From NFL.com - NFL Features - A look ahead into the NFC East

[Grumpy627]

I've been reading other things that people have posted and thought that everyone would like to see this one as well. Our Redskins are at the bottom if you want to skip over.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9558360

A look ahead to the NFC East

By Vic Carucci

National Editor, NFL.com

(With NFL training camps due to open later this month, Vic Carucci has put together his annual eight-part series highlighting how each division shapes up in the aftermath of offseason personnel moves and offseason workouts).

Vic Carucci's divisional outlooksAFC EastAFC NorthAFC SouthAFC WestNFC EastNFC NorthNFC SouthNFC West

Here's a look at the NFC East:

Dallas

Here's hoping T.O. keeps it together for the team and wins the fans over. What's going to help: Terrell Owens (Philadelphia) should have his customary strong first season in a new uniform, and Bill Parcells should keep his behavioral issues in check well enough to allow him to enhance the passing game. Flozell Adams' return from his surgically repaired knee should result in a major improvement in the pass protection for Drew Bledsoe. Bobby Carpenter (Ohio State) and Akin Ayodele (Jacksonville) add good range and playmaking ability to the linebacking corps. Marcus Coleman (Houston) is an upgrade at free safety. Despite his crushing playoff miss, Mike Vanderjagt (Indianapolis) remains one of the best kickers in the league.

What's going to hurt: Losing the stability/leadership of veteran offensive lineman Larry Allen, who was released and signed with San Francisco; defensive tackle La'Roi Glover, who was released and signed with St. Louis; and linebacker Dat Nguyen, who retired. Greg Ellis is unhappy with his new hybrid role as a linebacker/situational pass rusher in the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme.

New York Giants

LaVar Arrington should be able to help the DTs out. What's going to help: LaVar Arrington (Washington) should be able to shake off the injuries and unhappiness that rendered him mostly ineffective the past three seasons and have a significant impact on an already-strong defensive front. Mathias Kiwanuka (Boston College) should contribute as a pass-rush specialist. Sam Madison (Miami) might have lost a step, but still has a knack for making interceptions. Sinorice Moss (University of Miami) provides a deep threat that should take better advantage of Eli Manning 's big arm and help draw coverage away from Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and Jeremy Shockey. Moss also should be an upgrade as a punt returner.

What's going to hurt: Losing Kendrick Clancy, who signed with Arizona, and Kenderick Allen, who joined Green Bay, has left the Giants with no accomplished player or depth in the middle of their defensive line.

Philadelphia

The game plan should have Brian Westbrook run more. What's going to help: Being healthier overall and especially having a healthy Donovan McNabb, after his absence/limitations from a sports hernia did the most to sink the team in 2005. The team is no longer dealing with countless headaches caused by Owens, even if he is one of the more talented receivers in the league. The defense should get a big lift from the additions of end Darren Howard (New Orleans), tackles Ed Jasper (Oakland) and Brodrick Bunkley (Florida State), and linebacker Chris Gocong (Cal Poly). Adding depth/competition at receiver in Jabar Gaffney (Houston), Jason Avant (Michigan), Jeremy Bloom (Colorado) and Hank Baskett (New Mexico), and at tight end in Matt Schobel (Cincinnati).

What's going to hurt: Sticking with an offensive approach that places far too much emphasis on the pass and doesn't create enough of a rushing threat. The distinct possibility that age will start to take a physical toll on the defense as the year progresses.

Washington

Mark Brunell needs to stay healthy and be productive. What's going to help: New offensive coordinator Al Saunders (Kansas City) brings vast knowledge of the passing game that should allow for more consistent production from quarterback Mark Brunell, whom he has working to improve his footwork on short drop-back passes and making quicker reads and releases on his throws. Antwaan Randle El (Pittsburgh) can emerge as a consistent game-breaking threat as a regular wide receiver, as well as the gadget player he was with the Steelers. Brandon Lloyd (San Francisco) should make enough impact at receiver to help make Santana Moss an even larger big-play threat. Adam Archuleta (St. Louis) is an upgrade at strong safety. Rocky McIntosh (University of Miami) should contribute as a reserve or a starter in the weakside linebacker spot vacated by Arrington's departure.

What's going to hurt: No depth behind Brunell, who has struggled to stay healthy (he injured his thumb during organized team activities). Todd Collins might know Saunders' offense well from their days together in Kansas City, but he is not the answer for a prolonged stretch. Young Jason Campbell, learning his sixth offense since college, is not ready to step in.

KEY POSITION BATTLES

Dallas: Drew Henson will challenge Tony Romo sits to pee for the No. 2 quarterback spot, but will need to be exceptional this summer to beat out a favorite player of Parcells.

New York Giants: Damane Duckett, Jonas Seawright, Junior Ioane and Barry Cofield are in a wide-open competition to start at nose tackle. Fred Robbins could push William Joseph at the other tackle position.

Philadelphia: Strongside linebacker looks like a close fight between incumbent Dhani Jones, who struggled last season, and inexperienced Greg Richmond. Shawn Barber and young Matt McCoy are battling on the weakside.

Washington: After recovering from minor knee surgery that caused him to miss some practice in the offseason, McIntosh came on strong enough in the final week of organized team activities that he could push Warrick Holdman as the starter at weakside linebacker.

THE EARLY READ

This division looks too close to call and is easily the most competitive in the league. You could make an equally strong argument for any of the four teams to win the crown and make a serious run to reach the Super Bowl.

</FONT>Ask Vic!Have a question for Vic on anything NFL related? Don't just sit there -- send it to AskVic@nfl.com, and the best questions will be answered throughout the season right here on NFL.com!

Last summer, Owens began contributing in earnest to what would be the implosion of the Eagles with his pursuit of a new contract he never received. Although he is gone, the never-ending Owens saga continues in Philadelphia as reporters and fans constantly seek to answer the question: How much will his absence help, or hurt, the team? The conclusion here is that it will help, but not as much as the Eagles' return to good health.

Owens is going to make the Cowboys better this year. However, the key to their success is going to rest with the offensive line's ability to protect Bledsoe and allow him to be a highly effective pocket passer.

If Brunell stays healthy, he should benefit greatly from Saunders' presence, and that should do plenty to help make the Redskins a force.

The Giants will rely on defensive improvements and the arrival of the speed-burning Moss to have a say in which team wins this division.

[TK]

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