NFC East 2007 Preview

Carrie Stroup here with your NFC East 2007 preview as the new season is only weeks away.  Let's take a looksie.

Remember, for all your NFC East 2007 betting needs, visit Sportsbook.com here.

1. Philadelphia Eagles

Key additions: Kelly Holcomb QB, Takeo Spikes LB, Kevin Curtis WR, Monte Raeger DT

Key Losses: Donte Stallworth WR, Michael Lewis S, Jeff Garcia QB, Darwin Walker DT, Shawn Barber LB, Roderick Hood CB



The Birds shocked the world by using their first selection in the draft on QB Kevin Kolb. Don’t expect him to see the field that much as Donovan McNabb is reportedly ahead of schedule and should be ready to go to start the season. RB Brian Westbrook is coming off his best season yet with 1217 rushing yards, 699 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Rookie RB Tony Hunt could provide immediate help as the team craves a between the tackle battering ram. Coach Reid is confident that Kevin Curtis will have no problem filling the shoes of the departed Donte Stallworth. Also expected to explode this season is third year receiver Reggie Brown who had 816 receiving yards and 8 TD’s. On the defensive side of the ball the Birds look set on paper but in reality there are quite a few question marks. They added a big name LB in Takeo Spikes but the fact remains that Spikes has been extremely injury prone in recent years. ILB Jeremiah Trotter will have to gut it out as he is playing on a couple knees that don’t have much left in them. Additionally, last years top pick Broderick Bunkley needs to step up and have a bigger role than his disappointing rookie season. Also a concern is whether or not they can get a full season out of DE Jevon Kearse. If the defense can avoid injuries and certain players step up, the Eagles could have an extremely exciting and “big play” type D.



2. Dallas Cowboys

Key additions: QB Brad Johnson, OL Leonard Davis, S Ken Hamlin

Key Losses: QB Drew Bledsoe, OT Jason Fabini



The biggest question out of Dallas is which Tony Romo will show up. At times, Romo played at an All-Prop level but late in the season his productivity tailed off big time. In his last six games, he had a passer rating of less than 60 in three of the games. Their running game will once again be a two headed attack behind Julius Jones (1084 yards 4 TD’s & Marion Barber III (654 yards & 14 TD’s). The Cowboys receiving corps is still extremely effective but isn’t getting any younger. Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn became the first Cowboys duo to go for over 1000 yards for the first time in over 25 years. Both are 33 years old now and TO had various injury problems last season. With the arrival of new head coach Wade Phillips, expect the defense to up their blitzing. They traded up to select one of the best pass rushers in the draft in Anthony Spencer. LB DeMarcus Ware led the team in sacks (11.5) and should benefit greatly from Phillip’s defensive philosophies. All Pro safety Roy Williams will have a new running mate in the secondary with the addition of veteran Ken Hamlin. The Dallas “D” ranked 24th in the NFL in passing yardage (219.1 ypg) last season and should improve greatly on those numbers with their intent on getting to the opposing QB; however, their secondary will need to do its part as well.





3. Washington Redskins

Key additions: Jason Fabini OT, London Fletcher LB, David Macklin CB, Fred Smoot CB, Omar Stoutmire S

Key loses: Adam Archuleta S, TJ Duckett RB, Derrick Dockery OG, John Hall K



There are high hopes in Washington for QB Jason Campbell. In seven games as starter, Campbell threw 10 touchdowns to 6 interceptions. The Skins are also counting on Santana Moss rebounding from an injury plagued and disappointing 2006 campaign. As for their other receivers, free agent acquisitions Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El were both huge busts. Chris Cooley is an underrated TE who had 734 yards and 6 touchdowns. Behind a solid offensive line, the Skins should have a very strong rushing game. Clinton Portis returns after missing over half of the season due to injury. His replacement, Ladell Betts, filled in nicely on his way to 1154 rushing yards and 445 receiving yards. Ranking 31st in the NFL, the defense was an absolute mess last season. They did set a record last season; unfortunately it was for forcing the fewest turnovers (12) for a 16 game schedule. Their defense does have potential though. If Sean Taylor can keep his head on straight, he could team up with 1st rounder LaRon Landry as formidable safety tandem.





4. New York Giants

Key additions: Ruben Droughns RB, Kawika Mitchell LB

Key losses: Tiki Barber RB, LaVar Arrington LB, Carlos Emmons LB, Jay Feely K, Luke Petitgout OT



With the retirement of Tiki Barber, the Giants’ offense will definitely have some challenges for the upcoming season. First off, it is imperative that QB Eli Manning start living up to his hype. After a very good start, Manning had only two games where his passing rating was over 70. Not surprisingly the Giants won only two of their last eight regular season games. RB Brandon Jacobs has proved that he is an effective short yardage back with a nose for the end zone but it remains to be scene how effective he will be with an increased role. Newly acquired Ruben Droughns will surely help out the running game if Jacobs falters. In Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey, Manning has a couple of very talented targets who at times disappear. Second round pick Steve Smith could challenge veteran Amani Toomer opposite of Burress. The big question on defense is whether or not Michael Strahan will retire. If Strahan returns, the Giants could have a very good pass rush with the addition of new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Spagnuolo will have his work cut out for him as he inherits a defense that ranked 28th in the NFL in passing defense.



Sportsbook.com Odds:  Open an online betting account here


Win NFC East

Philadelphia 8-5

Dallas 9-5

Washington 7-2

NYG 7-2



Win NFC

Philadelphia 6-1

Dallas 6-1

NYG 12-1

Washington 20-1



Win Super Bowl

Philadelphia 20-1

Dallas 20-1

NYG 30-1

Washington 50-1

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Carrie Stroup, Sports911.com

Originally published August 2, 2007 9:19 pm ET