Quick Hit NFC Preview
NFC East
1. Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, but a leaky offensive line and an impossible road schedule will lead to some bouts of adversity in 2010. Last season, Tony Romo led the franchise to its first playoff win since 1996. There’s more than enough firepower to repeat as NFC East champs, but anything beyond that, let’s say for instance a Super Bowl appearance in their backyard, is wishful thinking. Projected Record: 10-6
2. Washington Redskins – A fourth-place schedule, a two-time Super Bowl winning head coach, a quarterback with five NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl appearance on his resume. Call me crazy, but that sounds like a formula for success. If the Redskins are to make any noise in Mike Shanahan’s first season as the boss in D.C., it starts in September: four of their first six opponents were 11-5 or better in 2009. Projected Record: 9-7
3. Philadelphia Eagles – The Kevin Kolb era begins in Philadelphia with the same expectations the Donovan McNabb era left behind. Kolb should be just fine, but it may take a season or two to get all of the young kids on offense — DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy and Brent Celek — playing at a championship level. Expect the push for a wild card berth to come up just short. Projected Record: 8-8
4. New York Giants – A revamped defense looks to help spearhead a return to the postseason after a disappointing close to the 2009 season. Big Blue signed prized free agent safety Antrel Rolle to big money this off-season to team-up with the often-injured but talented Kenny Phillips in the secondary. Offensively, Eli Manning is hoping wide receiver Hakeem Nicks breaks out in his second season. Projected Record: 7-9
