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 Philadelphia Eagles starting QB Nick Foles is coming off a terrific pro-bowl season and is looking to prove it wasn’t a fluke. Head Coach Chip Kelly addressed the media Wednesday discussing some of Foles’ improvements: “Just a better command and an understanding of what’s going on,” he said. “You know, lining guys up. Coaches were lining everybody up last year. But now Nick has really got a great command of what we are doing offensively and you can just see it. There’s a lot more confidence in how he’s playing and now it’s just a matter of refining the little things for him, footwork, handoffs, carrying off fakes. Not the minor details; they are really major details, but he’s not worried with where he’s going with the ball. It’s just how is he going to do that; how can he manipulate the safety, but he’s still going to throw the ball to his left.”
- It’s not time to panic, yet. But the Dallas Cowboys have a little issue on their hands. Backup QB Kyle Orton is apparently pretty serious about retiring. He missed mandatory mini-camp this week which could hurt his pockets a bit. Dallas believes he’s one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL. With Tony Romo recovering from back surgery, they definitely need some sort of insurance. But no worries — Brandon Weeden is there to help.
- Unlike Nick Foles, Washington Redskins’ QB Robert Griffin III did not have a good sophomore season. Of course, coming off total reconstructive knee surgery didn’t help. But now he has a chance to work on progressing as a player this off-season which could be good news for the Redskins. “He needs to continue throwing and working on his footwork and fundamentals, different arm angles throwing the ball,” said HC Jay Gruden. “You see some, he’s got to throw three-quarters, over the top, high release, low release, footwork, stepping up into the pocket, two hands on the ball. There is drill work you can do as a quarterback that you have got to take care of yourself when nobody is watching you in order to be great. I know that Drew [Brees] is going to do it, I know Tom Brady does it, Peyton Manning does it. All the great ones are going to do it and he is no different. He is going to work his butt off in the offseason with a coach or without a coach, but he is going to just continue to work on his balance, footwork, and fundamentals.”
- The New York Giants first round pick Odell Beckham Jr. has missed most of the team’s offseason program. This is a team that’s in great need of a receiver opposite Victor Cruz and it’s imperative that they get OBJ back healthy. Hamstring injuries can be challenging and can linger. This is a key storyline for the Giants heading into training camp.
Ranking the East (WRs and TEs):
Wide Receivers:
- Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys: Dez is a beast and he’s only going to get better. The 25 y/o receiver is on the verge of getting paid in elite company. Dez just has to prove he’s matured and can play consistently throughout a season. He’s a physical freak and undoubtedly the best overall WR in the NFC East.
- DeSean Jackson, Washington Redskins: DJax is a rare commodity in the fact that he’s such a small, thin receiver — yet he’s dominated every since stepping into the league. His talent is undeniable. DJax put up career numbers last season in that high tempo Chip Kelly offense. Will he be able to continue having success in Washington? I think so. But we’ll soon find out.
- Victor Cruz, New York Giants: Cruz had a down season in 2013, but so did that entire team. He’s still an explosive player and one of the top slot receivers in the league.
- Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins: Garcon is a freak with the ball in his hands. The Redskins pretty much force fed him in 2013 with limited receiving options. Now that the team has a guy in DJax who can stretch the field — Garcon could put up more explosive plays in 2014.
- Andre Roberts, Washington Redskins: Roberts may not boast the stats of other receivers in this division, but he doesn’t miss many games and is consistent on the field. He could be a chain mover for the Redskins.
Tight Ends:
- Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys: Witten is still the cream of the crop at this position in the NFC East. He may be getting long in the tooth, but he’s still consistently good.
- Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles: At 6ft 5, 250 lbs, Ertz is the big receiving threat the Eagles could lean on in the foreseeable future. Ertz has all the making to be one of the better tight ends in this league.
- Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins: Much like Zach Ertz, the Redskins saw glimpses of greatness from Jordan Reed his rookie season. Reed could establish himself as one of the better tight ends in the league too. He just needs to stay healthy.
- Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles: The two tight end sets worked well for Philly last season. Celek has been a consistent threat at the position for years.
- Gavin Escobar, Dallas Cowboys: Escobar showed Dallas a very small glimpse of what he’s capable of doing last season. At 6ft 6, he could become a matchup nightmare. But Escobar has to prove he’s capable of developing an all-around game.
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