Episode 10.08, the NFC East Preview Show.
With only 15 days until the start of the NFL season, Steven starts looking at the NFC. Today he covers the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins.
Steven has Cowboys CB Bandon Carr on the show and he invites a rival to join him on Fans Take to cover the Redskins. He talks about three Good ‘Ole Boys all who couldn’t, “Just Say No!” He talks about Johnny Football becoming Johnny Clipboard, and why that’s a good thing. Plus the Cowboys are worth how much? Find out how much moola the Cowboys are worth.
Gutted I missed you… Here’s some brief thoughts on the Eagles:
Overall, I think we win the Division again. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if we did so standing still at 10-6. Tough road games, and still got concerns about the defence. I don’t think the Cowboys are a strong enough team to win enough games – Romo and Bryant won’t win enough shootouts; Giants are taking a step back, nearing the end of Coughlin and Manning. Redskins are the only team I can see potentially challenging, but there are a few ifs to that – namely how RGIII plays, and how Jay Gruden’s offense is implemented.
Eagles stregths: Offense. Shady McCoy. I like Maclin, I like our TEs, I really like both rookie WRs, and Sproles is a great fit for Chip Kelly. Although no-one will replicate DJax’s individual totals, I like the overall offense more; Maclin and recieving corp are a stronger unit, and I can see Riley Cooper ending up 4th string by the end of the season. Have to assume/ hope as well that secondary is stronger, in 2nd year of system, and that Jenkins at S and Carroll as 3rd CB is much better depth. Eagles will score more than most teams.
Concerns?: Nick Foles. Might be the answer, and not particularly a criticism per se, but he is not going to have a 16 game season like he finished last year. Also, DCs have more tape on him – this is basically his sophomore slump season. Can he develop enough to help the team win himself, and continue to minimise mistakes. Defense is still a work in progress. Trent Cole has been brilliant, but year 2 as OLB, and we’ve probably drafted his replacement this year. Is our D strong enough to have a developmental 1st round pick sitting in the wings? Is the middle of LB corp strong enough? Will the secondary gel quickly enough to show sufficient improvement? And, 2nd year of Chip Kelly too – how does he develop, and have opposing DCs caught up enough to slow him down?
Overall, like I said, confident about the NFC East – don’t think there’s another team strong enough to catch us (and I miss not get the chance to debate Steven on the Cowboys!!). However, with tough schedule v NFC West, and at Colts and Packers, I think we’ll be 3 or 4 seed, and possibly not strong enough – yet – to go all the way.
That’s not to say we won’t , and I’ll be at the Linc on opening day to cheers the Eagles on to their first win v Jaguars.
Fly Eagles Fly!!!