FREEHOLD, NJ – With the NFL training camps revving up for the upcoming campaign, I will throw in my two cents… before I am CANCELLED. No doubt I am going to miss Eli Gump Manning. I feel like Howard Cosell without Muhammad Ali. Corn Flakes without the milk! (from Oran “Juice Jones” song below). So many memories of the future Giants Hall of Famer. But this isn’t about that, it’s about who will win the futile NFC Least. These teams have benefited by opportunities in the draft – losing has its advantages. With that, here are my Grinding Ax NFC East Predictions.
4th Place
The Eagles of Philadelphia– While Jalen Hurts works hard to lead the Birds, his name is synonymous with his post-game physical condition. Without a strong offensive line, he will be on the run until his season ends in injury. Devonta Smith at wide receiver is certainly an upgrade. The problem is that he is the only decent wide-out on the squad. An aging Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert must be utilized to save Hurts from certain doom. Running back by committee will not get the job done, even with a healthy Miles Sanders and Kerryon Johnson.
The Eagle D, led by the aging but willing Fletcher Cox and newly acquired Brian Kerrigan, will make some noise until they get tired. I look forward to my daily commute listening to disgruntled and delusional Philly talk radio.
3rd Place
Sorry Big Blow Fans. Your team is led by Danny Dimes at QB. Regardless of the talent built around him, the Jim Carey look-a-like will emulate Lloyd Christmas in key situations . If I am coaching this team, Saquon Barkley will lead the league in carries until he blows out another knee. The additions of Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney will prove frustrating to fans when Dimes finds defenders during key drives.
The Giants only hope is that the improved defense creates turnovers and defensive touchdowns.
2nd Place
The Washington Football team. There will be no repeat of last year. The defense is the best in the division with Chase Young and Montez Sweat chasing quarterbacks. If they are unable to apply fast pressure, their d-backs can and will be exposed. On offense Fitzpatrick will not have much magic left. He should be on the bench by mid season and return after a few games as Taylor Heinicke realizes that he does not belong in the NFL. Dangerous Terry McLaurin will be the only bright spot in the passing game. Just not enough offense to get it done.
1st Place
–The Dallas Cowboys… With Dak Prescott back and healthy, this team will be hard to stop . Zeke Elliot took last year off so he should be well-rested to keep the defenses honest. The receiving crew is almost impossible to cover with an able QB. CeeDee Lamb catch the ball? See Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup catch the ball. Look for Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz contribute a bunch as outlets for Prescott. The Cowboy Defense can only improve from last years sh*t show. Dan Quinn is a great coach and will change the scheme from last season. Micah Parsons will push Jaylon Smith to perform up to his paycheck, so even with a questionable front, Dallas will surprise many .
The Hard Knocks Curse… My prediction may be a BIG LOSER if the curse continues. No team featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks has succeeded during the featured season. While the Cowboys may take the division title, the curse will continue in the playoffs.
Tom Brady will win another NFC Title.
Feel free to add your unwanted comments and be sure to come back tomorrow as Matt McCarthy explains why Rugby is about to lose ground to Corn Hole in the never-ending battle for credibility.
