Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys left a sour note in the mouth of their fans last season following yet another playoff blunder. However, the Cowboys still appear to be the front runners in the NFC East with Dak Prescott leading the way on offense and the young superstar Micah Parsons on defense. The Cowboys also managed to keep both Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore and Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn, both of which interviewed for Head Coach positions this off-season. Still, it is likely that the Cowboys take a step backward this season after it seemed like almost everything lined up for the team last season. The number of turnovers the Dallas defense generated last season is simply not replicable. The emergence of Trevon Diggs shouldn't be taken lightly, though his interception production of 2021 is not likely to be repeated. The departure of Amari Cooper looms as well leaving the young star CeeDee Lamb to seize the number one spot. If the Cowboys are going to break their streak of playoff losses and keep coach McCarthy in town they will have to count on these players to step up.

Tyler Smith: In the NFL Draft the Cowboys took tackle Tyler Smith with the 24th overall pick. In 2021, it became apparent that the old reputation of the Dallas Cowboys offensive line was exactly that, old. Left tackle Tyron Smith missed five games in 2021 leaving the 31-year-old Zack Martin playing with strangers. Right Tackle La’el Collins departed to Cincinnati leaving the spot open for Tyler Smith. The Cowboys are at their best when the offensive line is moving people and Elliot is carrying the rock. Tyler Smith could be the next piece of the puzzle while the Cowboys piece their line back together with young players like Connor Williams and Tyler Biadasz.

James Washington: When the NFL season kicks off the Dallas Cowboys will be short receiver Michael Gallup for the first few weeks. Leaving the door open for veteran signing James Washington. The 26 year old receiver was quoted saying" there's lots of meat left on the bone", in terms of his playing ability. The Cowboys certainly hope so while rookie Jalen Tolbert likely fits into the slot role it seems that Washington is ensured playing time. Washington possesses quick twitch and exceptional after-the-catch abilities. However, after falling out of favor in Pittsburgh with his targets and catches dropping every year, the veteran has a chance to spark a depleted receiver corps. The Cowboys have little in terms of depth following the star CeeDee Lamb and injured Michael Gallup. Given he remains in good health Washington has the potential to make a weak group a stellar one. *Update* (Washington sustained a broken foot and is likely to miss 6-10 weeks.) (Can't make this stuff up.)

Philadelphia Eagles:

Expectations are starting to build in the city of brotherly love after what many view as an exciting off-season for the Eagles. Building off their playoff season in 2021, second year head coach Nick Siriani is looking for young Quarterback Jalen Hurts to take the next step. Hurts surprised many with his leadership style and rushing ability, but left plenty to be desired in the passing game. The Eagles seem to have found gold in receiver Devonta Smith and doubled down at the position by trading for Aj Brown on draft night. Lessening the blows from the struggles of former first round pick Jalen Reagor, who's been plagued by drops and mental mistakes. The Eagles off-season even prompted running back Miles Sanders to refer to the feeling around the team as, " We all feel like we’re on an All-Star team…We feel unstoppable…" The Eagles will need these new additions to play a major role in getting philly back into the postseason and meeting those All-Star expectations.

Nakobe Dean: The Eagles elected to end Nakobe Deans slide down the draft board by selecting him with their 3rd round draft choice. Dean went into the draft expecting to be a first round selection until a late report about injury concerns scared teams away from the linebacker. Dean was a first team All-American and All-SEC selection while also adding a CFB Championship Title to his resume. Dean captained a dominant Georgia defense leading the unit in tackles with 72, while also snagging two interceptions and six sacks. The speedy linebacker lacks traditional size but should fit in nicely behind Philly's massive defensive front. The 3rd round pick should start for the birds, look for him to be shooting running lanes early and often in 2022.

James Bradberry: Following a Pro Bowl selection former Giants corner James Bradberry struggled in 2021. The corner found himself getting beat deep and out of position far too often. Bradberry however, has a knack for finding the football and still nabbed four takeaways for the G-men last season. Released due to cap restrictions Bradberry now will be lining up opposite Darius Slay, looking to return to Pro Bowl form. A middle of the pack secondary now armed with two new veterans in corner Bradberry and 49ers Safety Jaquiski Tartt could be lethal for opposing QBs. The 29 year old Bradberry signed a one year deal with the team, but after a stellar season the team might wish they had signed him for longer.

Washington Commanders:

It was an off-season of change in our Nation's capital, as the Commanders were born. The team had spent the two previous seasons under the title of "Washington Football Team." Now with a new name, new uniforms, and new logo will the results change as well? Washington's defensive unit looked poised to continue its dominant ways but injuries and lack of consistency plagued the unit. Both linebackers Chase Young and Montez Sweat suffered season ending injuries early in the season derailing a majority of their defensive front. The offensive side of the ball could never quite find its stride either under feisty Quarterback Taylor Heinicke. While players like Terry McLaurin remain constant, not much else did with Antonio Gibson, Curtis Samuel and Logan Thomas all missing time due to injury. Now with a new Quarterback in town and the flashy new uniforms can Washington find its way back to the top of the east?

Brian Robinson Jr: Running back Antonio Gibson is the main man in Washington no doubt, but as we have seen across the league you need two backs to carry the load. I expect Robinson to start as a short yardage back and blossom into the full fledged rotation for the Commanders down the stretch. Robinson stacked up 1300 yards for the Crimson Tide last season along with 29 touchdowns. His physical running nature is the perfect complement to Gibson's speed. Not to mention Gibson has been turning over the football far too often, with six fumbles in 2021. The commanders struggled to close games out last year. Now armed with a healthy dose of Gibson and Robinson the Commanders can only hope that the clock will keep churning and the chains will be moving.

Carson Wentz: I wanted to avoid picking Quarterbacks since they get so much spotlight anyway. Yet, it's not too often a quarterback who performed as statistically well as Wentz did in 2021, finds himself on a new team via free agency. Last year Carson Wentz threw 27 touchdowns to 7 interceptions for the Colts in a campaign that ended in embarrassing fashion against the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars in week 18. That horrific final stretch for the Colts seemed to doom Wentz’ future in Indy. Now, back in the NFC East I expect Wentz to have a similar season for the Commanders. Wentz plays the position in a fearless manner not afraid to "risk it all." His turnover troubles appeared to disappear last season despite his quick departure. Now armed with Scary Terry, first round rookie Jahan Dotson, and speedy Curtis Samuel Washington could storm out the gates. It is easy to forget that Wentz was the front runner for MVP only a short while ago. The only concern now is can that offensive line keep Wentz upright and can Wentz garner the trust of those around him to be the leader Washington needs?