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The NFC East had a 180° turn last season from one of the worst divisions into one of the best divisions in the NFL. It’s already the home of the defending NFC champions and they should have couple of other Super Bowl contenders this season. This entire division is sure to give the rest of the league some hard battles and a bunch of losses.
Let’s take a look at how it might turn out this year.
Dallas Cowboys
Record in 2022: 12-5
Key Player: Edge – Micah Parsons
Player To Watch: Tight End – Luke Schoonmaker
The Cowboys finished in the top five last season in total points scored and total points allowed. Micah Parsons, Leighton Vander Esch and DeMarcus Lawrence anchor a top notch front seven that can get after the quarterback and stop runners dead in their tracks.
The secondary is formidable with ball hawking corner Trevon Diggs and newly acquired Stephon Gilmore. Safety Donovan Wilson led the team in tackles a year ago and he cleans up everything that leaks out on the backside.
The offense lost 12 rushing touchdowns in the form of Ezekiel Elliott (signed with the Patriots), but their offense is still stout. Leading rusher Tony Pollard is back and ready to take on a bigger role. The problem in the backfield might be there isn’t any notable names behind him.
Dak Prescott has a top notch offensive line in front of him and a bunch of targets to throw to. CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup and newcomer Brandin Cooks form a top tier wide receiver trio, while rookie tight end Luke Schoonmaker might be Dallas’s new secret weapon.
The Cowboys are supposed to be title contenders, but will it all come together? Prediction: 10-7
New York Giants
Record in 2022: 9-7-1
Key Player: Tight End – Darren Waller
Player To Watch: Wide Receiver – Jalin Hyatt
A Giants offense that finished middle of the pack in 2022 made some major upgrades this season.
Daniel Jones made plenty of plays with his legs, but now he has a few new targets to help improve the passing game. Tight end Darren Waller is one of the better pass catchers at his position, while rookie Jalin Hyatt has star written all over him. The team is also looking for Isaiah Hodgins to take a big step forward this season.
The offensive line has a couple of new faces and should be a better unit this time around. Saquon Barkley is back (after a long hold out) and ready to give his usual production in both the rushing and passing attacks.
The defense will rely heavily on rookies Tre Hawkins III and Deonte Banks in the secondary. Veteran Adoree Jackson should provide some leadership there, being familiar with the system.
The (recent) addition of Isaiah Simmons could be the steal of the offseason. Moving him to outside linebacker and putting him in more of a pass rushing role could change the trajectory of his career. The team will also need last year’s first round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux to improve on his 4.0 sacks.
The Giants might be in a tough division, but a few of their players could make a big difference in their season. Prediction 10-7
Philadelphia Eagles
Record in 2022: 14-3
Key Player: Quarterback – Jalen Hurts
Player To Watch: Defensive Tackle – Jalen Carter
Dual threat quarterback Jalen Hurts returns with one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Running back DeAndre Swift adds a different dimension to the backfield with his running and catching ability. The pass catching duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith should be considered as dangerous as any tandem in the league. Dallas Goedert provides a steady target at tight end, while Olamide Zaccheaus is a very underrated wide receiver.
The defensive line is nightmarish with Fletcher Cox, second year player Jordan Davis and rookie Jalen Carter. All three can get after the quarterback and all three will disrupt the opposing rushing attack. Darius Slay and James Bradberry provide veteran leadership, while Terrell Edmunds is a huge pickup for their secondary.
The current NFC champions have a chance to repeat this season if they remain healthy. Prediction: 11-6
Washington Commanders
Record in 2022: 8-8-1
Key Player: Wide Receiver – Terry McLaurin
Player To Watch: Safety – Kamren Curl
Sam Howell gets the nod at quarterback this season and he’ll have hard work in front of him to improve on a team ranked 24th in points in 2022. Terry McLaurin is one of the premier wide receivers in the league and Jahan Dotson should see a major jump in production. The backfield is solid with Brian Robinson Jr. and (pass catching) third down back Antonio Gibson.
The defense was tough to move the ball against last season, finishing third in total yards allowed. The front four is extremely tough with two Pro-Bowl tackles Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen. Defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young are very talented, but the team is hoping Young stats healthy this season.
Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest might be the best tandem at safety in the NFL and both can tackle with the best of them. Kendall Fuller is a solid cornerback and the team has high hopes for first round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr. on the opposite side.
The Commanders could sneak up on some teams this season, but can they get the consistency they need on offense? Prediction: 6-11
