another homerun threat to an already talented offense, though it is hard to imagine him finding more success with Robert Griffin III than Nick Foles.
Rolando McClain, Middle Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys
The man Alabama Skipper Nick Saban once called the most talented player he had ever coached has never lived up to the expectations at the pro level. After retiring from the Ravens for the second time this offseason, the Cowboys took a shot on the downtrodden veteran due to Sean Lee’s ACL injury. McClain will have a chance to start, but this may be his final opportunity in an NFL uniform.
Top Training Camp Battles
Nate Allen and Earl Wolff, Strong Safeties, Philadelphia Eagles
Across from Malcolm Jenkins will be either the annually disappointing Allen or the upstart fifth rounder Wolff. Many believe Wolff to be a steal after strong play in his rookie campaign, but his first season was cut short due to injury. This is likely Allen’s final shot in Philadelphia after he signed a one-year “prove it” deal to remain with the team.
Rueben Randle and Odell Beckham Jr, Wide Receivers, New York Giants
While Victor Cruz is a lock to be Eli Manning’s top target this season, it is clear that the two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback needs some help opposite his star wide out after tossing 27 interceptions in 2013. Though both of these men will see plenty of playing time in Ben McAdoo’s west coast offense, Randle’s 41 catches and 611 yards for six scores in 2013 is certainly a resume boost in his favor not to mention Beckham’s lack of experience.
Jeremy Mincey and Demarcus Lawrence, Defensive Ends, Dallas Cowboys
Who will lead the pass rushing attack for Dallas from the right side, and more importantly replace Demarcus Ware’s production? Mincey has just 20 sacks in seven professional seasons, so Dallas may want to roll the dice on the rookie here.
Perry Riley, Lorenzo Alexander, Keenan Robinson, Jonathan Goff, Inside Linebackers, Washington Redskins
Which member of this quartet will start next to Redskin’s legend London Fletcher? Riley is excellent against the run, but is absolutely horrid in coverage. Goff was a force a few seasons ago for the Giants, but has not been the same since tearing his ACL. Robinson is an athletic rookie from Texas with tremendous speed, and could be the wild card in this race. Alexander is a long shot due to his value on special teams and lack of size or athleticism to play every down. Expect this competition to turn into a platoon once the season rolls around with Riley and Robinson, a group that would include Goff should he heal according to plan.
Top Storylines Heading Into Training Camp
Philadelphia’s 2013 first overall selection has been suspended the first four games of the season for using a substance on the league’s banned list without consulting the team or league officials. Johnson will be replaced by Allen Barbre, Philadelphia’s top reserve offensive lineman. Though not as athletic as Johnson, Barbre will be able to fill the void in the second year player’s absence.
While Philadelphia’s major concern at this stage is replacing a starter for four games, the Redskins are more concerned with the future of their franchise quarterback. Will Robert Griffin III be able to carry this team to the playoffs? There will be no more excuses if the third-year man cannot produce with the like of Garcon, Jackson, Alfred Morris, and second-year tight end Jordan Reed in the mix. Washington’s season depends on Griffin III, time will tell if he is up to task.
Replacing the two most talented players on the teams’ defense will not be easy for the Cowboys. With Demarcus Ware off to Denver and Sean Lee sidelined for the foreseeable future, Dallas will scramble to right he sinking ship that is their porous excuse for a defensive unit. Will Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant be able to keep the team afloat in a playoff race without any semblance of defense?
Much has been made about new Giants’ offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. Will he be able to find success with the interception king and an offense riddled with uncertainties? An improved yet still untested offensive line, no tight end to speak of, a crop of mediocre rushers, and a quarterback that has not looked himself in four seasons is not a recipe for a successful offensive year. Yet McAdoo carries the hope of a city on his shoulders, and will look to take the Giants back to the playoffs in 2014.
Power Ranking the Division
1. Philadelphia Eagles: The most talented team in the division will take it yet again while Chip Kelly will prove that his “college style” offense is no fluke.
2. New York Giants: Vastly improved on the defensive side, New York will overcome offensive struggles to fall just short of a playoff berth and division title
3. Washington Redskins: While Jay Gruden will certainly bring life to a struggling franchise, a lack of defensive ability will keep this team down and nearly out of contention this season despite the team’s offensive firepower.
4. Dallas Cowboys: So close last season and yet so far away, Dallas has little hope for success with such a porous defense and inability to play a spread offense. Romo will get his numbers and so will Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, but this is more of a feasible fantasy football scenario to find success in than in the NFL.