Breaking Down the NFC East: A Division Preview

Weekly Matchup Previews
Jun 03, 2024
Jun 03, 2024

Dallas Cowboys: Can They Repeat as Division Champions?

The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a successful 2021 season where they won the NFC East with a 12-5 record. Led by quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and wide receiver Amari Cooper, the Cowboys have a talented offense that can score points in bunches. However, the team's success will largely depend on the performance of its defense, which struggled at times last season. If the Cowboys can improve defensively and stay healthy, they have a good chance of repeating as division champions.

The Cowboys made headlines during the offseason when they released wide receiver Amari Cooper, who had been a key part of the team's offense since 2018. The move was made to free up cap space and give the team more flexibility in the draft and free agency. However, it also left a hole at the wide receiver position, which the Cowboys have attempted to fill through the additions of free agents James Washington and Noah Brown, as well as rookie Jalen Tolbert. It remains to be seen whether these new players will be able to replace the production of Cooper.

One area where the Cowboys did not need to make many changes was the offensive line, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the league. Led by perennial Pro Bowlers Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, the Cowboys' offensive line has consistently provided excellent protection for Prescott and created holes for Elliott. With most of the unit returning intact, the Cowboys should once again have one of the most formidable offensive lines in the NFL.

Philadelphia Eagles: A Team on the Rise?

The Philadelphia Eagles are a team on the rise in the NFC East. After a disappointing 2019 season, the Eagles rebounded to finish 9-8 and win the division in 2020. However, they fell short in the playoffs, losing in the wild-card round to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Eagles have a young and talented offense that has the potential to be one of the best in the league. The team's success will largely depend on the development of Hurts, who is entering his second season as a starter.

The Eagles made several moves during the offseason to improve their defense, which was a weak point in 2021. The team acquired defensive lineman Haason Reddick, who had a breakout season with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. He led the team with 11 sacks and was a key part of the Panthers' defensive success. The Eagles also added cornerback James Bradberry, who was released by the New York Giants. He should provide a boost to the Eagles' secondary, which struggled at times last season.

Another area where the Eagles made significant improvements is at the wide receiver position. The team added A.J. Brown, who was acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. Brown is one of the best young receivers in the league and should provide a big boost to the Eagles' passing game. The team also added former New England Patriot wideout Nelson Agholor, who should provide depth and experience to the receiving corps.

New York Giants: Can They Take a Step Forward?

The New York Giants are a team on the cusp of turning the corner. After finishing 4-12 in 2020, the Giants improved to 6-10 in 2021, just missing the playoffs. Led by quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley, the Giants have a young and talented offense that can move the ball effectively. However, the team's success will largely depend on the performance of its defense, which has struggled in recent seasons.

The Giants made a splash in the offseason by acquiring wide receiver Kenny Golladay, who was released by the Detroit Lions. Golladay is a big-play receiver who should provide a much-needed deep threat for Jones. The team also added wideout Kadarius Toney, who was a first-round pick in the 2021 draft. Toney has the potential to be a dynamic playmaker and should provide a boost to the Giants' offense.

On defense, the Giants made several moves to improve the unit. The team added linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, who was a top-five pick in the 2022 draft. Thibodeaux is a physical and athletic linebacker who should provide a big boost to the Giants' defense. The team also added defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson, who was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. Robinson is a solid run-stopper who should help improve the Giants' run defense.

Washington Commanders: A New Era Begins

The Washington Commanders are entering a new era with a new name, new logo, and new head coach. After finishing 7-10 in 2021, the Commanders are looking to make a playoff push behind quarterback Carson Wentz, who was acquired in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. Wentz is a proven playmaker who has led his team to the playoffs in two of his five seasons in the league. He will be joined by wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who is one of the best young receivers in the league and has the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL.

The Commanders made several changes to their defense during the offseason. The team added cornerback William Jackson III, who was acquired in a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals. Jackson is a physical cornerback who should provide a big boost to the Commanders' secondary. The team also added defensive lineman Courtland Sutton, who was acquired in a trade with the Denver Broncos. Sutton is a disruptive force on the defensive line who should help improve the team's pass rush.

Despite the changes, the Commanders still have some areas of concern. Most notably, the team's offensive line struggled in 2021, allowing Wentz to be sacked 50 times, the most in the league. The Commanders made some changes to the line, but it remains to be seen whether those changes will be enough to protect Wentz and provide him with the time he needs to make plays.