Community Tailgate: Who Will Win The NFC East?

We’re still more than two months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll be looking at the NFC East. In that division, the Eagles may or may not have won the offseason, but they clearly won the battle for newspaper ink. All eyes were on coach Chip Kelly this offseason as he embarked on his first season with total control over his roster. Kelly shook things up in a major way when he shipped star running back LeSean McCoy to the Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso, who is coming off of a lost 2014 season. To fill the void left by Shady, Kelly signed both DeMarco Murray and former Bolts back Ryan Mathews. Kelly downplayed his affinity for Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, but several reports indicated that he tried like hell to move up to get him. Ultimately, that plan didn’t work out and the Eagles will now pit Mark Sanchez against newcomer Sam Bradford for the No. 1 QB spot. Whoever is under center won’t have the luxury of throwing to Jeremy Maclin, however, as he left in free agency without much of a fight from Philly.

The Giants‘ defense was pretty atrocious in 2014 and they’re hoping that a reunion with Steve Spagnuolo will turn it all around. Perry Fewell appeared to lose his grip on things last season but Spags’ aggressive playcalling could help to fix what ails Big Blue. On offense, the Giants souped on their running game with the addition of former Patriots back Shane Vereen, a back that can make the most out of a run play and also catch the ball well out of the backfield. The biggest question mark for the Giants right now is probably the status of Jason Pierre-Paul, who injured himself in a fireworks mishap over the weekend. His future beyond 2015 is in jeopardy and now it sounds as though he might not be ready for the start of the season.

The Cowboys made a big offseason splash when they signed star defensive end Greg Hardy, but it’s currently unclear when he’ll be able to take the field. If the embattled ex-Panther can get his suspension slashed down to, say, four games, then Dallas will open the season with one of the more fearsome defenses in the NFL. Without him, 2014 second round selection DeMarcus Lawrence will be charged to lead the way for the team’s bookends. The impending return of linebacker Sean Lee should also go a long way for Dallas’ front seven. On the flipside, Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, and Jason Witten should continue to raise havoc against opposing defenses, though Dallas’ stable of running backs is chock full of question marks.

Can Washington turn things around in 2015 to capture the NFC East crown? Most pundits would say no, but a full season of Robert Griffin III under center with a capable offensive line could be a difference maker. On defense, Washington gave Chris Culliver a four-year, $32MM deal to help turn around one of the league’s most atrocious secondaries. The defensive line also got a makeover with the free agent additions of Stephen PaeaRicky Jean-Francois, and Terrance Knighton.

All in all, who do you think will win the NFC East in 2015 and why? Let us know in the comments!

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