We’re still more than two months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.
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Today, we’ll be looking at the NFC East. In that division, the Eagles may or may not have won the offseason, but they clearly won the battle for newspaper ink. All eyes were on coach Chip Kelly this offseason as he embarked on his first season with total control over his roster. Kelly shook things up in a major way when he shipped star running back LeSean McCoy to the Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso, who is coming off of a lost 2014 season. To fill the void left by Shady, Kelly signed both DeMarco Murray and former Bolts back Ryan Mathews. Kelly downplayed his affinity for Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, but several reports indicated that he tried like hell to move up to get him. Ultimately, that plan didn’t work out and the Eagles will now pit Mark Sanchez against newcomer Sam Bradford for the No. 1 QB spot. Whoever is under center won’t have the luxury of throwing to Jeremy Maclin, however, as he left in free agency without much of a fight from Philly.
The Giants‘ defense was pretty atrocious in 2014 and they’re hoping that a reunion with Steve Spagnuolo will turn it all around. Perry Fewell appeared to lose his grip on things last season but Spags’ aggressive playcalling could help to fix what ails Big Blue. On offense, the Giants souped on their running game with the addition of former Patriots back Shane Vereen, a back that can make the most out of a run play and also catch the ball well out of the backfield. The biggest question mark for the Giants right now is probably the status of Jason Pierre-Paul, who injured himself in a fireworks mishap over the weekend. His future beyond 2015 is in jeopardy and now it sounds as though he might not be ready for the start of the season.
The Cowboys made a big offseason splash when they signed star defensive end Greg Hardy, but it’s currently unclear when he’ll be able to take the field. If the embattled ex-Panther can get his suspension slashed down to, say, four games, then Dallas will open the season with one of the more fearsome defenses in the NFL. Without him, 2014 second round selection DeMarcus Lawrence will be charged to lead the way for the team’s bookends. The impending return of linebacker Sean Lee should also go a long way for Dallas’ front seven. On the flipside, Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, and Jason Witten should continue to raise havoc against opposing defenses, though Dallas’ stable of running backs is chock full of question marks.
Can Washington turn things around in 2015 to capture the NFC East crown? Most pundits would say no, but a full season of Robert Griffin III under center with a capable offensive line could be a difference maker. On defense, Washington gave Chris Culliver a four-year, $32MM deal to help turn around one of the league’s most atrocious secondaries. The defensive line also got a makeover with the free agent additions of Stephen Paea, Ricky Jean-Francois, and Terrance Knighton.
All in all, who do you think will win the NFC East in 2015 and why? Let us know in the comments!
I know it is easy to pick the incumbent, but the Cowboys should have the clear advantage if they stay healthy.
“If they stay healthy” applies to every team, but I think the ‘Boys are particularly ill-equipped to deal with injuries, as they are thin across the board. Having to wait for Rolando McClain and Greg Hardy only makes health early in the season more important.
That’s very true. They’re actually deeper at RB than most areas and given all the question marks there I think that says a lot.
The two top teams are the Eagles & the Cowboys. Both teams season fringe on their respective QB’s. If Romo stays healthy, & doesn’t pull his Romo-type meltdown, the Cowboys easily have the better team on paper.
Hard to argue with Eagles and Cowboys as the top two teams. I really don’t see the Giants doing much better than 8-8 and I don’t think Washington can be a factor.
If the Dallas Cowboys don’t have an injury immunity and the Eagles don’t lost their entire offensive line… Than the Eagles could make it far
Yeah, I’m very curious to see how losing Evan Mathis will affect them this year.
#Redskins
Eagles have improved in every area of their team. They finished 1st in the league in Special teams and added even better special team players. The running backs are the best in the league bar none. Murray, Mathews and Sproles. They added Maxwell as a top cornerback and a tremendous addition in Kiko Alono as an all around linebacker. Nfl defensive rookie of the year in 2013 voted by Associated Press. Their defensive front seven is easily a top 10 unit if not top five. Their secondary now has talent but is the big variable. They go 11 & 5 if not 12 & 4 if Bradfordstays healthy. The loss of Murray is much bigger to the Cowboys then people realize. Cowboys actually finished behind the Eagles with regards to yards before contact in the running game. Mathis was good but overhyped. No one has signed him so that speaks volumes. Terrible agent in Rosenhaus he really screwed him over.
The Cowboys. They’ve got the O- and D-lines to win the battles in the trenches, which is how they were so successful last year. There’s no big drop-off here from last year outside of losing Murray, but enough of the status quo has held that they’ll come out on top of the division. Plus, they’ll get the Patriots during Brady’s suspension, a perk none of their rivals will receive. I’ll go one further and say that they capture the first seed in the NFC.
However, I must add that the Giants will also make the dance with a Wild Card spot. They did enough with the additions to their O-line and by signing Vareen to make the offense truly dangerous with the trio of Beckham, Cruz (albeit not the same), Randle, and Donnell catching passes from Manning (not to mention hitting Vareen in the flat). Spags’ aggressive defense schemes with the addition of Collins to DRC and Amukamara in pass defense will cause QBs to hold onto the ball too long, allowing Moore, JPP (if he plays this year), and Hankins to get to them.
The Eagles blew up a playoff-caliber team and made them worse, with the exception of snagging Murray. Kelly is insane and Philadelphia’s season is going to be a blooper reel comedy of errors.
The Redskins will improve, but not enough.
For me, it’s the Eagles. I have immense faith in Chip Kelly keeping the offensive side of the ball strong, and I really think their defense is poised to take a big step next season.