Like the NFC South, this has the potential to be anybody's division when it comes to 2013. In fact, it's been four seasons since someone was able to repeat as division champions in the NFC East (bad news for Washington Redskins fans). The Washington Redskins won their last seven games in a row in order to be crowned champions of the East, but with second year quarterback Robert Griffin III returning from knee surgery and major questions in the defensive secondary, they are far from locks to repeat again. The New York Giants spent January on the couch after winning the previous Super Bowl, and while they're itching to return to postseason play, they need to show more consistency as a team to get there. The Dallas Cowboys have long been a talented team that simply fails to respond to expectations, and with a new defense run by Monte Kiffin it remains to be seen whether they can make this year different. The Philidelphia Eagles might be one of the most interesting teams to watch this year under new head coach Chip Kelly, but questions about the defense's viability and how Kelly's offense will translate to the NFL remain.
1. New York Giants : 10-6 (2012 Season : 9-7)
With all the unanswered questions surrounding this division entering the season, the New York Giants appear to be the safe pick to take the division crown this year. The Giants actually finished in the top five in points scored on offense and the top twelve in points scored on defense, but several strong outings were matched with extremely disappointing showings against Cincinnati, Atlanta and Baltimore. The Giants have proved they are able to succeed against the best teams in the NFL, they just need to be more consistent week-to-week and against their opponents in the division (3-3 record in the division last year). The Giants defense will be their main area of concern this year, with several injuries in the secondary and perhaps the worst linebacking corps in the league, however, if they can get their pass-rush to click again like it did during their Super Bowl run those negatives should largely be able to be concealed (a big if, though). The Giants are also going to need Eli Manning and the passing game to be solid all season this year, as Eli had what some described as a "dead arm" phase, when he went three weeks with underwhelming yardage and no passing touchdowns.
2. Washington Redskins : 9-7 (2012 Season : 10-6)
The story of the Redskins' season this year will all revolve around the health of their young quarterback's knee, make no mistake. If RGIII comes back healthier than ever, the Redskins' shot at repeating as division champions skyrocket. However, if RGIII looks tentative or shaky in the pocket because of his knee, or the Redskins don't open up the playbook due to concern for his safety, those odds don't look as good. It should take RGIII a couple weeks before he is fully confident and comfortable playing football again at full speed, and that lost time might be enough to keep the Redskins out of the playoffs. This defense looks good up front, especially with pass rusher Brian Orakpo returning from injury, but their back end will likely be porous again this year if the rush cannot get home. Running back Morris will likely be counted on early and often in order to take pressure off of RGIII, but if he cannot produce without defenses accounting as much for RGIII's legs this offense is going to struggle. The Redskins might take a while to warm up and that may cost them, but by the end of the year they'll be one of the most exciting teams in the NFL again.
3. Dallas Cowboys : 9-7 (2012 Season : 8-8)
The Dallas Cowboys have come close to contention the past couple of years but haven't finished the job, losing two week 17 play-in games for the playoffs the past two seasons. Quarterback Tony Romo has often been maligned for his play in those two games, but overall he is far from the worst problem on this team. The Cowboys have great receiving options for Romo but haven't found a consistent running back to take pressure off of him and their offensive line struggles to protect him. Oft-injured back Demarco Murray is a huge boost to this offense when he is on the field...he just isn't on the field enough to rely on him. The defense is also under transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme this year, which has the potential to cause confusion out on the field. The stars of this defense should have a smooth transition, like stud pass-rusher Demarcus Ware, but some of the members of this defense feel like square pegs in round holes and may struggle to adapt. Like it or not, Jerry Jones' squad has struggled to close out seasons recently, and there seems little to suggest this year should be different.
4. Philadelphia Eagles : 6-10 (2012 Season : 4-12)
The Philadelphia Eagles may be the most intriguing team in the NFL this year. That doesn't mean they'll be that good, at least yet. The Eagle's new up-tempo attack under Chip Kelly should be fascinating and exciting to watch, as it remains to be seen how he'll use the considerable offensive talent in Philadelphia, including what may be the most athletic line in the league. Michael Vick also has a chance to revive his career yet again in Kelly's system, and if he can avoid turning the ball over things look promising for the team's chances. The defense, however, isn't nearly as intriguing, and indeed may be one of the worst units in the league, as it's under a complete rebuild after the failed "Dream Team" of the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Kelly won't be able to bring out his entire bag of tricks if this team is playing from behind all the time, and defensive woes figure to slow down his high octane offense at different points during this season. Whether or not Kelly is able to transition to the NFL is still in question for this team, whether it's worth watching is not.
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