Dallas Cowboys
The strength: The Cowboys have one of the NFL's best set of nfl throwback jerseys
linebackers. Keith Brooking(notes) is a former Pro Bowl player, DeMarcus Ware(notes) is among the NFL's best pass rushers, and Anthony Spencer(notes) is on the verge of becoming a top pass rusher. Bradie James(notes) has led the team in tackles the past few seasons.
The weakness: The offensive line has struggled in the offseason, and there's no guarantee it will get fixed when RT Marc Colombo(notes) and LG Kyle Kosier(notes) return from injury. LT Doug Free(notes) is the only lineman under 30, and C Andre Gurode(notes) and RG Leonard Davis(notes) had average seasons in 2009. The Cowboys have quality skill people and must hope their line doesn't look old at the end of the season.
The rehab: LE Marcus Spears(notes) missed virtually all of training camp with a sprained knee. Though he doesn't get much attention, Spears is a key member of the defense because he's a terrific run stopper. The scheme is predicated on winning first down and forcing teams into second and long and third and long, where the Cowboys can use their exotic blitz packages.
The key addition: Most draft experts considered Dez Bryant(notes) a top 10 talent, but the Cowboys were able to land him with the 24th overall pick. He has terrific hands, size and speed, and he did a good job this summer until a high ankle sprain forced him to the sideline. The coaches expect him to add an explosive element to the offense with his game-changing ability.
The bottom line: The Cowboys have one of the NFL's toughest schedules, which means they'll face some of the best quarterbacks in the league. They could be an improved team and still not finish better than last season's 11-5 record. Still, they should win the NFC East and will be battle-tested when the playoffs begin.—Jean-Jacques Taylor
New York Giants
The strength: Few teams can match the team's firepower at defensive end, with Justin Tuck(notes), Osi Umenyiora(notes), Mathias Kiwanuka(notes) and first-round pick Jason Pierre-Paul(notes). All four are quick pass rushers who have a variety of skills and moves to get to the quarterback. The depth should allow the Giants to come at offenses in waves.
The weakness: Until proven otherwise, linebacker is a position that could downgrade the entire defense. OLB Michael Boley(notes) is a solid player adept at dropping into coverage, but the other two starters are question marks. MLB Jonathan Goff(notes) had a strong summer but is primarily a run-stopper and lacks experience. SLB Keith Bulluck(notes), 33, is coming off ACL surgery and is attempting to turn back the clock and return to the form he showed in Tennessee.
The rehab: Kenny Phillips(notes) was out after only two games last season and needed microfracture knee surgery that landed him on injured reserve. His return to health was slow and steady and included no setbacks. He was eased into the action in the summer and appears ready to return to the starting lineup.
The key addition: It was no secret that the Giants were inept in 2009 when it came to playing the ball in the air and preventing big plays, which is why they made S Antrel Rolle(notes) their No. 1 free-agent priority. They expect Rolle to lead the secondary, create turnovers and, as a converted cornerback, contribute plenty in coverage.
The bottom line: There has been little buzz around the Giants, which is just the way they like it. They are still smarting from the beatings they took in the second half of last season and have enough talent to make a strong playoff push. They should be able to move the ball and score. If the defense comes around, there's no reason the Giants can't win 10 games and secure a wild-card berth.—Paul Schwartz
Philadelphia Eagles
The strength: The team is loaded with reliable pass catchers and dynamic playmakers, which should help QB Kevin Kolb's(notes) adjustment to a starting role. WR DeSean Jackson(notes) is one of the NFL' s most prolific deep threats, WR Jeremy Maclin(notes) is emerging into a complementary receiver with big-play ability, slot wideout Jason Avant(notes) has the unit's best hands, and TE Brent Celek(notes) is the group's emotional sparkplug.
The weakness: Tackling and coverage are the question marks on defense. The Eagles have plenty of Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
pass rushers and generally have an effective blitz, but quarterbacks have figured out their pressure schemes and get rid of the ball quicker. The Eagles were a poor tackling team last year and let too many small plays turn into big gains by either bad tackling or getting beat by a step or two.
The rehab: Starting C Jamaal Jackson(notes) is only eight months removed from ACL surgery, a rather fast recovery period for such a major injury. The team will know very early whether Jackson's recovery was rushed.
The key addition: New WLB Ernie Sims(notes) is expected to shore up a position that has been in constant flux over the past few years. Sims, a speed demon who plays with an edge, should upgrade the base and nickel defenses if he plays with the discipline demanded by coordinator Sean McDermott.
The bottom line: Like any team featuring a new starting quarterback, there will be ups and downs. The bonus for Kolb is that he walks into a great situation. The offense around him is loaded with talent and the team is very young, so growing pains are expected from everyone. His, of course, will be the most scrutinized. There will be some surprise wins and some unexpected losses. The Eagles should win from anywhere to seven to nine games.—Geoff Mosher
Washington Redskins
The strength: The Redskins have the NFC East's best tight end combo in Chris Cooley(notes) and Fred Davis(notes). Both run well after the catch, and Davis moves more like a big wideout. QB Donovan McNabb(notes) has always favored tight ends, which should make both players even more dangerous. Cooley is an improved blocker.
The weakness: Last year, Santana Moss(notes) caught 70 passes. The other five wideouts on the roster combined for 32. Joey Galloway(notes) is 38 and has 20 catches the past two years. Anthony Armstrong(notes) was a terrific camp story but has zero regular-season catches. Keep an eye on him, however. Devin Thomas'(notes) inconsistency has frustrated the coaches.
The rehab: RT Jammal Brown(notes) missed all of last season with a sports hernia and also needed hip surgery. He missed a week of practice early in training camp but only one day since. He is penciled in on the right side, but durability is a concern.
The key addition: The Redskins traded for McNabb in April, and he immediately boosted the confidence of the entire team. McNabb is still adjusting to a new offense and new receivers, but he can still make plays on the move and has already clicked with Cooley. McNabb will take pressure off RB Clinton Portis(notes).
Bottom line: The atmosphere surrounding the team has changed 180 degrees from Minnesota Vikings jersey
the past two years. The addition of coach Mike Shanahan and McNabb has helped change the players' outlook. The Redskins are adjusting to a lot, but they will be improved. They still have too many question marks to make the playoffs, however, and will fall a game or two short.
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