A Look at the "Other" NFC East Teams

So the NFL season kicks off tonight, meaning all is right with the world again.  I guess it's about time I mention teams other than the NY Giants, so here's my pseudo NFC East preview.

Dallas Cowboys:  For a while the Eagles had surpassed the Cowboys on my hate scale, but as sure as the tide, the Cowboys always manage to rekindle my hatred.  There’s not much to like: their owner, their name, their fans, their QB, their "America's Team nonsense.  I mean really, I get sick just thinking about them.  Everyone has got them winning the division, and many like them to represent the NFC in the Superbowl—which is being played, not-coincidentally, at their home field.  Here’s what I don’t get: why should we think the Cowboys will be better than last year?  Sorry if I don't think adding a late first round WR who was injured all through camp isn’t enough Cowboy fans.  Especially when you have serious concerns with your offensive line.  They lose stability up-front, and basically stay the same in every other position and I’m suppose to think they are magically going to get better?  It doesn’t work that way.  Say what you will about the Giants, but you have to admit they have a much better roster right now than they did at the end of last season—you know, when they beat the healthy Cowboys for the second straight time.  In this league you’re either getting better or getting worse, and the Cowboys certainly didn’t get better. 

Philadelphia Eagles:  Who trades a pro-bowl quarterback to a division rival?  Andy Reid, apparently.  Philly’s rotund head coach/general manager is either going to look like the savviest man in the league, or the dumbest (he’s also battling Rex Ryan for the title of “fattest”, but that’s neither here nor there).  Kevin Kolb looks pretty good, so I understand moving McNabb, but unless the former pro-bowler and face of the franchise has nothing left in the tank, sending him to Washington looks pretty stupid.  The Eagles biggest question mark is not at QB, however.  It’s their defense.  It wasn’t good last year, and they've addressed their problems by starting a rookie at safety this year.  They also have a banged up offensive line that could cost them as well.  Andy Reid (his questionable GM Tactics aside) is probably the best coach in the division, so the Eagles will likely be competitive.  Like the Giants, I think the Eagles could compete for the division if everything falls into place, but like our friends in blue, they could also be in for a long season if they don’t.

Washington Redskins:  Living in the DC area I’ve learned that Redskins fans are truly unique.  I’ve never seen a fan base that is more delusional about their team.  Every year (and actually this extends to other sports as well) they are convinced they are going to win the Superbowl.  I mean literally convinced.  Every year Dan Snyder spends a lot of money on players/coaches/GM’s and everyone in DC drinks the cool-aide and rejoices.  Of course, this year is no different.   Yes my friends, don’t bother watching the season, just picture McNabb and Shanahan each hoisting the Lombardi Trophy and embracing in a long-drawn out hug.  The only real question is will Albert Haynseworth be there to lift his coach and quarterback up on his shoulders?