The State of the NFC East: Pre-Preseason
Football is back! Preseason games started officially on August 1st with the Hall of Fame Game, but for every team not called Broncos or Falcons, it begins August 8th.
With Training Camps around the league in full swing, it’s a nice time to take a look around the NFC East to see what the rival teams have been up to, and its effects on the Birds’ quest for a ring.
Dallas Cowboys
The reigning division champs have been dealing with quite a bit of turmoil lately, mainly because of superstar RB Ezekiel Elliott’s holdout through the first 12 days of camp. Simply put, Zeke wants more money than the Cowboys are willing to give him, and no signs point to a quick resolution to the matter.
In other news, former Pro Bowl DE Robert Quinn fractured his hand on Tuesday and is expected to miss the remainder of camp. Considering he’s a new addition to the team, he might not be at the peak of his powers even if available for Week 1.
How does that affect the Eagles?
Elliott is the biggest offensive threat in the division, plain and simple. Without him, the Cowboys’ offense becomes much more stale and weak, with QB Dak Prescott and WR Amari Cooper having to shoulder most of the load, while complemented by a less-than-ideal cast of role players. If Zeke’s holdout extends far into the season, it’s fair to wonder if Dallas will be a match for the Eagles, even if their defensive unit is as good as advertised.
Washington Redskins
The Skins have a lot of figuring out still left to do in their offense. Their 3-way QB battle is still very much heated, with vets Colt McCoy(listed as the starter on the first unofficial depth chart) and Case Keenum seem to be getting most of the first-team reps while rookie Dwayne Haskins does the bulk of his work with the twos and threes.
Perennial Pro-Bowler T Trent Williams is still holding out, which led the team to have second-year man Geron Christian at the left tackle spot in the depth chart. At guard next to him is Ereck Flowers(!).
How does that affect the Eagles?
The Redskins weren’t expected to be in play for the division crown in 2019, but their offense is just getting into new levels of messy. From the middling QB options to the also middling receiving threats(aside from TE Jordan Reed, who has reportedly looked great), to even considering starting Ereck Flowers, this team is in trouble. Eagles defenders should be very excited to face Washington in Week 1.
New York Giants
Not much has been going on in East Rutherford, NJ, where the Giants hold their practices. No major injuries, aside from a scare suffered by WR Sterling Shepard, no drama, no compelling storylines to follow. Rookie QB Daniel Jones seems to be progressing well, though. Good for him.
How does that affect the Eagles?
The Giants are not a threat this season. RB Saquon Barkley will probably have another otherworldly season, particularly after the improvements made on the Giants’ offensive line, and the team will most likely still be very far away from the playoff hunt. Even though the blue side of NY always causes problems for the Eagles, look for Philly to try and sweep the season series in 2019.
Photo: Michael Ainsworth/AP Photo
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Categorized:Eagles