NFL Pro Football 2007 NFC EAST Preview

NFL Pro Football 2007 NFC East Preview

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Fearless Rick's NFL Preview - NFC EAST

Rick Gagliano | August 3, 2007

NFC EAST - Predicted order of finish and (predicted record) Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) - Donovan McNabb isn't getting any younger, so there's going to be a major push in Philly to get back to the Super Bowl. McNabb is back in camp and reported to be about 75% healthy after finishing last season on the sidelines with a torn ACL.

Philly's offense ranked 2nd in total yards last season when they went 10-6 and lost to New Orleans in the playoffs. That group should be solid again and any improvements on defense will be a bonus. Takeo Spikes comes over from the Bills as an outstanding run stopper, something the Eagles were missing last year.

Any number of the Eagles' draft picks could make impacts, especially DE Victor Abiamiri from Notre Dame or Stewart Bradley, a solid outside linebacker from Nebraska. Penn State's Tony Hunt could be returning punts and may be a nice complement to the backfield of Brain Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter.

The Eagles should win this division handily.

Dallas Cowboys (9-7) - After making the playoffs at 9-7 last season, the Cowboys will be without Bill Parcells, who, after three trying years in Dallas, gave way to Wade Phillips. Positives are that Tony Romo will be the full time starter at QB and the return of a healthy Terrell Owens. Dallas should have one of the better defenses in the division, though they have to shore up a secondary that was torched for long receptions too often in 2006.

The offense will be aided by a strong running game as Julius Jones enters his 4th season as a pro. Jones cracked the 1000-yard mark in 2006 and will get close to 300 carries and 1200 yards this season. His production and Romo's ability to get the ball into the hands of his talented duo of receivers - Terry Glenn and TO - are the keys to a successful season in big D.

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New York Giants (7-9) - The Giants are going to be a shadow of their former selves without Tiki Barber. After finishing last season at 8-8, there are a lot of question marks heading into the 2007 campaign.

Reuben Droughns will be OK at the running back position, but he's not nearly the kind of tough-minded all-purpose back Tiki was. Bruising Brandon Jacobs should continue to improve, but he's not an every down back. The G-Men will be happy to have Amani Toomer back in good health, but the questions surrounding Eli Manning and a shaky defense will make this season a tough one for Giants fans. Call this a rebuilding year.

Washington Redskins (6-10) - After a 5-11 season in 2006, there's no way but up for Washington. There's major work needed on an offense that only put up 19.2 points per game in 2006, and having Clinton Portis back from injury is a step in the right direction. However, Jason Campbell is probably not the long-term answer at quarterback, though Mark Brunell and Todd Collins are both reliable back-ups.

The Washington defense was one of the major disappointments in 2006, and the Redskins devoted their first three draft picks to defense. LaRon Landry (LSU) will likely start at strong saftey and USC linebacker Dallas Sartz will get a good share of playing time. The Redskins may be competitive, but hardly a contender.

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