FanPost

NFC East Rankings

The current poll on nfl.com has led me to this fanpost rant about everyone's perception of the NFC East in the upcoming year. The consensus in the poll, and in most analyst reports, is that the Philadelphia is the strongest team in the NFC East for the upcoming year, with Giants, Cowboys, and Redskins following in that order.

Now I'm use to the Redskins flying under the radar, as they seem to do every year. But this year (again) has me baffled at how we're projected at the bottom again.

I'll admit, Philly has a pretty prolific offense. McNabb and Westbrook, when healthy (see: half the time) are two of the best at their positions. And Jackson could develop into an elite threat (when not suffering from premature throwbackulation). But is everyone ignoring their defense? They've lost DC Joe Johnson and Brian Dawkins this off-season. That's ripping the engine and steering wheel out of their metaphorical car.

The Giants and Cowboys both lost their wideout threat. They both have great running games, but without that prolific WR threat, defenses will be able to cheat closer to the line. Both should have noticable dropoffs in running production because of the loss (and I still don't think Romo is an elite Q). 

Then our 4th ranked defense adds Albert Haynesworth (99 ranking in Madden this year! haha) and Brian Orakpo. Sure, the offense has most of the question marks, but weaker division rivals keeps me optimistic we can make the playoffs. And show me a team that doesn't have a few ??? (except maybe the Steelers)

I see rankings as:

1) Giants

2) Redskins

3) Eagles

4) Cowboys

With the Eagles and Cowboys not making the playoffs. What do you think? What are your rankings?