The NFL is back, and Sportsnet is breaking down everything you need to know about each of the 32 teams in the lead-up to kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 9.
Today, we look at the NFC East. (Teams are listed in the order in which we believe they’ll finish in the 2021 standings.)
DALLAS COWBOYS
2020 record: 6-10, third in NFC East, missed playoffs
Roster additions: LB Micah Parsons (drafted 12th overall), LB Keanu Neal, DE Brent Urban, DE Carlos Watkins, CB Jourdan Lewis, S Malik Hooker
Roster subtractions: LB Sean Lee (retired), DE Tyrone Crawford (retired), DE Aldon Smith, C Joe Looney(retired), S Xavier Woods, QB Andy Dalton, CB Chidobe Awuzie
The good news: Dak Prescott is back and has a lot to prove after signing a monster four-year, $160-million contract extension. Before he suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 5 of 2020, Prescott was averaging 371.2 yards per game and has more than enough weapons to throw to. If the offensive line can remain healthy and running back Ezekiel Elliott can rebound from a disappointing 2020 season, Dallas’ offence is unquestionably the best in the division.
The bad news: Losing Prescott last year was disastrous for the Cowboys, especially considering the team’s defence was not very good. If new defensive co-ordinator Dan Quinn cannot get this unit to improve, there will be a lot of pressure on the offence to carry Dallas. Fortunately for the Cowboys, the other teams in the NFC East have had their fair share of struggles, too.
2021 prediction: 10-7, lose in Divisional Playoffs
WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM
2020 record: 7-9, first in NFC East; lost to Buccaneers in NFC Wild Card round
Roster additions: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, CB William Jackson III, WR Curtis Samuel, WR Adam Humphries, K Dustin Hopkins
Roster subtractions: QB Alex Smith (retired), RB Bryce Love, DE Ryan Kerrigan, LB Thomas Davis (retired), CB Ronald Darby (Broncos)
The good news: Washington showed everyone how important it is to have an elite defence, as Chase Young had a dominant season and justified being picked second overall. After winning the division last year, Washington prioritized the offensive side of the ball with their off-season additions — including veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and Curtis Samuel to complement top wideout Terry McLaurin and running back Antonio Gibson.
The bad news: The NFC East was awful last season, which provided Washington the opportunity to reach the playoffs even with a 7-9 record. Is Fitzpatrick enough of an upgrade at QB to keep them atop the division? He almost helped the Miami Dolphins reach the playoffs in 2020, but will have some work to do in order to get this offence off the ground.
2021 prediction: 9-8, battle for wild card spot in NFC
NEW YORK GIANTS
2020 record: 6-10, missed playoffs
Roster additions: WR Kenny Golladay, QB Mike Glennon, RB Corey Clement, WR John Ross
Roster subtractions: WR Golden Tate, RB Wayne Gallman, RB Devonta Freeman, C Spencer Pulley, OT Cameron Fleming
The good news: The Giants didn’t plan on their rebuild lasting this long, and made significant additions in free agency to try and push this young roster forward. Saquon Barkley’s return from injury should provide a boost to New York’s offence, as long as their offensive line can hold up.
The bad news: The pressure is on David Gettleman to see all the work he’s put in to improve the Giants finally lead to a winning season. Unfortunately, they still have many questions at quarterback, on defence and about the inexperienced offensive line. They should be able to win more than six games, but expecting New York to post their first double-digit-win season since 2016 might be too great a challenge.
2021 prediction: 8-9, miss out on playoffs
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
2020 record: 4-11-1, fourth in NFC East; missed playoffs
Roster additions: Head coach Nick Sirianni, WR DeVonta Smith (drafted 10th overall) RB Kerryon Johnson, DE Ryan Kerrigan, OT Le’Raven Clark, QB Joe Flacco, S Anthony Harris, CB Steven Nelson
Roster subtractions: QB Carson Wentz, head coach Doug Pederson, RB Corey Clement, WR DeSean Jackson, WR Alshon Jeffery, DT Malik Jackson, S Jalen Mills
The good news: Three years removed from winning the Super Bowl, the Eagles decided to make significant (and necessary) changes to the roster. Jalen Hurts is now the team’s unquestioned starting quarterback, with Wentz traded to the Indianapolis Colts. The team also made a significant investment in the NFL Draft with the selection of Smith to help Hurts succeed.
The bad news: The offensive line struggled with injuries and a lack of depth in 2020, going with an NFL-record 14 different starting combinations. If that remains a problem this year, it will be tough to see the offence produce to its potential as they will likely go through growing pains. Defensively, the team’s secondary is still underwhelming, which means all eyes will be on the defensive line’s ability to generate more pressure to help reduce their workload.
2021 prediction: 5-12, miss out on playoffs
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