2020 NFL Preview

 

Fear not, Confessions of a Sportscaster is back from hiatus!

The COVID-19 pandemic threw a huge monkey wrench into the world of sports that... I'm still not totally over. I kind of feel bad that I haven't written anything since feeling compelled to address a race issue on North Central's campus, but for a long time there wasn't anything to watch except for old sporting events. Then the NBA and NHL set up some bubbles and got started, which I took in some of.

But now the NFL season is upon us, and by some miracle (and largely timing of everything) the season appears to be going on as planned, with the only difference being a ton of empty stadiums for the time being.

So it's time to get back into the swing of things. With the college football season largely in shambles even though some FBS conferences are playing on as if nothing is happening, this means we won't see a 2020 Death to the BCS Playoffs, though I still have to simulate through the 2019 iteration. I have ideas for a pseudo-Tournament of Champions for the Death to the BCS Playoffs of the past that, time permitting, I may try to undertake. But more importantly... the COAS Pigskin Pick 'Em contest is back for its ninth season as I try to maintain even year magic and retake my crown from Adam.

So with that in mind, I need to power through some NFL previews. Last year I condensed the eight posts, one for each division, down to two. This year I'm cutting it down to one and cutting back because I haven't paid a ton of attention to preseason training camps, and without preseason games or anything, it's hard to get a read on some things. But even so, I'm willing to put my neck out there and make predictions that almost certainly will go wrong.

2019 NFC Preview

With the NFL season just days away, I figure it's time to get on the preview train!

I'm doing this a little bit differently compared to prior years. In the past I've done a post for each division, and I used to do one a day for eight days leading up to the season. This year I'm condensing it down from divisions to one post for each of the two conferences. It will make these posts a little bit longer, so I'll try to keep my thoughts about the individual teams brief.

Part of the reason I'm condensing this down is due to time; I think it's easier to build out two long posts especially given when I had a chance to sit down and write this out. But I'm also doing this because in talks with Adam we may have another NFL preview feature coming to lead up to my favorite series in Confessions of a Sportscaster: the Pigskin Pick 'Em contest.

For now, let's take a look at the NFC.

2018 NFC East Preview

Rejoice, COAS readers: tomorrow the NFL is back!

That means I need to wrap up my preview series today. For the past couple weeks I've gone division by division around the country making my picks for the upcoming year. Yesterday I wrapped up the AFC (you can view my full playoff picks here), and so today I need to finish up the league and NFC.

But before I do that, one final time I'm looking to make a shameless plug with the annual COAS Pigskin Pick 'Em contest. You can join the group through that link to see how much better at picking NFL games against the spread you are than I am, while I renew my rivalry with Adam Quinn in our weekly column. The first edition of the season comes out tomorrow, and I'm really looking forward to getting back to it.

But until then, here's a look at the NFC East.

2017 NFC East Preview

We've finally circled around geographically. We're in the east today, with just two divisions left to preview.

One NFC wild card remains up for grabs, which means an NFC East team will be going into January with one, at least the way I see the season going. Of course, the season rarely goes fully the way I see it going.

That doesn't stop me from prognosticating, which is something I'll be doing again every week with Adam Quinn as we pick games against the spread. You can join us in our quest here.

And with that, let's look at our penultimate division.

2016 NFC East Preview

We're onto Day 3 of our NFL previews as I work to get all 32 NFL teams pegged out for the upcoming season.

I'm done in the North divisions and am working my way clockwise around the country alternating conferences to get to eight. Today, I'm onto the NFC East.

Before I do that, once again this season I'm picking NFL games against the spread. I will be joined by defending champion Adam Quinn for our third year of weekly posts with our picks. If you want to try and beat us, you can join our ESPN Pigskin Pick 'Em Group.

Let's take a look at the previews.

2015 NFC East Preview

A week from today, we will be celebrating the full-on return of the NFL with 13 games over the course of the day. Until then, we still have a couple more previews to do.

We're down to just the eastern divisions remaining over the next couple days. Meanwhile, if you want to see some more in-depth previews for the NFL, my colleagues over at UKEndZone are doing a fantastic job getting you ready for the 2015 campaign. If you want to try to play expert and pick some NFL results, Adam Quinn is back to join me in a weekly post picking NFL games, and you can compete against us as well as my dad and Grabbing the Bull Horns blogger/defending champion in our ESPN Pigskin Pick 'Em Group.

Let's get to work on today's preview.

NFC East

Common opponents on schedule: NFC South, AFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles
2014: 10-6 (2nd), missed playoffs
This past offseason was a crazy one in Philly, with Chip Kelly assuming roster construction duties and proceeding to turn the Eagles into some sort of Oregon East and upheaving the roster (while Shady McCoy stupidly played the race card out of bitterness for getting moved, never mind the fact that DeMarco Murray was the guy who replaced him). They also traded for Sam Bradford at quarterback, which might help given that a change of scenery might not hurt him, but odds are something else will. There's enough talent in the backfield, though I'm not sold on the receiving corps just because of Kelly's retooling of it all. I'm not 100 percent sure what to make of the defense, but I think there are enough pieces here to make it work, plus Bradley Fletcher is no longer in the secondary to get torched repeatedly.
2015 Prediction: 10-6

2. New York Giants
2014: 6-10 (3rd), missed playoffs
I tinkered around with this one, originally not having a lot of faith in the Giants, but I have to believe Eli Manning will be better in 2015 than he was in 2014, especially with a full year of Odell Beckham, Jr. They also have James Jones to play a complementary role, and with an experienced, competent quarterback throwing him the ball he'll be okay. I like their running game as well. Defensively, they have a good secondary with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Prince Amukamura manning the corners, but the big question mark is the defensive line. They've constantly reloaded it in the past few years, leading to their two Super Bowls, but I just don't think there's enough there this year to allow for another one. They'll be right in the mix though.
2015 Prediction: 9-7

3. Dallas Cowboys
2014: 12-4 (1st), lost in NFC Divisional Game
After years of being in NFL purgatory, the Cowboys finally had a great run to the playoffs, getting by the wuss Jim Caldwell's Lions only to drop a heartbreaker to the Packers at Lambeau (good times). Their offense will be pretty good again with Romo, Bryant and Witten, their offensive line is superb, but the question mark will be the running game. DeMarco Murray left for Philly in the offseason, and Dallas is relying on Darren McFadden to be the new #1, though we'll definitely see more of Lance Dunbar and Joseph Randle this year. It won't be anywhere near the same though. The Cowboys' strong run game in 2014 helped mask a fairly weak defense, one that is okay this year but will be without corner Orlando Scandrick due to a knee injury. The Cowboys will be okay this year... but it's not a playoff year. Back to purgatory they go.
2015 Prediction: 8-8

4. Washington Redskins
2014: 4-12 (4th), missed playoffs
I don't even know where to start here. The Redskins have been a mess recently, with Kirk Cousins being named the starter for 2015 over RG3. Cousins will have some weapons, with Desean Jackson and Pierre Garcon to throw to while Alfred Morris is a decent back. I do not trust this defense however, other than maybe the mandatory four pick game from Deangelo Hall against the Bears for old time's sake. There's just too much dysfunction in Landover, Maryland for my taste. It'll be a long year here.
2015 Prediction: 4-12

Since I've done all the NFC teams now, here's my predicted playoff picture from the conference:

1. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
2. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
4. Carolina Panthers (9-7)
5. Arizona Cardinals (10-6)
6. New Orleans Saints (9-7)

We have just one division remaining: the AFC East. I'll be back with that tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your Labor Day weekend!

NFC East Preview

We're just a week away now! The NFL season is on the horizon, and I have five more divisions to get to. Today I'm switching back over to the NFC but staying out on the East Coast... you know, other than Dallas.

With a week to go, there is still time to get in on the COAS Pigskin Pick 'Em contest. Follow the provided link to go to the group page and sign up. It's free to play, and you have an opportunity to make me look like a complete idiot. Everyone wins.

With that out of the way, let's take a look at how the NFC East might unfold.

Common opponents on schedule: NFC West, AFC South

1. Philadelphia Eagles
2013: 10-6 (1st), lost in NFC Wild Card Round
Not the easiest schedule in the world for second year coach Chip Kelly. He has the first place teams in the NFC plus the NFC West. Even with that, there's no reason to think this offense still can't blur their way down the field. They were a top-10 passing team and the top rushing attack in 2013. Those numbers will probably drop a bit with Desean Jackson departed for Washington. Shady McCoy will still probably put up huge numbers though. The biggest problem though remains in that this defense couldn't stop a nosebleed last year. They'll have to rely on winning shootouts. Fortunately for them, that's something they can do.
2014 Prediction: 10-6

2. Dallas Cowboys
2013: 8-8 (2nd), missed playoffs
So, other than Jerry Jones turning into Uncle Creepy... this was more of the same old, same old from Arlington. The cap situation is a mess, the team itself is a mess... and yet somehow, despite my grandfather-in-law's lack of faith in this team (he lives in the Dallas area), they'll be in position to make the playoffs in the final week before blowing it in unbelievable fashion. Tony Romo will continue to put up numbers, especially as long as Jason Witten and Dez Bryant are healthy. Problem is, this defense... oh boy. We might see a lot of games like last year's shootout with Denver.
2014 Prediction: 8-8

3. Washington Redskins
2013: 3-13 (4th), missed playoffs
With the benefit of a (hopefully) healthy RG3 and a last place schedule, the Redskins should be on the way back up this season. Having Desean Jackson defect helps a lot too. Offensively, between the passing game and the Alfred Morris/Roy Helu running back tandem, they'll be fine. It's the defense that's concerning, much like the rest of the division. Picking up Ryan Clark is a pretty good addition to a secondary that will need the help, given Brandon Meriweather is being a thug again. As long as Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan get a decent pass rush, the Skins can be in contention again this year.
2014 Prediction: 7-9

4. New York Giants
2013: 7-9 (3rd), missed playoffs
The G-Men had an off year last year, especially Eli. I doubt he'll have an 18/27 touchdown to pick ration again. It'll be interesting to see though if Rueben Randle can become a competent #2 receiver across from Victor Cruz though. I really don't know what to expect on the ground though; Rashad Jennings was okay as part of a tandem last year, but who backs him up? On defense, getting Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie helps shore up the secondary, but can the Giants get the pass rush they've gotten during their two recent Super Bowl runs? If not, it could be a long year in the Meadowlands.
2014 Prediction: 7-9

And with that, we're at the halfway mark. And so far, no wild cards have shown up. You can check back tomorrow to see if one is present in the AFC North.

NFC East Preview

Ah, it's good to have the shield back.

We're a little over a week away from the NFL season beginning, and college football starts this week as well. With just a few days left, I'm going to start cranking out previews by division, like I did last year.

Last year I ended up starting with the defending Super Bowl champion's division, but I'm going in reverse this time. I want to end with the defending champs, so I'm starting out east. Here's how I think the NFC East will shake up.

Common opponents on schedule: NFC North, AFC West.

1. Washington Redskins
Last year: 10-6 (1st), lost in NFC Wild Card Round
I feel kind of dumb after picking these guys to finish last last year. I obviously didn't realize how dynamic RGIII was going to be. Ultimately how successful this Skins team will be rests on how well he's recovered from his torn ACL. If he's not able to go in Week 1 (though most signs seem to suggest he will be), I think Kirk Cousins can hold his own. Having Alfred Morris as a running back also helps. This team can score plenty of points. My concern is whether or not their secondary will be able to hold their own. DeAngelo Hall isn't facing Jay Cutler 16 times, after all.
2013 Prediction: 10-6

2. New York Giants
Last year: 9-7 (2nd), missed playoffs
I really have no place picking things when it comes to this team. Every time I thought I had the Giants pegged, they proved me wrong. Their road to winning Super Bowl XLVI went against everything I figured would happen. So, naturally, I went with them whenever conventional wisdom said they'd fail... and they ended up failing! Eli is still a good quarterback. and the Nicks/Cruz pairing is one of the best in the league. But their defense isn't quite what it was, since the depth on the defensive line is diminished and I'm not entirely sure about their back seven. They'll be decent, but I don't think they'll have extended playing time in January.
2013 Prediction: 8-8

3. Philadelphia Eagles
Last year: 4-12 (4th), missed playoffs
This past week, Michael Vick was named the starter again for this team under Chip Kelly. As long as he stays healthy, this team's offense will be tough to beat, with weapons like LeSean McCoy, Desean Jackson and Brent Celek. The issue is, Vick is rarely healthy and always seems to take a beating. So for a best-case scenario, let's say he plays 12 games and Nick Foles starts the other four. The jury is still out on him, ultimately. They've got decent rushers in the 3-4, but I'm not ultimately sold on this defense. Of course, that could be because Andy Reid was kind of dumb with those coordinators. We'll see how Kelly handles it in his first year.
2013 Prediction: 6-10

4. Dallas Cowboys
Last year: 8-8 (3rd), missed playoffs
My fiancee's grandfather lives down in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and at least to some extent follows the Cowboys. He's up to visit and we were talking a little about football the other night and he had... shall we say... some strong words about Jerry Jones. Needless to say, I don't think the local sentiment about him down there is very good. And I think it's with good reason; Jones seems to keep thinking the Cowboys are just one or two pieces away from being a Super Bowl contender. Unfortunately for him, I don't think the offensive line is that great, which doesn't help under any circumstances. As fun as it is to rag on Tony Romo for choking in big games (the Google image search is pretty funny), he still puts up good numbers, and he still has some great targets in Dez Bryant and Jason Witten. But switching over to a 4-3 defense (thus moving DeMarcus Ware to a defensive end spot) is probably not the best idea out there. This all will probably result in Jason Garrett getting canned because Jerry Jones doesn't want to take the blame for his own failures and will replace him with another yes-man resulting in more mediocrity. And crotch scratching.
2013 Prediction: 5-11

NFC East Preview

Three weeks is a long time to be on hiatus from writing. But duty calls at work and I didn't want to spam this blog with more anti-PSU apologist drivel or go on about indisputable facts pertaining to how bad the Dream Team would have beaten this year's Olympic team. But with the NFL regular season almost upon us, it's time I did some catching up... heavy catching up.

Every day for the next 8 days I will write a preview about each of the NFL's divisions ranking each team and giving thought to their season at hand. Stay tuned as well later this week as I'll be unveiling an interactive plan for the 2012 campaign with some help. But for now, let's turn our attention to the division of the defending Super Bowl champs.

NFC East
Common opponents on schedule: NFC South, AFC North

1. New York Giants
2011 Record: 9-7, won Super Bowl XLVI

Last year near the end of the regular season into the playoffs, people began making the case for Eli Manning as an elite quarterback. It's a case I agree with, though I think he falls just short of the upper echelon of elite quarterbacks (right now, Rodgers, Brees and Brady) but could easily be considered a top 5 QB. (You can see my full rankings here.) Nonetheless he is a force to be reckoned with, especially late in a close game. He has a fair amount of weapons in Ahmad Bradshaw, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, though the loss of Brandon Jacobs will hurt. What really scares me though is the defense, anchored by that scary good front line (JPP, Umenyiora and Tuck) that will pressure opposing quarterbacks. This team has a good shot at a repeat as long as they stay healthy (always the magical formula for success).

2. Philadelphia Eagles
2011 Record: 8-8, missed playoffs

Health is always a concern here, especially considering how fragile Michael Vick can be. But the so-called "Dream Team" from last year severely underachieved to .500 ball (granted, again, Vick was hurt) despite coming away with a huge haul in the shortened free agency period following the lockout. This team on paper still looks good even if Vick is hampered by his rib injury and won't start the opener. Lesean McCoy is a solid running back, and Mike Kafka would still have guys like Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin to throw to, with a tough defense led by Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. I don't think they'll be a playoff team this year but they'll be in the hunt right up until the end.

3. Dallas Cowboys
2011 Record: 8-8, missed playoffs

It's gotten to the point the last couple of years where people rag on Tony Romo and call him overrated. I would argue (as I'm sure others would) that he's become so overrated he's now underrated. He puts up very good numbers in the regular season, but also can make some mistakes at inopportune moments. I'm not entirely sold on a DeMarco Murray/Felix Jones top 2 at the tailback spot, and I feel that this defense can and will be thrown on a lot, but these guys will be competitive. I just think Jerry Jones was off a few months ago when he said the Cowboys' window was closing; it was never really open to begin with (and contrary to what he and his players might say, I don't think it's open this year.)

4. Washington Redskins
2011 Record: 5-11, missed playoffs

I hate to seem like I'm adding to the East Coast bias, but I think this is one of the strongest divisions top to bottom in the NFL (I'd rank the NFC North for sure above these guys, but not sure beyond that.) Having Robert Griffin III as your new quarterback certainly helps. While I think he'll have some struggles when defenses adjust to him a little bit, I think he'll definitely help this team win some ball games. I'm not completely sold on their other offensive skill players, but their defense doesn't look too bad on paper. They'll be in ball games; I just don't know that they'll have the firepower to put them over the top a lot. Guys like Pierre Garcon and Tim Hightower can only do so much.

That's it for now. Tomorrow I will have the AFC East for you as I bust my butt to crank out 32 team previews in 8 days.