NFC East Staff Predictions: How Will Dallas Finish in 2013
By Reid Hanson
Aug 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Katie Marie performs during the second half against the Houston Texans at AT
The NFC East is perhaps the most evenly matched division in the NFL. It possesses no strong frontrunner nor does it have a clear loser. Every team was decimated with injuries last season so comparing the 2012 NFC East to the 2013 NFC East is even difficult to do. Even the writers at Sport DFW have a hard time agreeing on the outcome. But that’s why we watch the game. That’s why we break down every play and analyze every minuet detail. It’s good to have football back. It’s great to have the Dallas Cowboys back.
Let’s take a look at some staff predictions and see what they think about the Dallas Cowboys in 2013. Will the Cowboys win the division or will it be someone else?
December 30, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins defensive players line up against Dallas Cowboys offensive players in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Wall: Post-Game Columnist, Sport DFW
All of the teams in this Division have questions on defense. This race should come down to the wire again.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles have some issues on defense and I don’t think the hurry up offense that they plan to run will help that at all. 7-9: Will not make the Playoffs
Washington Redskins: If RGIII cannot get back to where he was last year health wise then they are doomed. The Defense is just awful and everything they do on Offense plays off of RGIII’s threat to run with the ball. 7-9: Will not make the Playoffs
New York Giants: The Giants also have some issues on defense along with a lack of Running Back depth. They are however battle tested and will be in it until the end. 9-7: Will not make the Playoffs
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys also have some concerns on Defense. Once they settle in they should be fine (provided they stay healthy). With the signing of Brian Waters they have solidified their O-line and they should be primed for a strong run at the Playoffs. 11-5: Win the Division and make the Playoffs
Super Bowl Matchup: Dallas Cowboys vs. San Diego Chargers
Reid Hanson Editor/Lead Writer, Sport DFW
Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Vick will have a good season in Chip Kelly’s new offense. Last season majority of their offensive line was lost early to injury. This season they are back. As a result, Philly will post some big time offensive numbers. Their Defense is the worst in the NFC East and will keep them from real success. Expect Philly to upset some teams but never make a real run to the playoffs. 7-9: Will not make the Playoffs
December 30, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) carries the ball to score a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Anthony Spencer (93) chases in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 28-18. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Redskins: All reports say RGIII is not back to full strength. He’s probably a year away from regaining full strength and dexterity of his injured knee. He’s going to have to cut down on Read-Option plays and focus on passing in a slightly more traditional manner. The only team in the NFL who was more impacted with injuries to starters was the Packers. The Redskins lost more starters for more games than the Cowboys and they still won the division.
Let that sink in. The run-game is clearly still the best in the division. Even without an RGIII at 100% the Redskins will win the division. 10-6: Will win the NFC East
New York Giants: The Giants have had a tougher offseason than the Cowboys. Limited upgrades along with injuries equal a subpar season for the G-Men 8-8: Will not make the Playoffs
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys have some of the strongest skill positions in the league. But what good is that when the Offensive and Defensive lines are in disarray. Teams will be able to run all over the Cowboys in 2013. If the Offense can’t get off to a big lead right away the defense won’t be able to stop the opposing run game. The Offense brought in Brian Waters who will help with pass protection but not much in the run-game. The Cowboys run game will still suffer and Tony Romo will have to do way too much once again. 10-6: Lose the Division to Redskins in head-to-head Tiebreaker. Not make the Playoffs
Super Bowl: San Francisco 49ers over the New England Patriots
There you have it! Two very different views on the Cowboys in 2013. Let’s hope Jake is right and Reid is wrong. A Super Bowl sounds a whole lot better than another meaningless January.