Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles have survived the Chip Kelly era. After three years the former Oregon coach has moved on to San Francisco, taking his lightning quick playbook with him. The Eagles are now in what seems like a rebuild mode, having to reshape the roster that was handcrafted by Kelly. Doug Pederson has a tall order in bringing this team to the playoffs, but as far as the offseason goes the Eagles have made all the right moves. Several areas of concern in the 2015 season have been addressed. The signings of Brandon Brooks, Stefen Wisniewski, and the drafting of Isaac Seumalo have bolstered the offensive line. Newly appointed defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has signed several former players that had career years under him in Buffalo. The biggest question mark for the Eagles is how will the team adjust to a brand new style of coaching. Gone is Chip Kelly and his radically different coaching style, and here now is a more traditional coach in Doug Pederson. If the Eagles can adapt to this coaching style, and Pederson turns out to be the right man for the job then the Eagles have all the talent necessary to challenge for a playoff spot.
New York Giants: The Giants were big spenders in free agency, making several big name signings. These signings include Janoris Jenkins, Olivier Vernon, and Damon “Snacks” Harrison. The Giants also drafted cornerback Eli Apple in the first round. The Giants have made serious strides in addressing their defense, but have made no significant upgrades on the offensive side of the ball, aside from drafting wide receiver Sterling Shepard in the second round. The Giants lack a true number one running back, and just lost Rueben Randle to free agency. If Victor Cruz can return and prove that he is the Victor Cruz of old, then the Giants will have one of the best receiving duos in the league, alongside Odell Beckham Jr. If he is unable to do so, then the Giants are pretty thin at receiver and will have to heavily rely on Beckham. If Cruz can recover, and the defense should play to its potential, then the Giants have a legitimate shot at the playoffs.
Dallas Cowboys: The biggest news from the Cowboys was at the draft, where they took Ezekiel Elliott at number four. Not many analysts were expecting the Cowboys to take the highly touted Ohio State running back, most expected the Cowboys to take Joey Bosa, but in the end they went with the best running back in the draft. Ever since Demarco Murray left there has been uncertainty surrounding the running back position in Dallas. Darren McFadden, who ran the bulk of the carries in 2015, performed admirably last year in that position, but the Cowboys saw their future running back for years to come in Elliot. With Tony Romo at the helm, Dez Bryant still being a top five receiver in the league, and one of best offensive lines in the league, the Dallas offense will rebound nicely. The big ‘if’ in this this situation is ‘if’ Romo can stay healthy. Romo suited up in only 4 games last year, and concerns over his back have been a consistent part of his career. If Romo stays healthy then the Cowboys offense with Bryant, Elliott, and the always reliable Jason Witten, could catapult them into the playoffs.
Washington Redskins: As the only team to make the playoffs in 2015 it was unclear how aggressive the Redskins would be in the offseason. The Redskins have not made many splashy changes to their roster in the offseason, save one. The Redskins signed uber-talented cornerback Josh Norman when the Panthers decided not to franchise tag him. The Skins’ locked down the shutdown corner for 5-years, $75 million. Josh Norman is a huge addition to a defense that already boasts players like Ryan Kerrigan, Deangelo Hall, and Dashan Goldson. Offensive additions include tight end Vernon Davis, and 21st overall pick wide receiver Josh Doctson. Jordan Reed signed a long term contract as well, giving the Redskins potentially the best tight end duo in the league. If Kirk Cousins can repeat his performance from last season, then the Redskins may be the team to beat in the NFC East in 2016.
All four of the teams in the NFC east have improved since last season. Each team has made different moves to better their teams and only time will tell whether these moves will pan out as many fans hope they will. Every team in this division has the potential to be better than last year, but with each team playing the others a grand total of six times, not every team will survive. Yes, the NFC east will rebound, with all four teams being in contention for a playoff spot.
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