Big Blue View - NFC East Preview: Team-by-team breakdown of the NFC EastYour place for year-round New York Giants discussion and informationhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47371/bigblueview_fave.png2014-09-06T08:28:39-04:00http://www.bigblueview.com/rss/stream/58738342014-09-06T08:28:39-04:002014-09-06T08:28:39-04:00RGIII, Washington Redskins a huge question mark
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<img alt="Robert Griffin III" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G_Hi5NWeTgAHKuWPlkmUoss3PSk=/0x270:2992x2265/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37918012/20140823_pjc_ax1_133.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Robert Griffin III | Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>An overview of the Washington Redskins.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> basically swapped places and personas with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> last season. A year after winning the NFC East behind rookie quarterback <span>Robert Griffin III</span> things fell apart in D.C. Griffin wasn't the same dynamic difference-maker after offseason knee surgery and the Redskins went an abysmal 3-13, finishing last in the division. RGIII ended the season on the bench, and the Redskins ended the tenure of <span>Mike Shanahan</span> as head coach.</p>
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<h2>About The Redskins</h2>
<b>2013 Season:</b>2013 Season: 3-13, Last in NFC East<br><b>Key Additions:</b>Key Additions: WR <span>DeSean Jackson</span> (from Eagles); DT <span>Jason Hatcher</span> (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a>); FS <span>Ryan Clark</span> (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>); QB Colt McCoy (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>); G <span>Shawn Lauvao</span> (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a>); G/C <span>Mike McGlynn</span> (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>); WR Andre Roberts (from Cardinals); CB <span>Tracy Porter</span> (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>); ILB Adam Hayward (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a>); ILB Darryl Sharpton (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>); ILB Akeem Jordan (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a>); S <span>Tanard Jackson</span> (Reinstated/Re-signed on 5/7)<br><b>Key Losses: </b>Key Losses: ILB London Fletcher (Retired UFA); TE Fred Davis (Suspended UFA); DE Adam Carriker (Released); P <span>Sav Rocca</span> (Released); DE/OLB Darryl Tapp (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a>); C <span>Will Montgomery</span> (Released/<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>); CB Josh Wilson (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>); WR Josh Morgan (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a>)<br><b>2014 NFL Draft:</b> Round 1 - No selection; Round 2 (47th overall) -- <span>Trent Murphy</span>, OLB, Stanford; Round 3 (66th overall) -- <span>Morgan Moses</span>, OT, Virginia; Round 3 (78th overall) -- <span>Spencer Long</span>, OG, Nebraska; Round 4 (102nd overall) -- CB Bashaud Breeland; Round 5 (142nd overall) -- WR Ryan Grant; Round 6 (186th overall) -- RB Lache Seastrunk; Round 7 (217th overall) -- TE Ted Bolser; Round 7 (228th overall) -- K <span>Zach Hocker</span>
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<p>It's a new day in Washington with first-time head coach Jay Gruden, former offensive coordinator of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>, having replaced the fired Shanahan. Griffin, too, is reportedly as good as new. After laboring through the 2013 season RGIII is reportedly healthy once again - which could be bad news for defenders who could not keep up with him in 2012. Reports on RGIII have been mixed in the preseason, with some saying he doesn't look comfortable trying to become a better pocket passer.</p>
<p>The Redskins made a big splash this offseason when they signed <span>DeSean Jackson</span> after the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver was cut by the Eagles in an apparent conflict with head coach Chip Kelly. Griffin and Jackson give Washington a pair of speedy play-makers. Jackson and <span>Andre Roberts</span>, signed from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>, provide some help on the outside for Pierre Garcon. As pretty much the Redskins only reliable target on the outside a season ago Garcon caught 113 passes.</p>
<p>Washington can also still turn to the power running of <span>Alfred Morris</span>, who has nearly 2,900 yards rushing over his first two NFL seasons.</p>
<p>The Redskins were second-last in the NFL in defense last season, surrendering 29.9 points per game. They brought in veteran free agents like defensive tackle <span>Jason Hatcher</span>, cornerback Tracy Porter and safety Ryan Clark to try to upgrade on that side of the ball.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> spent much of the 2013 offseason studying the read-option offensive elements the Redskins employed successfully when Griffin was a rookie. The Giants ended up winning both meetings with Washington in 2013.<br>The ultimate success or failure of this team is really in the hands of RGIII. Over his first two seasons Washington has seen both sides.</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2014/9/6/6103413/nfc-east-preview-a-look-at-the-washington-redskinsEd Valentine2014-09-06T08:28:19-04:002014-09-06T08:28:19-04:00What should we make of the Dallas Cowboys?
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<img alt="Tony Romo" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DFJ-j45SRAAxuJjyBnSXpMlGkBs=/40x0:3956x2611/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37915648/454040804.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tony Romo | Mike Ehrmann</figcaption>
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<p>An overview of the Dallas Cowboys</p> <p>What to make of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>, the NFC East team that never seems to add up to the sum of its parts? The Cowboys, perennially thought of as a team talented enough to compete for the NFC East title if not more, have not appeared in the playoffs since 2009. A wild-card victory that year over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> is the franchise's only playoff victory since 1996.</p>
<p>How can this be? Well, the answer is somewhere in the mixed-up morass that contains owner Jerry Jones' ego, quarterback Tony Romo's talent for putting up great numbers yet making a crushing mistake at the most inopportune time and the debate over whether or not Jason Garrett is or is not a quality head coach. It is a riddle, and it doesn't have an obvious answer.</p>
<p>The 2014 Cowboys are tough to figure. But, let's try.</p>
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<h2>About The Cowboys</h2>
<b>2013 Season:</b> 8-8, 2nd in NFC East<br><b>Key Additions: </b>DT <span>Henry Melton</span> (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a>); QB Brandon Weeden (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a>); DT Terrell McClain (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>); DE Jeremy Mincey (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>); QB Caleb Hanie (DNP in 2012 and 2013); DT Amobi Okoye (DNP in 2013); RB Ryan Williams (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a>); DE Michael Sam (practice squad)<br><b>Key Losses: </b>DE/OLB <span>DeMarcus Ware</span> (Released/Broncos); DT Jason Hatcher (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a>); WR Miles Austin (Released/Browns); C/G <span>Phil Costa</span> (Released/<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>); retired on 4/21; DE Everette Brown (Released); FS Danny McCray (Bears); DE Jarius Wynn (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>)<br><b>2014 NFL Draft:</b> Round 1 (16th overall) - <span>Zack Martin</span>, OL, Notre Dame; Round 2 (34th overall) -- DeMarcus Lawrence, DE, Boise St.; Round 3 -- No selection; Round 4 (119th overall) -- LB Anthony Hitchens; Round 7 (231st overall -- DE Ben Gardner; Round 7 (238th overall) -- LB Will Smith; Round 7 (248th overall) -- SS Ahmad Smith; Round 7 (251st overall) -- DT Ken Bishop; Round 7 (254th overall) -- CB Terrance Mitchell</div>
<p>Offensively, the Cowboys still have Romo, ultra-talented and ultra-temperamental wide receiver <span>Dez Bryant</span>, future Hall of Fame tight end <span>Jason Witten</span> and running DeMarco Murray. They also have a young, talented offensive line that includes left tackle <span>Tyron Smith</span>, center <span>Travis Frederick</span> and first-round pick Zack Martin, who will play right guard.</p>
<p>Defensively, though, the Cowboys are a mess. They hired venerable Tampa 2 defensive guru Monte Kiffin to try to fix their defense a year ago, and that didn't work. The Cowboys finished last in the league, surrendering 415.3 yards per game. This year, Kiffin has been shoved into an assistant head coach role and Rod Marinelli is in charge of the defense. Unfortunately for Marinelli, long-time defensive star Demarcus Ware is now a member of the Denver Broncos.</p>
<p>The Cowboys' defense also suffered a huge blow when middle linebacker <span>Sean Lee</span> suffered a torn ACL during the team's first OTA. He will be lost for the season. The Cowboys did bring in several defensive free agents, including former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton, and did select Boise State defensive end <span>Demarcus Lawrence</span> in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Lawrence, however, is on IR with a fractured foot. It remains to be seen, however, if Marinelli can put this Humpty Dumpty of a defense back together again.</p>
<p>For Dallas, every season seems to come down to a handful of plays that historically they have not been able to make. Will that be the case again this time around? What are your thoughts on the Cowboys, Giants fans?</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2014/9/6/6103309/nfc-east-preview-dallas-cowboys-tony-romo-jason-garrett-jerry-jonesEd Valentine2014-09-06T08:27:50-04:002014-09-06T08:27:50-04:00Philadelphia Eagles: The team to beat?
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<img alt="Nick Foles" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ez_hjVOfffTz6iHws8KAX8StSxk=/0x100:2819x1979/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37913258/453927716.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nick Foles | Al Bello</figcaption>
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<p>A look at the defending NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> went from 4-12 disappointments to 10-6 NFC East champions in Chip Kelly's first year at the helm. The question now is, what do the Eagles do for an encore? Do they have staying power as a perennial contender, or will they slide back into mediocrity?</p>
<p>The first part of the question depends on Kelly. After a highly-successful career at Oregon, Kelly took the Eagles job, brought a fast-paced, big-play offense to the Eagles and seemed to stay a step ahead of defensive coordinators much of the season. Will the league catch up to Kelly, or has he built a team and a system that will be more than a one-year hit?</p>
<p>When Kelly arrived in Philly it was widely assumed that <span>Michael Vick</span> would be the starting quarterback because Kelly's system required a read-option element with a quarterback who could run. <span>Nick Foles</span>, a traditional drop-back passer, did not look like he had a future in Philly. As things turned out, though, Foles started 10 games, threw only two interceptions while tossing 27 touchdown passes, went 8-2 as a starter, and made the Pro Bowl. The 25-year-old now looks entrenched as a long-term fixture at quarterback in Philly. The Eagles were second in the league in 2013 in yards per game, averaging 417.2. They were fourth in the league in points per game at 27.6.</p>
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<h2>About The Eagles</h2>
<b>2013 Season: </b>10-6 (NFC East Champions)<br><b>Playoffs: </b> Eliminated in the first round by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a><br><b>Key Additions:</b> RB <span>Darren Sproles</span> (Trade/Saints); FS Malcolm Jenkins (from Saints); CB Nolan Carroll (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a>); QB Mark Sanchez (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>); FS Chris Maragos (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>); OLB Bryan Braman (from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>); T <span>Andrew Gardner</span> (from Texans)<br><b>Key Losses: </b>Losses: WR DeSean Jackson (Released/<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a>); QB Michael Vick (Jets); WR Jason Avant (Released/<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a>); RB Bryce Brown (Traded to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>); FS Patrick Chung (Released/<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>); FS Kurt Coleman (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>); FS Colt Anderson (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>)<br><b>2014 NFL Draft:</b>2014 NFL Draft: Round 1 (12th overall) - <span>Marcus Smith</span>, DE, Louisville; Round 2 (42nd overall) - <span>Jordan Matthews</span>, WR, Vanderbilt; Round 3 (86th overall) - <span>Josh Huff</span>, WR, Oregon; Round 4 (101st overall) -- CB Jaylen Watkins; Round 5 (141st overall) -- DE Taylor Hart; Round 5 (162nd overall) -- FS Ed Reynolds; Round 7 (224th overall) -- DT Beau Allen</div>
<p>Foles and Kelly won't have the element of surprise working for them in 2014. They also won't have the defense-stretching ability of star wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Jackson is now with the Washington Redskins after being released by the Eagles for reasons that remain mysterious. Jackson takes his 82 catches, 1,332 yards, 16.2 yards per catch average and nine touchdowns with him.</p>
<p>Without Jackson the Eagles would seem unlikely to be as explosive on the outside. <span>Jeremy Maclin</span>, 258 catches in four seasons, returns after missing 2013 with a knee injury. He is a quality player, but not the deep threat Jackson was. The Eagles added wide receivers Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff in the draft, still have <span>Riley Cooper</span>, and have tight ends <span>Brent Celek</span> and <span>Zach Ertz</span>, so Foles has plenty of pass receivers.</p>
<p>Matthews impressed during preseason, but <a href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2014/9/1/6092911/eagles-depth-chart-roster-position-concern-offense-kicker">wide receiver remains the position Eagles fans are most concerned about offensively</a>.</p>
<p>Foles also has the outstanding running back <span>LeSean McCoy</span>, who led the league with 1,607 yards rushing a year ago. McCoy is also a dynamic pass catcher, with 52 receptions a year ago. The Eagles also traded for former New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles, which should take some of the burden off McCoy and make up for some of what the Eagles lost with Jackson. Entering his ninth season, Sproles is one of the league's more versatile offensive weapons. He caught 71 passes last season, ran the ball 53 times and returned both punts and kickoffs.</p>
<p>Most prognosticators have the Eagles as a top 10 team and the favorites to win the NFC East. What do you think, Giants fans? How worried are you about the Eagles?</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2014/9/6/6103211/nfc-east-preview-philadelphia-eagles-nick-foles-chip-kelly-jordan-matthews-lesean-mccoyEd Valentine2014-09-06T08:27:10-04:002014-09-06T08:27:10-04:00Tell us who you think will win the NFC East
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<img alt="Chip Kelly" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nJrGD1JO6x9HhzkksQtYTs9OrfI=/0x50:4000x2717/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38024074/453663090.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chip Kelly | Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
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<p>Who will win the NFC East?</p> <p>Before an NFC East game has been played, prognosticators have pretty much handed the division crown to the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Eagles</a>, who also won it last season. Will that be the case? Do the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Giants</a> have a chance to knock the Eagles off their perch? Could the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Cowboys</a> or <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</a> surprise?</p>
<p>Many look at the Eagles as a rising power in the NFC. The Cowboys? A team in perennial Jerry Jones-imposed disarray that had no defense. The Redskins? Will they get the good RGIII or the bad RGIII? Sounds sort of like a question often asked about another NFC East quarterback, doesn't it?</p>
<p>Let's take a team-by-team look at the division as we head into the first full Sunday of NFL action for the 2014 season. In this StoryStream you will find individual previews of the Eagles, Cowboys and Redskins. Versions of these previews appeared in the <b>2014 New York Giants Almanac</b> you will find individual previews of the Eagles, Cowboys and Redskins. Versions of these previews appeared in the 2014 New York Giants Almanac, which is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/451576">still available for purchase via Smashwords</a>.</p>
<p>Vote in the poll below and let us know which team you think will win the division.</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2014/9/6/6109751/nfc-east-preview-eagles-cowboys-redskins-giants-nfl-2014Ed Valentine