Who is the Best Team in the NFC East?

I call the NFC East the “box of chocolates” division because, just like in Forrest Gump, you never know what you’re going to get. Since 2005, there hasn’t been a back-to-back winner; last season, Washington came out of nowhere to claim the title. Now, all four teams have made major changes since last year. The Giants and Eagles have new head coaches while the Redskins and Cowboys have added some significant playmakers. With the pre-season ramping up, it’s time for an NFC East Preview.
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New York Giants (Projected Finish 11-5): The Giants have missed the playoffs 6 out of the past 7 years. This season, former head coach Tom Coughlin has been replaced by former offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. In the offseason, the Giants spent over $200 million to revamp their defense, bringing in DE Olivier Vernon, CB Janoris Jenkins, DT Damon Harrison and LB Keenan Robinson. There are no elite linebackers on this roster and that could be a problem but their defense should be ranked in the top 15.
Offensively, the Giants were 6th in scoring in 2015. They did this with no #2 wide receiver. Odell Beckham Jr. is on pace to be one of the greatest WR in the history of the NFL. In two years, he has 187 receptions and 25 touchdowns. With Victor Cruz coming back and rookie Sterling Shepard the Giants could have one of the best receiving corps in the NFL. Eli Manning continues to improve every year under McAdoo, and that should worry opposing defenses.

Dallas Cowboys (Projected Finish 10-6): Since 1997, the Cowboys have a combined record of 152-152. Head coach Jason Garrett has been the definition of mediocrity with a 45-43 record. Dallas had a ton of injuries last season, but is hoping to turn things around this year thanks to a great draft. RB Ezekiel Elliott is my choice for offensive rookie of the year, as he joins Darren McFadden in the backfield. These 2 backs will be running behind the best offensive line in the NFL. If Tony Romo can stay healthy, the Cowboys can compete for the playoffs. However, their defense must improve for them to be a threat. If healthy, they should be a wild card team. If not, Garrett could be on the hot seat.
Washington Redskins (Projected Finish 8-8): Is Kirk Cousins the Franchise QB of the future? The Skins aren’t sure. Cousins signed a 1-year contract (Franchise Tag) worth $20 million. On the other side of the ball, adding fiery defensive back Josh Norman should provide a lock-down corner. Their defense has the potential to shut teams down and cause turnovers, but I see their overall production taking a step back in 2016.
Philadelphia Eagles (Projected Finish 6-10): I don’t see any scenario where the Eagles aren’t the worst team in this division. Their rookie coach, Doug Pederson, has a three-headed monster at quarterback in the form of Sam Bradford, Chase Daniel and Carson Wentz. None of these players scare defensive coordinators. Bradford will be the starter, but look for Wentz (the #2 overall pick in the 2016 draft) to start mid-way through the season. This is clearly a rebuilding phase for Philadelphia.

With the money they spent combined with their talent, I like the Giants to be the clear-cut favorite to win the NFC East. They have the best playmakers on both sides of the ball.
For more from Monte Perez, follow The Sports Whisperer on Twitter @Montetjwitter11.

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