NFL Power Rankings Preview: NFC East Rollercoaster!
By Joe Wedra
As the NFL season slowly approaches (it feels like it’s taking forever, unquestionably), it’s time to pin down the NFC East team previews, projecting where they might land in the 2015 NFL Power Rankings leading into the pre-season.
A lot can change from here on out, but there’s a general feel that one team holds the top spot.
Where might the Eagles, Redskins, Cowboys and Giants land?
New York Giants
Suddenly, with the emergence of fan-favorite, Madden coverboy Odell Beckham Jr., the Giants offense has been once again thrust into the spotlight.
When analyzing the full picture here it’s hard to deny the talent the G-Men will have on offense. The offensive line has improved. The weapons for Eli Manning are endless. And the running game could be lethal with a three-headed monster featuring Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams, and Shane Vereen.
The defense must nip their issues in the bud quickly to prove they are contenders.
Projected Power Ranking: 10th-15th
Dallas Cowboys
The team you love to hate (or feel sorry for, if you’re still of the belief that Dez Bryant caught that football *raises hand*).
It’s easy to say the only real issue here is the rushing attack — however, other questions still linger. At the end of the day, this team is being forced to prove they can make it to the big game, even though they essentially did it last season.
Luck doesn’t always fall with the Cowboys, but it feels like this might be the year. Give them some credit for continuing to chug along and improve every year. If the trend continues, they’ll be contenders.
Projected Power Ranking: 5th-8th
Washington Redskins
Jay Gruden has a lot to prove. Can he make the NFL decisions necessary to give Washington fans hope? Sticking with RGIII is gutsy. At the end of the day however, they have to give the oft-injured QB a chance to start fresh and lead.
They may have drafted Brandon Scherff, but they haven’t done enough to greatly improve the offensive line. That fact combined with a very questionable linebacking corp makes it hard to look positively at the 2015 outlook.
Maybe Joe Barry can turn things around. If not, it’s another ho-hum season for Washington fans.
Projected Power Ranking: 25th-below
Philadelphia Eagles
Saving the best for last, putting all the chips on the table! (pun intended)
It’s been a fun offseason of Kelly’s shenanigans. Part of you has to want these guys to succeed, but the other part says how is it possible?
The first year of “same faces in new places” never does seem to go swimmingly. Sure, additions were made. But how will the entire unit work together once crunch time arises?
At the end of the regular season, the Eagles could be NFC favorites.
For now, they’re a giant question mark with Chip Kelly’s poker face as the only answer.
Projected Power Ranking: mid-teens.