NFC East
Jul 7, 2019 20:32:28 GMT -5
Philadelphia Eagles (Andrew), Washington Commanders (Dave), and 1 more like this
Post by Cincinnati Bengals (Chris) on Jul 7, 2019 20:32:28 GMT -5
NFC EAST
The NFC East was statistically one of the least competitive divisions last year. Granted that was partly due to Philadelphia being the league’s second-best team (And eventual champion), but it also was in great part a function of how bad the rest of the three teams were. While Aaron was the next comer, he accidentally threw a game against Baltimore (By not setting his lineup) that cost him (And the division) a playoff spot; he still was not particularly close to Andrew’s Eagles. Malachi continued his run of hard luck, and Dave was down as well, leaving the old guard of the league feeling nostalgic about the days when Andrew, Aaron, and Dave slugged it out, alternating control of the division crown several times all the way up until 2015. But fear not, as it looks like if Aaron is committed, that he and Dave are back on the upswing. Will they challenge Philly for the division like the way they did back in the holy triumvirate days of the NFC East? Will Malachi jump someone and insert himself into the conversation? Meh, probably not (To either), but only time will tell. Let me know what you think about my projections and post you own comments. Also, DON’T FORGET to vote in the poll, as that’s the whole point.
Dallas Cowboys (Aaron)
Last year’s finish: 19th (Division: 3rd)
Outlook: Aaron, famous for sitting out the greater part of the offseason for fantasy baseball interests, only to return on the eve of the season, take a roster that had barely been touched all offseason, and turn them into a 9-10 win team, had a bit of rust to shake off on his return. While it didn’t come together for him like it did in years past, particularly in the early going (For example, the unintentionally thrown game in Week 3 listed above—for which Aaron took full responsibility and apologized for), the Cowboys were strong down the stretch, going from 2-6 in Week 8, to 5-7 when it was all said and done, a tiebreaker away from making the playoffs. Aaron retains much of the core of that team: Mitch Trubisky, Derrick Henry, Chris Godwin, rookie sensation Calvin Ridley, Jack Doyle, and if he ever makes anything of himself, Ronald Jones. He does lose Jordy Nelson to retirement, but that’s more of a depth issue at the position, which is probably the biggest—and only—real blemish with the unit as a whole. On defense, returning are stalwarts Jurrell Casey, Trey Flowers, K.J. Wright, Kareem Jackson, Tony Jefferson, Patrick Chung, and Byron Jones, as well as Ja’Whaun Bentley, who was having a promising rookie campaign in the early going before having his season derailed by injury. Aaron added a big name via the Rookie Draft, when he selected Devin Bush. With that addition, this defense is likely elevated well into the top-half in the league, more than enough to hold its own while the offense presumably feasts.
X-factor: Offensive and Defensive depth. While the Cowboys didn’t head to the playoffs last year, there weren’t a ton of reasons—looking back—that needed to be fixed. Due to the age and roles of some of his players on offense, Aaron’s team is growing all on its own. It didn’t require a huge influx of talent, or a complete rebuild. As usual, Aaron chose the steady hand approach, and provided he comes back in time from his summer vacation, he should be able to equip his team with a little more depth on both sides of the ball, and return to the postseason.
Projected division finish: 2nd
New York Giants (Malachi)
Last year’s finish: 32nd (Division: 4th)
Outlook: Malachi’s main issues so far in the league have been two-fold: 1. Not knowing his window, and 2. Bad luck. Despite having traded for big name players over the years, he has had terrible luck with health, derailing what surely would have been playoff-worthy teams. His biggest piece of bad luck, so far, still haunts him, as Kenneth Dixon sits on his roster, though he may be on the outside looking in for a roster spot with run-heavy (And running back-heavy) Baltimore—according to beat writers. He still returns some talent on offense, including Kirk Cousins and Stefon Diggs, whom he traded for at the deadline last year. He also returns Corey Davis, who is poised for a breakout year (If last year wasn’t already that), according to anyone you ask on the web. Malachi tried to put some touch up on a weak position for him—TE—by adding Benjamin Watson, and then overpaying for the semi-retired, bumbling broadcaster, Jason Witten. That could pay off if Witten is rejuvenated, but usually guys don’t get better after leaving the game for a year in their late 30s—not even some the best of all-time like Witten. Ted Ginn, Chester Rogers, Tajae Sharpe, and Andre Roberts round out the receiving corps, and there is some theoretical upside there for some of them. But the big reason for concern on offense is running back, with Dixon an unsure commodity, and Zach Zenner, he subject to the whims of Matt Patricia’s running back rotation, the only other RB on the roster. On defense, all three linemen (Taco Charlton, Margus Hunt, and Rodney Hunter) had career years. If they can sustain them in 2019, color me surprised. At linebacker, Matt Judon is the only returnee (Unless you count Ryan Shazier, who increasingly looks as if he’ll never play again, though I’ll never stop rooting for him). While he added Anthony Walker and Avery Williamson, almost sure upgrades from a year ago, Malachi didn’t factor in Walker’s job security, in particular, as it is widely believed among prognosticators that he will lose snaps, if not his job, to rookie Bobby Okereke at some point this year. The defensive backfield is made up of a quartet of corners, including returnee Kevin King, and additions Prince Amukamara, Jalen Mills, and Logan Ryan. They’re solid additions, who will score an average to above amount of points, but there’s not really much to say about them, or the unit as a whole, beyond that.
X-factor: Running back. While New York is probably nowhere near contention in 2019, a legitimate starting running back could change that. Still, it’s going to be tough in a revamped division, with Dallas and Washington improved as well.
Projected division finish: 4th
Philadelphia Eagles (Andrew)
Last year’s finish: 1st (Division: 1st)
Outlook: Well, he finally did it. Andrew broke the playoff chains that had been holding him, and burst through to win his first championship. Despite Cecil’s dominant 2019, and his assault on the record books, statistically speaking, if you were looking for the second-best team, the Eagles were it (Just Wally-Pipping the Bengals at the last minute for the honor). And despite the fact that the Seahawks were clearly the best team, Philly was a destructive force in its own right (Like a ¾ sized death star), and one of the best squads in league history. Returning from that unit are DeShaun Watson, so crucial to putting Philadelphia over the top, as well as Michael Thomas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Brandin Cooks, George Kittle (Who now has a legitimate argument as the game’s best TE), and ascendant second-year TE (Provided Lamar Jackson can significantly improve his accuracy) Mark Andrews. While running back is rather bare, with only Gio Bernard currently manning the position, he is, as they say in Simpsons lore, cromulent. Andrew also added rookies Drew Sample at TE, and Hunter Renfrow at WR. Neither figure for huge year-1 outputs, but could become useful dynasty pieces. Defensively, while the Eagles lost two superlative defensive backs in Jabril Peppers and Kenny Moore, and Antony Walker—a big contributor last year—in the aforementioned trade with NYG, there is still a ton of stock in the cupboard. On the defensive line, Andrew far and away has the best tandem in the league with J.J. Watt and Calais Campbell, though it is increasingly unclear how much longer he can pay up for their services (The two cost $15 in combined salary). Behind them are fantasy contributors Larry Ogunjobi and Gerald McCoy. So even if Andrew moved the two of them to solve RB issues, for example, he would be in good shape at the position. At linebacker, the Eagles return last year’s #1 overall IDP (And as a rookie), Darius Leonard. Philly also returns good producers, Wesley Woodyard, and Matt Milano (And to a much lesser degree, Kamu Grugier-Hill) at the position, in addition to adding potential year-1 producer Jahlani Tavai, and I’m sure for Philly’s sake, future position change to DL, Rashan Gary, through the draft. In addition to returning Jeff Heath (And the still teamless Johnathan Cyprien), Keanu Neal returns from an injury-riddled 2018, and rookie contributor Nasir Adderly also should provide another option at DB. Overall, while it’s not quite as complete today as the team that won it all a year ago, the vast majority of the core remains, and Andrew has filled the holes in pretty deftly on the fly.
X-factor: Running back. Just as I mentioned in this section last year, running back is the only issue with this team as presently constructed, and really the only problem spot. At some point, Andrew will probably have to do something about it (Which he has given me assurances he plans to do whenever it’s necessitated). But otherwise, he’s ready to rock with Gio—a little weird, considering that Gio’s a big fan of Drake, RhiRhi, and Marvin Gaye. If he can coast with Bernard at the helm, however, outside of his health/durability (Which has been his biggest drawback as a pro), then there’s very little reason to add.
Projected division finish: 1st
Washington Redskins (Dave)
Last year’s finish: 25th (Division: 2nd)
Outlook: Dave had some big decisions to make at the end of last year. With the core of his team becoming increasingly unaffordable (With the three of Roethlisberger, Shady McCoy, and Keenan Allen all expiring contracts $27.5—$33.5 if you add Allen Robinson—by year’s end), and a team that finished 3-9 (Following a 5-7 finish) and in 25th place, Dave’s lowest mark in this league, some tough decisions were going to have to be made. Dave split the difference in his re-signings, re-upping Roethlisberger for a one-year $12 pact, and jettisoning McCoy. But just like McCoy chose to do with the jewelry that he had given to an ex, Dave jumped through a window when nobody was watching and stole his prize: a man formerly known as Shady for his…wait, Google says mood swings. You know it’s not good when your mom gives you that nickname for being bipolar. Anyway, whether or not the real Shady will stand up, Dave got a bargain deal for him compared to the contract that he was on. In addition to those names, Dave has further fortified this Redskins’ offense with rookie fantasy darling Miles Sanders, and astute add (Based on opportunity) Jace Sternberger. That, combined with Michael Gallup, Equanimeous St. Brown, Robert Foster, Cody Latimer, and Kalen Ballage, makes for a top-10 offense in this league. On the other side of the ball, Akiem Hicks and Danielle Hunter return, and the poaching of Yannick Ngakoue from division-rival Dallas should be doubly effective, making it one of the best trios in the league at the position. Bobby Wagner and Jordan Hicks provide a great 1-2 in the middle, though there is almost no depth to speak of beyond those two. Defensive back is probably the weakest position on the roster, containing Xavier Woods, Kentrell Brice, Deionte Thompson, and Tracy Walker. All-in-all, it’s an average unit with a significant amount of upside, but not much quality depth.
X-factor: For the second year in a row, Linebacker (Depth). Last year, I wrote: “It’s the biggest concern on an otherwise solid at every position roster. Little tweaks can be made here and there, but it definitely appears that we’re looking at a playoff team, especially in a down NFC,” and I still stand by that. Fix that, and Washington will almost certainly be back in the playoffs. Leave it unaltered, and that becomes a lot less clear.
Projected division finish: 3rd
Thank you for reading this, the fourth in the series of Divisional Previews—the NFC East. I will publish the fifth installment this coming week.
The NFC East was statistically one of the least competitive divisions last year. Granted that was partly due to Philadelphia being the league’s second-best team (And eventual champion), but it also was in great part a function of how bad the rest of the three teams were. While Aaron was the next comer, he accidentally threw a game against Baltimore (By not setting his lineup) that cost him (And the division) a playoff spot; he still was not particularly close to Andrew’s Eagles. Malachi continued his run of hard luck, and Dave was down as well, leaving the old guard of the league feeling nostalgic about the days when Andrew, Aaron, and Dave slugged it out, alternating control of the division crown several times all the way up until 2015. But fear not, as it looks like if Aaron is committed, that he and Dave are back on the upswing. Will they challenge Philly for the division like the way they did back in the holy triumvirate days of the NFC East? Will Malachi jump someone and insert himself into the conversation? Meh, probably not (To either), but only time will tell. Let me know what you think about my projections and post you own comments. Also, DON’T FORGET to vote in the poll, as that’s the whole point.
Dallas Cowboys (Aaron)
Last year’s finish: 19th (Division: 3rd)
Outlook: Aaron, famous for sitting out the greater part of the offseason for fantasy baseball interests, only to return on the eve of the season, take a roster that had barely been touched all offseason, and turn them into a 9-10 win team, had a bit of rust to shake off on his return. While it didn’t come together for him like it did in years past, particularly in the early going (For example, the unintentionally thrown game in Week 3 listed above—for which Aaron took full responsibility and apologized for), the Cowboys were strong down the stretch, going from 2-6 in Week 8, to 5-7 when it was all said and done, a tiebreaker away from making the playoffs. Aaron retains much of the core of that team: Mitch Trubisky, Derrick Henry, Chris Godwin, rookie sensation Calvin Ridley, Jack Doyle, and if he ever makes anything of himself, Ronald Jones. He does lose Jordy Nelson to retirement, but that’s more of a depth issue at the position, which is probably the biggest—and only—real blemish with the unit as a whole. On defense, returning are stalwarts Jurrell Casey, Trey Flowers, K.J. Wright, Kareem Jackson, Tony Jefferson, Patrick Chung, and Byron Jones, as well as Ja’Whaun Bentley, who was having a promising rookie campaign in the early going before having his season derailed by injury. Aaron added a big name via the Rookie Draft, when he selected Devin Bush. With that addition, this defense is likely elevated well into the top-half in the league, more than enough to hold its own while the offense presumably feasts.
X-factor: Offensive and Defensive depth. While the Cowboys didn’t head to the playoffs last year, there weren’t a ton of reasons—looking back—that needed to be fixed. Due to the age and roles of some of his players on offense, Aaron’s team is growing all on its own. It didn’t require a huge influx of talent, or a complete rebuild. As usual, Aaron chose the steady hand approach, and provided he comes back in time from his summer vacation, he should be able to equip his team with a little more depth on both sides of the ball, and return to the postseason.
Projected division finish: 2nd
New York Giants (Malachi)
Last year’s finish: 32nd (Division: 4th)
Outlook: Malachi’s main issues so far in the league have been two-fold: 1. Not knowing his window, and 2. Bad luck. Despite having traded for big name players over the years, he has had terrible luck with health, derailing what surely would have been playoff-worthy teams. His biggest piece of bad luck, so far, still haunts him, as Kenneth Dixon sits on his roster, though he may be on the outside looking in for a roster spot with run-heavy (And running back-heavy) Baltimore—according to beat writers. He still returns some talent on offense, including Kirk Cousins and Stefon Diggs, whom he traded for at the deadline last year. He also returns Corey Davis, who is poised for a breakout year (If last year wasn’t already that), according to anyone you ask on the web. Malachi tried to put some touch up on a weak position for him—TE—by adding Benjamin Watson, and then overpaying for the semi-retired, bumbling broadcaster, Jason Witten. That could pay off if Witten is rejuvenated, but usually guys don’t get better after leaving the game for a year in their late 30s—not even some the best of all-time like Witten. Ted Ginn, Chester Rogers, Tajae Sharpe, and Andre Roberts round out the receiving corps, and there is some theoretical upside there for some of them. But the big reason for concern on offense is running back, with Dixon an unsure commodity, and Zach Zenner, he subject to the whims of Matt Patricia’s running back rotation, the only other RB on the roster. On defense, all three linemen (Taco Charlton, Margus Hunt, and Rodney Hunter) had career years. If they can sustain them in 2019, color me surprised. At linebacker, Matt Judon is the only returnee (Unless you count Ryan Shazier, who increasingly looks as if he’ll never play again, though I’ll never stop rooting for him). While he added Anthony Walker and Avery Williamson, almost sure upgrades from a year ago, Malachi didn’t factor in Walker’s job security, in particular, as it is widely believed among prognosticators that he will lose snaps, if not his job, to rookie Bobby Okereke at some point this year. The defensive backfield is made up of a quartet of corners, including returnee Kevin King, and additions Prince Amukamara, Jalen Mills, and Logan Ryan. They’re solid additions, who will score an average to above amount of points, but there’s not really much to say about them, or the unit as a whole, beyond that.
X-factor: Running back. While New York is probably nowhere near contention in 2019, a legitimate starting running back could change that. Still, it’s going to be tough in a revamped division, with Dallas and Washington improved as well.
Projected division finish: 4th
Philadelphia Eagles (Andrew)
Last year’s finish: 1st (Division: 1st)
Outlook: Well, he finally did it. Andrew broke the playoff chains that had been holding him, and burst through to win his first championship. Despite Cecil’s dominant 2019, and his assault on the record books, statistically speaking, if you were looking for the second-best team, the Eagles were it (Just Wally-Pipping the Bengals at the last minute for the honor). And despite the fact that the Seahawks were clearly the best team, Philly was a destructive force in its own right (Like a ¾ sized death star), and one of the best squads in league history. Returning from that unit are DeShaun Watson, so crucial to putting Philadelphia over the top, as well as Michael Thomas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Brandin Cooks, George Kittle (Who now has a legitimate argument as the game’s best TE), and ascendant second-year TE (Provided Lamar Jackson can significantly improve his accuracy) Mark Andrews. While running back is rather bare, with only Gio Bernard currently manning the position, he is, as they say in Simpsons lore, cromulent. Andrew also added rookies Drew Sample at TE, and Hunter Renfrow at WR. Neither figure for huge year-1 outputs, but could become useful dynasty pieces. Defensively, while the Eagles lost two superlative defensive backs in Jabril Peppers and Kenny Moore, and Antony Walker—a big contributor last year—in the aforementioned trade with NYG, there is still a ton of stock in the cupboard. On the defensive line, Andrew far and away has the best tandem in the league with J.J. Watt and Calais Campbell, though it is increasingly unclear how much longer he can pay up for their services (The two cost $15 in combined salary). Behind them are fantasy contributors Larry Ogunjobi and Gerald McCoy. So even if Andrew moved the two of them to solve RB issues, for example, he would be in good shape at the position. At linebacker, the Eagles return last year’s #1 overall IDP (And as a rookie), Darius Leonard. Philly also returns good producers, Wesley Woodyard, and Matt Milano (And to a much lesser degree, Kamu Grugier-Hill) at the position, in addition to adding potential year-1 producer Jahlani Tavai, and I’m sure for Philly’s sake, future position change to DL, Rashan Gary, through the draft. In addition to returning Jeff Heath (And the still teamless Johnathan Cyprien), Keanu Neal returns from an injury-riddled 2018, and rookie contributor Nasir Adderly also should provide another option at DB. Overall, while it’s not quite as complete today as the team that won it all a year ago, the vast majority of the core remains, and Andrew has filled the holes in pretty deftly on the fly.
X-factor: Running back. Just as I mentioned in this section last year, running back is the only issue with this team as presently constructed, and really the only problem spot. At some point, Andrew will probably have to do something about it (Which he has given me assurances he plans to do whenever it’s necessitated). But otherwise, he’s ready to rock with Gio—a little weird, considering that Gio’s a big fan of Drake, RhiRhi, and Marvin Gaye. If he can coast with Bernard at the helm, however, outside of his health/durability (Which has been his biggest drawback as a pro), then there’s very little reason to add.
Projected division finish: 1st
Washington Redskins (Dave)
Last year’s finish: 25th (Division: 2nd)
Outlook: Dave had some big decisions to make at the end of last year. With the core of his team becoming increasingly unaffordable (With the three of Roethlisberger, Shady McCoy, and Keenan Allen all expiring contracts $27.5—$33.5 if you add Allen Robinson—by year’s end), and a team that finished 3-9 (Following a 5-7 finish) and in 25th place, Dave’s lowest mark in this league, some tough decisions were going to have to be made. Dave split the difference in his re-signings, re-upping Roethlisberger for a one-year $12 pact, and jettisoning McCoy. But just like McCoy chose to do with the jewelry that he had given to an ex, Dave jumped through a window when nobody was watching and stole his prize: a man formerly known as Shady for his…wait, Google says mood swings. You know it’s not good when your mom gives you that nickname for being bipolar. Anyway, whether or not the real Shady will stand up, Dave got a bargain deal for him compared to the contract that he was on. In addition to those names, Dave has further fortified this Redskins’ offense with rookie fantasy darling Miles Sanders, and astute add (Based on opportunity) Jace Sternberger. That, combined with Michael Gallup, Equanimeous St. Brown, Robert Foster, Cody Latimer, and Kalen Ballage, makes for a top-10 offense in this league. On the other side of the ball, Akiem Hicks and Danielle Hunter return, and the poaching of Yannick Ngakoue from division-rival Dallas should be doubly effective, making it one of the best trios in the league at the position. Bobby Wagner and Jordan Hicks provide a great 1-2 in the middle, though there is almost no depth to speak of beyond those two. Defensive back is probably the weakest position on the roster, containing Xavier Woods, Kentrell Brice, Deionte Thompson, and Tracy Walker. All-in-all, it’s an average unit with a significant amount of upside, but not much quality depth.
X-factor: For the second year in a row, Linebacker (Depth). Last year, I wrote: “It’s the biggest concern on an otherwise solid at every position roster. Little tweaks can be made here and there, but it definitely appears that we’re looking at a playoff team, especially in a down NFC,” and I still stand by that. Fix that, and Washington will almost certainly be back in the playoffs. Leave it unaltered, and that becomes a lot less clear.
Projected division finish: 3rd
Thank you for reading this, the fourth in the series of Divisional Previews—the NFC East. I will publish the fifth installment this coming week.