2001 Season Preview
2002 Season Preview
2003 Season Preview:
AFC East / AFC North / AFC South / AFC West
NFC East / NFC North / NFC South / NFC West
Playoffs / Awards
2004 Season Preview:
AFC East / AFC North / AFC South / AFC West
NFC East / NFC North / NFC South / NFC West
Playoffs / Awards / Simulation
2005 Season Preview:
AFC East / AFC North / AFC South / AFC West
NFC East / NFC North / NFC South / NFC West
Playoffs / Awards / Simulation
2006 Season Preview:
AFC East / AFC North / AFC South / AFC West
NFC East / NFC North / NFC South / NFC West
Playoffs / Awards / Simulation
2007 Season Preview:
Buffalo / Miami / New England / New York Jets
Baltimore / Cincinnati / Cleveland / Pittsburgh
Houston / Indianapolis / Jacksonville / Tennessee
Denver / Kansas City / Oakland / San Diego
Dallas / New York Giants / Philadelphia / Washington
Chicago / Detroit / Green Bay / Minnesota
Atlanta / Carolina / New Orleans / Tampa Bay
Arizona / San Francisco / Seattle / St. Louis
Playoffs / Awards / Simulation
Philadelphia Eagles (Last Year: 12-4).
Major Additions:
WR Terrell Owens, G Shawn Andrews, DE Jevon Kearse, LB Jeremiah Trotter, LB Dhani Jones, CB/S Matt Ware.
Major Subtractions:
QB A.J. Feeley, RB Duce Staley, WR James Thrash, G John Welbourn, DE Brandon Whiting, LB Carlos Emmons, CB Troy Vincent, CB Bobby Taylor.
September 1st Update:
Some good news and some bad news for the Philadelphia Eagles. The good news is that Donovan McNabb has developed a rapport with Terrell Owens. Also, Sheldon Brown looks like a shut down corner in the making, as far as the pre-season is concerned. Finally, the Eagles re-acquired Hugh Douglas, following his release from the Jacksonville Jaguars. The bad news? How about season ending injuries to N.D. Kalu, Correll Buckhalter and Matt Ware? The Eagles will struggle to defend the run once again.
July 26th Update:
One defensive hole has been plugged, thanks to the acquisition of Jeremiah Trotter, who automatically becomes the elite player in one of the worst linebacking units in the NFL. Trotter will help with the pass, but more significantly, he'll shore up a run defense ranked 21st in the NFL. Now all the Eagles defense needs is an experienced cornerback and another stud linebacker, and they'll be set to advance to the Super Bowl. However, the addition of Jeremiah Trotter is worth a predicted NFC East title.
Offense This Year: Out of all the NFC East teams, the Philadelphia Eagles added the least personnel this offseason, but the five new significant players will all make huge impacts in 2004. The most important is Terrell Owens, who finally gives Donovan McNabb an elite receiver to throw to. However, the fact that McNabb and Andy Reid have never had an elite target like Owens in their receiving corps remains a concern. If Owens does not catch a lot of passes, the cancerous receiver will open up his mouth, destroying the locker room chemistry that has been a trademark of Andy Reid's tenure in Philadelphia. Another concern is the Eagles' offensive line. Tra Thomas had his worst season as a pro in 2003, rookie Shawn Andrews is an overweight pig and Artis Hicks has no business starting for any team in professional football. With all of that being said, the Eagles should still have one of the better offenses in the NFC. After a slow start last season, McNabb led Philly to numerous consecutive wins, including difficult road victories against Green Bay, Miami and Carolina. Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter will rotate at the running back position; the former being a home run threat every time he touches the football. Terrell Owens, Todd Pinkston, Freddie Mitchell and tight end L.J. Smith are a group of talented receivers. As long as McNabb connects with Owens, the Eagles' offense will prosper.
Defense This Year: For years, the Eagles have been known as a defensive team. That has now ended. Last season, Philadelphia was ranked 21st against the run, allowing 4.3 yards per carry. At fault were linebackers Nate Wayne and Marc Simoneau, who were poor tacklers. This offseason, Carlos Emmons defected for rival New York. His replacement is Dhani Jones, whose weakness is tackling. Clinton Portis' arrival in the NFC East will only make matters worse for Philly's run defense. In years past, Philadelphia has been stout against the pass. Not anymore. Gone are starting cornerbacks Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor. Replacing the two Pro Bowl corners are third-year vets Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown. Depth at corner is also an issue. If either Sheppard or Brown goes down with an injury, rookie Matt Ware or Roderick Hood will have to start. One area that the Eagles have improved upon is the defensive end position. Jevon Kearse has the talent to accumulate double digit sacks every season, but a number of injuries have slowed him down since 2002. If Kearse can stay healthy, Philadelphia will place an abundant amount of pressure on opposing passers. If Kearse gets hurt like he does every season, the Eagles will have one of the worst defenses in the NFL. After all, they were ranked 20th in 2003.
Schedule and Intangibles: Philadelphia's soft schedule gives them hope for a fifth consecutive playoff berth and a fourth straight NFC East title. Non-divisional opponents include Minnesota, Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Cincinnati.
Analysis: This year's version of the Eagles will be known as the Kansas City Chiefs East; they have the offensive talent to reach the playoffs, but their awful defense will prevent them from advancing to the Promised Land.
Projection: 12-4 (1st in the NFC East).
Dallas Cowboys (Last Year: 10-6).
Major Additions:
QB Vinny Testaverde, QB Drew Henson, RB Eddie George, RB Julius Jones, WR Keyshawn Johnson, OT Jacob Rogers, DE Marcellus Wiley.
Major Subtractions:
QB Quincy Carter, QB Chad Hutchinson, RB Troy Hambrick, WR Joey Galloway, G Ryan Young, DE Ebenezer Ekuban, CB Mario Edwards, P Toby Gowin.
September 1st Update:
Bill Parcells' magic was almost forgotten. America caught a glimpse of it on Monday Night Football when the Cowboys played the Titans. Vinny Testaverde did not look 40 years old. Subtract about ten years. His performance was eerily similar to the way he played under Tuna during his tenure with the Jets. The fact that he connected on multiple passes to fellow former Jet Keyshawn Johnson was downright scary. If Vinny ever makes it into the Hall of Fame, he must thank Parcells, who has always brought out the best in him. The offensive line also looked solid against one of the elite fronts in the NFL. Dallas could win the NFC East and maybe even advance to the Super Bowl. Remember, every team that Parcells has ever coached has made gargantuan strides in their second seasons.
August 4th Update:
In a shocking move, Quincy Carter has been cut by the Dallas Cowboys, which makes Vinny Testaverde the starting quarterback. Carter tested positive for cocaine. Testaverde will take a beating behind Dallas' brutal offensive line, especially since he does not have a proven running game. Testaverde is way past his prime. Good bye, playoffs.
July 26th Update:
Eddie George has joined the Dallas Cowboys, but he figures to help them more in the locker room than on the field. George hasn't eclipsed the 3.4 yards per carry plateau since 2001, and Bill Parcells was not in favor of slowing the development of rookie Julius Jones. In all likelihood, Eddie George will just be a change of pace back, unless Jones gets injured.
Offense This Year: For about ten minutes, the Cowboys were penciled in as the 2004 NFC East Champions and serious Super Bowl contenders. Steven Jackson was available and Dallas was on the clock. Paul Tagliabue approached the podium and said "The Dallas Cowboys select Julius Jones." Julius Jones? What in the name of Troy Hambrick happened? For some unknown reason, Bill Parcells decided to pass up on sure-fire Jackson in favor of inconsistent Jones, which means Dallas will once again rely on their aerial attack this season. At the helm is Quincy Carter, who has the ability to be successful in the NFL, but will never flourish without the support of a potent running game or a solid offensive line. Little has been done to fix the latter, minus the selection of Jacob Rogers in the second round of April's draft. Keyshawn Johnson, who was acquired via trade, will assist Carter, but until a quality running back appears in Dallas, the Cowboys' offensive woes will continue.
Defense This Year: Dallas was sixth against the run in 2003, thanks to La'Roi Glover and a speedy linebacking crew, consisting of Al Singleton, Dat Nguyen and Dexter Coakley. Stout safeties Darren Woodson and Roy Williams also contributed to a unit that allowed just 3.6 yards per carry to opposing running backs. The inability to sack quarterbacks was the eventual downfall of the Cowboys' defense; they only managed 25 sacks in 2003. Marcellus Wiley has been acquired to increase Dallas' sack total, an error because Wiley has only registered nine sacks in his last two seasons. Another mistake was allowing Mario Edwards to leave for Tampa Bay. Playing second fiddle to eventual shut down corner Terrence Newman, Edwards will be replaced by former fifth round selection Pete Hunter. Backing up Newman and Hunter are Andrew Davidson and Donald Mitchell. That's not good. The Cowboys will once again be dominant against the run, but their aerial defense will continue to suffer.
Schedule and Intangibles: The Cowboys shouldn't have been 10-6 last season, but Bill Parcells got the most out of his team. Expect similar actions to occur in the 2004 campaign. For the second consecutive year, Dallas is blessed with a soft schedule. Non-divisional foes include: Minnesota, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Cincinnati and New Orleans.
Analysis: If Bill Parcells can take the 2003 Cowboys into the playoffs, he can take any team into the postseason, including this year's squad.
Projection: 11-5 (2nd in the NFC East).
Washington Redskins (Last Year: 5-11).
Major Additions:
QB Mark Brunell, RB Clinton Portis, WR James Thrash, C Cory Raymer, DE Phillip Daniels, DT Cornelius Griffin, LB Mike Barrow, LB Marcus Washington, CB Shawn Springs, CB Walt Harris, CB Ralph Brown, S Sean Taylor, P Tom Tupa.
Major Subtractions:
RB Trung Canidate, WR Patrick Johnson, TE Byron Chamberlain, OT Larry Moore, G Dave Fiore, DE Bruce Smith, DT Darrell Russell, DT Bernard Holsey, LB Jeremiah Trotter, LB Jessie Armstead, S David Terrell, P Bryan Barker.
August 11th Update:
The Redskins' best offensive lineman, Jon Jansen, is out for the year. If Mark Brunell becomes the starting quarterback, his blind side will not be protected, since he is a left handed quarterback. Also, it will become more difficult for Clinton Portis to find running lanes to cut through. This injury could ruin Washington's playoff aspirations.
Offense This Year: Good bye Fun N' Gun, hello real offense. Steve Spurrier and his foolish offensive schemes have been substituted by legendary coach Joe Gibbs and his smash-mouth style of football. In to facilitate his old school offense is Clinton Portis, a 1,500 yard rusher who was acquired for Champ Bailey and a second round pick. Gibbs will undoubtedly take advantage of the soft run defenses that reside in the NFC East (namely Philadelphia and New York) and give Portis as many carries as possible. Gibbs favors accurate, veteran quarterbacks who rarely make mistakes, which is why Mark Brunell was also acquired this offseason.. In a similar run-first type offense in Jacksonville, Brunell only threw seven interceptions during the past two seasons, and his quarterback rating has never been below 82 since 1995. Brunell has the luxury of throwing to two dynamic receivers, Laveraneus Coles and Rod Gardner. Unlike Patrick Ramsey's situation in 2003, Mark Brunell will not be beaten like a piņata. Do not blame the offensive line for that; blame Steve Spurrier and his childish blocking schemes. Joe Gibbs will not allow his quarterback to be slaughtered, unlike his predecessor.
Defense This Year: It's rare that Daniel Snyder is able to bring in two talented players on each level of his defense during one of his annual offseason shopping sprees. His team was ranked 24th against opposing ground games in 2003, which will only improve with the additions of Cornelius Griffin, Michael Barrow and Phillip Daniels. The latter, Daniels, may be a defensive end, but his forte is the ability to contain running backs who like to run outside. Daniels will not help a defense that only registered 25 sacks last season, but the acquisition of speedy Marcus Washington will. Washington joins Barrow and All-Pro LaVar Arrington to form one of the best linebacking corps in the NFL. Also a strength is Washington's secondary. Granted, shut down corner Champ Bailey was traded away for Clinton Portis, but the Redskins managed to acquire the services of Shawn Springs and Walt Harris through free agency. The most significant addition to Washington's defense this offseason? Sean Taylor, who resembles a heat-seeking missile at the safety position. Word around the league is that Taylor has the potential to become one of the greatest safeties of all time. With all of this new talent, Snyder will be able to enjoy one of the better defenses in the NFL next season.
Schedule and Intangibles: For years, Daniel Snyder has been attempting to build his team through massive spending in the free agent market. This offseason has been no different, but his new head coach could make all the difference. Joe Gibbs brings automatic credibility to a veteran laden team. The Redskins possess one of the easiest schedules in the NFL. Non-divisional opponents include: Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Minnesota.
Analysis: A soft schedule, a tough coach and an abundance of new talent pretty much ensures a playoff berth for the Redskins.
Projection: 9-7 (3rd in the NFC East).
New York Giants (Last Year: 4-12).
Major Additions:
QB Kurt Warner, QB Phillip Rivers, WR James McKnight, G Barry Stokes, G Chris Snee, C Shaun O'Hara, DE Lorenzo Bromell, DT Norman Hand, DT Fred Robbins, LB Barrett Green, LB Carlos Emmons, CB Terry Cousin, S Brent Alexander, K Bill Gramatica.
Major Subtractions:
QB Kerry Collins, RB Dorsey Levens, DT Cornelius Griffin, LB Dhani Jones, LB Michael Barrow, LB Brandon Short, CB Ralph Brown, K Mike Hollis, KR/PR Brian Mitchell.
September 1st Update:
Kurt Warner has been the named the Opening Day starter. Basically, they are feeding Warner to the wolves. Eli Manning will replace him once the Giants commence the season with a 1-5 record.
Offense This Year: In my 2003 season preview, I labeled the New York Giants' offense a "powerhouse." Oops. They certainly had the tools to score tons of touchdowns but three things restricted them from scoring more than ten points in nine contests: injuries, turnovers and offensive line play. In twelve complete games, Kerry Collins threw 15 interceptions, while Tiki Barber has been responsible for 17 fumbles over the last two seasons. While the Giants retained the latter, Collins was released in favor of rookie Eli Manning and former Ram Kurt Warner, who is expected to start against the Philadelphia Eagles on Kickoff Weekend. If New York thought Collins was a turnover machine, they haven't seen anything yet. Warner managed to throw 11 interceptions in six starts during the 2002 season. In 2003, he fumbled five times in his only start. Uh oh. Once Warner is benched, it'll be Eli Manning's turn to create turnovers while he learns the offense and adjusts to the NFL. Both Warner and Manning will have the support of a group of outstanding receivers, namely Amani Toomer, Ike Hilliard and tight end Jeremey Shockey. However, something that neither quarterback will enjoy is pass protection. Despite outstanding left tackle Luke Petitgout, the Giants' offensive front is arguably the worst line in the NFL. Expect another season of turnovers, sacks and three & outs.
Defense This Year: Injuries transformed the Giants' 10th ranked defense in 2002 to a group that was ranked 22nd in 2003. Now, offseason moves have transformed New York's stop unit once more. The entire linebacking corps has been revamped. Slight upgrades have been made on the outside; Carlos Emmons and Barrett Green replace Brandon Short and Dhani Jones, respectively, but a gargantuan downgrade takes place at the middle linebacker position, where Michael Barrow has been substituted by Nick Greisen. Another poor move was allowing defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin depart to rival Washington, in favor of Fred Robbins and Norman Hand. Otherwise, the Giants' defense remains intact, which is a positive in most areas. At defensive end, Michael Strahan is one of the best at his position. He registered 18 sacks in 2003. He makes up for woeful Osi Umenyiora, who managed to reach the opposing quarterback only once last season. New York's secondary is talented, but thin. Will Allen and Will Peterson are excellent corners, but lack proper backups. Likewise, Shaun Williams and Omar Stoutmire are decent safeties, but can't afford to miss time. If any of the Giants' defensive backs go down with an injury, their defense will collapse.
Schedule and Intangibles: Laid back Jim Fassell has been replaced by hot headed Tom Coughlin. While this is a positive move on paper, the Giants have not responded well. Many have complained about Coughlin's practices being too hard and unnecessarily mandatory. That kind of attitude will never propigate a Super Bowl, much less a playoff berth. The Giants have an easy schedule this season, but they aren't good enough to take advantage of it. Non-divisional foes include Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, Arizona, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.
Additional Reading: Examining piece by piece, will the New York Giants return to 2002 form, or will they once again disappoint?
Analysis: The Giants are one of the worst teams in the NFL. Four wins could be pushing it.
Projection: 2-14 (4th in the NFC East).
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