NFC East Preview or How I Spent my Summer Vacation

  • By Cameron on Thursday, September 3, 2009
Now that we have stumbled though the Mad Max-esque barren wasteland of sports that is July and August, we've arrived at the oasis of September and Kickoff '09.  I am of course talking about the NBL, the Austrailian basketball league.  Will the South Dragons be able to repeat their magical championship season? No, because they quit the league 2 months ago.

A close second on my radar screen is the commencement of the NFL season, especially the absurdly stacked NFC East.  The consistently exciting division won't take a week off this season so if you need a touch of guidance, Papa Cameron is here to help.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins have been the little brother of the NFC East since the mid nineties, waiting in the wings for a chance to break out.  You know who else was a little brother?  Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger.  He was also an older brother technically, as he was third of fourteen children.  Can the Redskins rally despite their small frame and the fact that they are dyslexic and their best friend was killed in a fire at the steel factory.  No, they cannot.

They can however make some good strides.  Purveyor of internet filth Chris Cooley can get the looks to make Jason Campbell into a sought after QB.  Clinton Portis still very much has it in him.  A couple young receivers by the names of Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly could break through any time now.  Unfortunately, the Redskins are at the adult's tables, and they won't get that shot this season.  Sometimes a decent team can do some postseason damage based entirely on heart, they just need a sub par division to boost them up there (read: Arizona Cardinals).

Must Watch Games

Tampa Bay @ Washington - October 4th, 1pm - This early season matchup against the respectable Buccaneers could act as a litmus test for how Washington will fare throughout the season.

Washington @ San Diego - January 3rd, 4:15pm - This game could be a must win for both or either teams, or it could mean nil, but the teams match up well, and the combination of LT and Portis should easily break 200 yards. Each. In the first half. Guaranteed*.

*Extraordinary claim not guaranteed.

Dallas Cowboys

Week 17 against the Eagles was a tough Sunday for the 'boys.  Their playoff hopes and secondary both hit the skids, as the Eagles laughed all the way to the postseason on a staggering 44-6 victory.  Romo, averaging 278 yards and 2.1 tds all season, fell into the obligatory tailspin giving the ball over 3 times, and throwing south of 190 yards.  Everyone wanted to second guess Romo's credentials, but before they could T.O. sprung forward.  Owens caught 103 of Romo's 183, and had nothing to be ashamed of. Well, until after the game.

Last year's hilarious disappointments aside, the Cowboy's are coming into the new season minus a huge ego at WR and plus a new stadium that does for decadence what bluetooth headsets do for being an clueless jerk.  Proven receivers like Witten and Crayton that aren't always trying the break the big play will get more looks.  New blood like Miles Austin will get starts.  Marion Barber (THE THIRD!) will continue to hurt people.  All this results in a dangerous crew that can slowly chip away at your defense.

Must Watch Games

Dallas @ Green Bay - November 15, 4:15pm  - The tune of this classic rivalry is "home sweet home".  Brett Favre was 0-9 at Texas Stadium and the Cowboys are 1-5 at Lambeau.  While it's no Ice Bowl, the young Rodgers grabbing a victory over Wrasslin' Wade Phiilips to start the second half of the season could be a real catalyst for the Packers.

Oakland @ Dallas - November 26, 4:15pm - Ok, it's not a great game, but it is a must watch if you want to catch a brawl that isn't happening over your Thanksgiving table.  Plus you'll be thirsting for something after being forced to watch the Lions get eviscerated early on.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles' improbable playoff run last season was ended by an even more improbable Cardinals' run.  However, the Eagles playoff run should not have been considered such.  Aside from getting dismantled by the Ravens they didn't lose a game by more than a TD, while their victory margin was 21.5.  McNabb tossed a career high 3,916 yards.  Brian Westbrook came off an early season injury and hit the ground running, finishing the year with 14 TDs.

But there are some concerns in the City of Brotherly Smog.  Will Westbrook come off this injury/surgery just as sharp as last year?  Yes.  He has before, and he will again.  Ellis Hobbs will fill some of the void left behind by Brian Dawkins departure, and depending on how fast Jeremy Maclin will be ready, McNabb will have another place to put the looks left behind by L.J. Smith.  Will the Eagles be on top for the first time since 1960?  Keep an eye on it.

Must Watch Games

New Orleans @ Philadelphia - September 20th, 1pm - The Saints come marching in for week 2, and it will be an exciting one.  Both McNabb and Brees are serious gunslingers that like to put it in the air, but neither team lacks a ground game.

Philadelphia @ Dallas - January 3rd, 1pm - I was going to avoid recommending intradivision (that's right, I used "intra") games here, but a final week rematch from last year, possibly another win or go home situation?  I don't want to get ahead of myself, but Eagles vs Cowboys could be the new Grant vs Lee.  Only about football instead of, you know...racism.

New York Giants

Given that this is a New York based website, I will just go ahead and make it known that I am heavily biased in favor of the G-men.  However, I want to be as impartial as possible.  With that said, the Giants will win the division.  They have a schedule that is not noticeably tougher than last season, a roster not noticeably different than last season, and a noticeably disappointing post season loss to avenge.  

Some may boo-hoo about the Plaxico Burress situation and to those I reply, remember Jeremy Shockey?  They had the same big mouth affliction, in fact Shockey was even louder about it before Plax premiered the whole self-maiming issue.  When Shockey was injured in 2008 Eli was noticeably better immediately.  Whether it was because he didn't feel pressure to get J-Shock the ball anymore or he was more relaxed because there wasn't a batshit crazy monster screaming in his face all day is still a mystery. Giants without Plax are still the Giants; solid, well rounded and smart. 

Must Watch Games

New York Giants @ Denver - November 26th, 8:20pm - Thanksgiving, what are you gonna do, hang out with your family?

Carolina @ New York Giants - December 27th, 1pm - This late season nailbiter against Carolina's superb offense makes me more anxious than Cleveland.  Not the Browns, just the city of Cleveland in general.

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