As NFL training camps start to look more ‘normal’, with players entering the field with their teams for the first time on Friday and pads set to start for the first time on August 17, it seems. there is a natural sense of optimism around each team.
Even with the positive thinking that every team is undefeated at this point in the season, the NFC East is picturing itself as a two-team race between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. These franchises have won the division in six of the past seven years and are expected to follow the same path in 2020. The New York Giants and the Washington football team have new head coaches and are located in different locations in what concerns the constitution of their list compared to their division. counterparts.
With that in mind, NFC East reporters John Keim (Washington), Jordan Raanan (Giants), Tim McManus (Eagles) and Todd Archer (Cowboys) take a look at what would constitute a successful 2020 season for each team.
Dallas Cowboys
Simple – go to the playoffs. There have been previous seasons of the Cowboys that have had ‘Super Bowl or bust’ feelings for them, but given that coach Mike McCarthy didn’t have a traditional offseason to fully implement his schedule, expectations should be reduced. McCarthy’s resume is better than any new NFL head coach this season. He’s made the playoffs nine times with the Green Bay Packers, a four-time conference title and won a Super Bowl. The Cowboys haven’t made it to an NFC championship game or the Super Bowl since 1995.
There is talent, especially on offense with quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, wide receivers Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb and offensive linemen Tyron Smith and Zack Martin. There are questions about the defense – the rush of passing and the ability to get the ball out – but the Cowboys could perhaps cover up some of those issues with a prolific offense.
The Cowboys had a similar talent in offense and questions on defense a year ago and missed the playoffs, which led to the hiring of McCarthy. While some may have ideas about the Super Bowl, just making it to the tournament is a more appropriate wait. – Archer
New York Giants
The Giants are in the midst of a rebuilding, even if that’s not what they want to call it, and it is indeed Year 2, but with a new head coach.
Coach Joe Judge made it clear throughout the interview process that this is going to be a process, so the Giants’ success won’t be driven solely by wins and losses or the playoffs. If the Giants went 7-9 or 8-8 and quarterback Daniel Jones made any progress, that would be a big step in the right direction. If the defense went from one of the worst in the league to being in the middle of the road, that would be welcome as well.
On paper in the NFC East, there are the Cowboys and the Eagles on one level. The Giants and Washington fall far below those two, at least in terms of talent. All the Giants need to do for the 2020 season to be a success is just to be competitive in matches. They have the worst record of any NFL team in the past three seasons (12-36) and haven’t beaten the Cowboys or Eagles since the end of the 2016 season. The bar isn’t particularly high. ; the Giants just need to move forward in an unprecedented and unpredictable 2020 season. – Raanan
Philadelphia Eagles
A division title and a playoff win is what it will take for the Eagles to be considered a success in 2020.
The Eagles believe they have a much improved roster from what they fielded in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks in January. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson is in good health, Darius Slay was added in high school, they bolstered the defensive front with the signing of Javon Hargrave and spent a large chunk of their draft capital on quick wide receivers, led by the 2020 first round pick Jalen Reagor. The Eagles are hoping the continuity takes them far as the rest of the division part ways with new coaches in the most unique circumstances.
There are enough questions around the team to resist the most optimistic predictions: is André Dillard ready to take over the left tackle? Can they fill the voids left by security Malcolm Jenkins and guard Brandon Brooks? Can they generate a steady passing stroke over the edge?
Fending off the Cowboys for a third NFC title in four years would be another feather in the hat of coach Doug Pederson. But the season will only be a success if quarterback Carson Wentz earns his first playoff victory. His playoff debut was interrupted by a concussion last season and he missed the playoffs the previous two years with an injury. He must finish the 2020 campaign on his own terms and with at least one playoff victory under his belt. – McManus
Washington football team
1:32
Washington coach Ron Rivera delves into the culture he wants to instill and his surprise when he learned of the Washington Post article detailing sexual harassment by former members of the organization.
That team will prove to be a success in 2020 if quarterback Dwayne Haskins grows and the defense shows signs of being a top unit, led by rookie Chase Young. There are other factors that would make it a successful season as well: offensive line performance, for example.
But this season won’t be as much about the win-loss record as the team’s progress under first-year coach Ron Rivera. They’re not ready for instant success, not in a year where they haven’t had any off-season practice and a shortened summer with no preseason games. Washington knows that a slow start might be inevitable, but a solid finish will be necessary.
If Haskins settles, that team can cross a question off their list. Otherwise, Washington could look for another QB in the spring. And if the line-led defense plays, then the team know they have a young squad who could be good for a few years. – Keim
.
