NFC East Notebook: Ranking Top Players At Positions In The Division

The NFC East Notebook will be posted every Thursday breaking down all things Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys.

Weekly Notes:

The Dallas Cowboys lost their starting inside linebacker Sean Lee with a confirmed torn ACL. The injury occurred on Dallas’ first day of OTA’s Tuesday. Dallas will now have to find a replacement for Lee. This isn’t the first time they’ll have to move forward without him. Lee has missed 18 games in his first four seasons as a Cowboy. In-house candidates to replace him include DeVonte Holloman, Justin Durant and fourth-round pick Anthony Hitchens. The big issue here is that Dallas’ defense lost several quality players this off-season including DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher. The defense was already thin talent-wise prior to the loss of Sean Lee. Now not only have they lost maybe their best defensive player, but they’ve also lost a quality leader.

The Philadelphia Eagles are moving into year two of the Chip Kelly era and the big question is if they can sustain success. Kelly is an offensive genius, but the jury is still out on if releasing WR DeSean Jackson was a good move or not. The team drafted receivers Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff — both of which bring a little something different to the table. However, the Eagles are somewhat fixing something that wasn’t broke.

The New York Giants have also started their OTA’s and it appears that QB Eli Manning is participating in some form. Manning, of course, had off-season ankle surgery in early April. So it’s certainly a positive sign that he’s able to throw the rock around and learn the new offensive system under Ben McAdoo. This also benefits rookie WR Odell Beckham Jr. who should certainly provide some impact for the team on offense (possibly special teams too).

The Washington Redskins are in full swing this week with QB Robert Griffin III on-the-field, brace-less. Now, it stands to be seen how long that lasts. He took the brace off at times last off-season, but was commanded to wear it. However, the QB did say in March that he wouldn’t wear a brace in 2014, pending permission from team doctors. Either way, this off-season is really about his maturation process as a ball distributor and decision maker. Washington made several nice moves to add pieces around the QB, but the team is totally dependent on Griffin.

Ranking the East: For the next four weeks, we’ll take a look at the top five players in the East at every position (three at a time)

Quarterback:

Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: This is tough because Romo just doesn’t show up when the pressure is on. But it’s undeniable, the guy is a good QB — just a proven choke artist. But unlike a couple QBs in the division, at least he’s consistently proven something.
Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles: It’s a “what have you done for me lately league” — and lately, Nick Foles has been balling. His stat line couldn’t have been any cleaner in 2013 with 27 TDs and only two interceptions. Now Foles has to prove that he’s able to sustain success in Chip Kelly’s system. Especially with Mark Sanchez waiting in the wings.
Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins: Griffin had a down season in 2013 coming off that total reconstructive knee surgery. Now with a new coach and direction, Griffin has to prove himself all over again in 2014. But his rookie season was enough for me to feel confident in him leading this team.
Eli Manning, New York Giants: Manning has two Super Bowl rings. But he is a turnover machine. 27 interceptions is unacceptable .
Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins: Of course, when ranking top fives there will be a backup QB here. Of all the backup QBs in the NFC East (and there’s several notable ones), Kirk Cousins is the only guy I think could successfully start elsewhere.

Running Back:

LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles: Shady McCoy is an absolute beast. He knows it too, as he recently declared himself the best RB in the NFL. While I believe Adrian Peterson is still a better back, Shady has consistently been a difficult guy to defend.
Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins: Morris defeated the odds as a sixth round pick who has done nothing but bulldoze defenders since entering the NFL.
Darren Sproles, Philadelphia Eagles: Now I’m not sure if it’s fair to list Sproles here assuming he’ll be more so a receiving threat. But I definitely anticipate Chip Kelly finding ways to use both Sproles and McCoy in the backfield often next season.
DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys: Murray needs to become more consistent as a back. He also has to stay healthy. But he’s flashed ability.
Rashad Jennings, New York Giants: Jennings has never had a 1k season and he’s 29 years old. But he had himself a career season in Oakland last season. He could provide the balance that NYG needs.

Offensive Linemen:

Trent Williams, Washington Redskins: Trent Williams is a freak. He’s big, but highly athletic. He’s a top three tackle in the NFL.
Jason Peters, Philadelphia Eagles: Peters is a great tackle. He’s 32, so he’s getting up there in age. But he’s a perfect fit for that Chip Kelly system.
Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys: Smith is another big, athletic freak. He’s still raw in some areas, but had an excellent 2013 season.
Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles: The Chip Kelly – Jason Kelce match was a relationship made in heaven. Kelce is such a perfect fit for the system. He’s one of the more athletic centers in the league.
Zach Martin, Dallas Cowboys: Martin is a rookie, but there’s no doubt in my mind he’ll be a perennial pro bowler.