Argus NFL expert Brian Valerio previews the NFL season in a four-part series. In the third installment, Valerio takes a look at the NFC East and NFC North.
NFC EAST:
1. NEW YORK GIANTS: The Giants will repeat as NFC East winners again this season. The offense, led by third year quarterback Eli Manning and perennial All-Pro Tiki Barber, is the most talented in the NFC. Manning has an array of weapons to throw the ball to including 6’5“ receiver Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Jeremy Shockey, and highly touted rookie Sinorice Moss. On the defensive side, the Giants signed Lavar Arrington, veteran cornerback Sam Madison and hard-hitting safety Will Demps. The defense should be much improved this season and should help them win 10 games and the NFC East.
2. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: The Eagles will rebound nicely from last year’s frustrating season. Philadelphia made a key addition when they traded for speedy receiver Donte Stallworth. Stallworth gives Donovan McNabb a much needed deep threat and number one receiver. Versatile running back Michael Westbrook is a nightmare for defensive coordinators to game plan against. The Eagles’ defense runs Jim Johnson’s blitz-heavy package extremely well. The defensive line suffered a big loss with the injury to Jevon Kearse (knee—out for season), but their depth will allow them to overcome the loss. The secondary, led by 11-year veteran safety Brian Dawkins, is among the best in the NFL. The Eagles’ have a favorable schedule early in the year and could enter their bye-week (week 9) at 6-2.
3. DALLAS COWBOYS: The Cowboys will not live up the hype surrounding them this season. Terrell Owens will help the offense, but it will be impossible for him to play up to his capabilities with Drew Bledsoe as his quarterback. The defense, led by second-year defensive end DeMarcus Ware and cornerback Terrence Newman will be the strength of the team again this season. Look for the ‘Boys to go 8-8.
4. WASHINGTON REDSKINS: The Redskins upgraded their roster this off-season with the additions of Antwaan Randle El, Brandon Lloyd, Andre Carter, and Adam Archuleta, but the decision to stick with Mark Brunell at quarterback limits the ‘Skins’ potential. Washington is a talented team, but the rest of the division is better. Look for a quarterback change after their bye week (week 8) and a 6-10 season.
NFC NORTH:
1. CHICAGO BEARS: The Bears were last season’s surprise team as the defense, led by all-world linebacker Brian Urlacher, carried the team to the playoffs. The offense should be improved this year with Rex Grossman finally getting his opportunity to be the starting quarterback. The running game was the key to the offense’s success last year as Thomas Jones had a career year running for 1,335 yards and nine touchdowns. This season, Cedric Benson will get more carries and should provide solid depth the running back position. The defense dominated last season as they finished the year ranked second in overall. Brian Urlacher is arguably the best defensive player in the NFL and the secondary is as good as any in the league. Look for the Bears to win 10 games and the NFC North.
2. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: The Vikings ended up having a solid year last season despite the distractions the team faced with the Cruise Boat scandal. Brad Johnson, taking over for Daunte Culpepper, is not an elite quarterback, but he can manage a game and has won a Super Bowl. The offense should be solid this season and wide receiver Troy Williamson will play a bigger role. The offensive line, led by mammoth left tackle Bryant McKinnie, free agent addition Steve Hutchinson, and Pro Bowl center Matt Birk is the strength of the offense. The defense, led by outstanding corners Fred Smoot and Antoine Winfield will take some time to learn the new Cover Two scheme. The Vikings will have a good year and finish 9-7.
3. DETROIT LIONS: The Lions hired Rod Marinelli to instill discipline and toughness to a perennially underachieving team. The offense, led by former Rams head coach Mike Martz is talented, but has not lived up to its potential. Martz will try to utilize his playmaking receivers by throwing the ball deep downfield, so Roy Williams should have a monster year. If the defense is unable to stop the run again this season, they will struggle again.
4. GREEN BAY PACKERS: The good news if you’re a Packers fans: Brett Favre returns for his 15th season as the Packers’ quarterback, A.J. Hawk will be a menace to opposing offenses, and Ahman Green is healthy and ready to remind everyone in the league how dominant he can be. The bad news: Favre is way past his prime, Donald Driver is the number one receiver, and the offensive line is weak. Look for another high draft choice for Green Bay in April.
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