Alright boys and girls, just two more divisions left as the season starts tomorrow. Today we find ourselves in the NFC East. It's a tough division from top to bottom. And this could be a tough year for them with some changes that I'm not so sure change the landscape too drastically.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Terrell Owens is no more in the Big D and Roy Williams is now the No. 1 receiver in Dallas. It will be interesting to see how Tony Romo responds to not having a certain No. 81 around town.
Every time I see Wade Phillips he seems like he doesn't have a clue. I know they call him a "players coach" but doesn't appear to have control over the team. Is there a happy medium there?
Most important player: Jason Witten is back as Romo's favorite target. His 81 catches last year should be consistent this year and will have to be as Williams seemed to disappear during his time with the 'Boys late last season.
New York Giants
This offensive line is one of the best in the league and has handed the keys over to Brandon Jacobs to be the No. 1 without Brandon Ward bearing down on him. Still expect to see Ahmed Bradshaw's speed sprinkled in.
With Osi Umenyiora back from his Week 1 injury last year, Justin Tuck should be able to continue his solid performance and be able to combine forces to become a great duo.
Most important player: To give Eli a go-to receiver, Steve Smith is going to have to step up. As Plex is gone and the team struggled last year. With the running game carrying so much of the burden, he'll need to step up for Eli and this offense to not be so one-dimensional.
Philadelphia Eagles
Michael Vick will do very little for this team in my eyes this season. He's here as a security blanket in case Donavon McNabb gets hurt (which he has the past few seasons).
Michael Westbrook is still great as both a runner and receiver, but even he will miss at least two games this season. After a 9-6-1 season last year and some key departures on defense last year, that would be where I'd be looking to find out if this team is going to be successful.
Most important player: Sports Illustrated points out strong safety Quintin Mikell as a guy to spotlight and it's hard to argue with that. With Brian Dawkins gone to Denver the defense has no leader and Mikell is going to have to step up and be the leader. With a schedule that is a bit more forgiving in how it is all sequenced, it could all come together at the right time for the Eagles.
Washington Redskins
Michael Haynesworth is a force and he moves to the 'Skins and is going to be a monster again this season in the middle. But, again I'll site SI, was it the right way to spend the money? The offense is the biggest question for me on this team as apart from Clinton Portis no one really scares me.
That said, they will have an opportunity and be in games if the defense presents them with short fields and turnovers, the offense will have what it needs to score points and won't need to score a lot of them.
Most important player: Jason Campbell was almost traded in the offseason, but unlike Jay Cutler he remained call and stayed in town. He showed some signs last year and will need Antwaan Randle El, Santana Moss and Chris Cooley to step up.
OK, it's prediction time
NY Giants 11-5 - Eli will come through when he's called upon
Dallas Cowboys 10-6 -- Felix Jones gets a chance to shine for the Cowboys on their big screen
Philadelphia Eagles 7-9 -- Not a shot on how bad the Eagles are, more how good those around them are.
Washington Redskins 6-10 -- Not enough faith in Campbell shows on the field
The previews are winding down as the season gets ready to start. Here's a look back
Sept. 1: AFC South
Sept 2: AFC West
Sept. 3: AFC East
Sept. 4: AFC North
Sept. 7: NFC South
Sept. 8: NFC West
Sept. 9: NFC East (Today)
Thursday, Sept. 10: NFC North
Friday, Sept. 11: Playoffs and Super Bowl XLIV picks
While the NFC North Preview is tomorrow, I couldn't hold out on this video for another day. Found this great video from the Onion Sports Network on SI.com's Hot Click today. Very funny.
NFL Players Mentor Troubled Detroit Lions
Now we find ourselves back at the Nussie Hunter segment of the day. If you've followed Wilber's Way since our early days, you remember me promoting the two Wisconsin entrants in the Maxim Hometown Hotties contest. We'll things are down to the Finals now with just 10 left. You can check out all the lovely ladies, here. But Wilber's Way is endorsing a candidate and we're going with the amazing Leslie (even though she is listed as having a boyfriend). Enjoy!
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