It’s been quite some time since any team has repeated as divisional winners in the NFC East. Arguably any of the four teams could emerge as the divisional champ if history were to repeat itself once again.
You have to go all the way back to the four year stretch from 2001-2004 when the Eagles won four consecutive titles, which shows how unpredictable the division truly is.
The Kirk Cousins led Washington Redskins should be the first team mentioned as the favorites to win the division. After winning a weak NFC East division in 2015, the Redskins made it a priority to reshape a defensive secondary, their biggest weakness from the previous season.
The Redskins made headlines when they signed Pro Bowl cornerback Josh Norman, one of the better young shut down defensive backs in the league. Another terrific addition was less of a household name in David Bruton; a big bodied safety that played extremely well when given the opportunity to start during his tenure with the Denver Broncos. Day two of the NFL draft was dedicated to adding yet another safety in Su’a Cravens (USC) and then a very good cornerback prospect in Kendall Fuller out of Virginia Tech.
After electing to tag Cousin and not extending with a lucrative multi-year deal, additional playmakers were added for the young quarterback. Veteran free agent tight-end Vernon Davis who may only have a little left in the tank, will pair up with one of the best young tight-ends in the league in Jordan Reed. Wide receiver Josh Doctson out of TCU was the Redskins first round selection, bringing a different skillset to the field then the starting duo of Garcon and Jackson.
The Redskins are also a team that likes to run the football, and with Alfred Morris now in Dallas, sophomore Matt Jones will be asked to take a big step forward. His up and down rookie season was very promising with some big stat days but was also hindered by not taking care of the football and some crucial fumbling issues.
A lot of rebuilding over the last two seasons, beginning in the trenches with the offensive and defensive line, and then targeting their other needs via free agency and very solid draft classes.
With the RG3 era now in the rear view mirror, Cousins has every opportunity to be the signal caller for many seasons to come. This is not a guy who will wow people with his arm strength or athleticism, his strengths are his timing and decision making.
The Redskins have made every effort to repeat as division champions in 2016, but do you believe they are the favorite heading into the season?
They have one superstar on offense of Jordan Reed best route running te in NFL hands down. And I guess Norman on defense but everybody else nothing special, but they are in good hands with mcclogan
and the Eagles have No Superstar’s on their Offense?
Who onEagles Offense scares any Defensive Coordinator?
Who do Teams have to specifically Game Plan from the Eagles Offense?
Having a superstar that “scares” a DC is usually an easy team to defend. Think about it New England spreads it around, front is their main guy as ertz will be that here with Pederson, Denver last year etc…
1) Josh Norman is 29 Years old and is not Young at all and one of the reasons why the Panthers let him walk… CB’s really start to decline once reaching 30-31..
2) Su’a Cravens will likely play that LB/Safety Hybrid Position and cover Athletic TE’s, Spy on athletic QB’s and Blitz the QB more so than play a Tradional Safety Position…
3) Redskins have the 2nd Best OL in the NFC East behind the Cowboys
4) RB is up for Grabs and will be a big battle to watch – Matt Jones has Ball-Security and also is a below average Blocker for Pass Protection
5) Redskins have the Best GM in the NFC East
6) Redskins have a very good Receiver Corp
7) Redskins Secondary gas improved
8) Questions and Depth Issues along their DL
9) LB Corp’s is very good when healthy