NFL 2010 Preview: NFC East

Al Dannity isn’t crazy about the Cowboys. He likes New York and Philadelphia to fight it out in a tight NFC East.

A gaping hole

The Dallas Cowboys could break a lot of NFL betting fans’ hearts. This is a team with phenomenal talent and one fatal flaw.

Look at the positives. Tony Romo is no Peyton Manning but he knows how to find elite receivers and he’s got one in Miles Austin. He’s also got a top-tier tight end in Jason Witten and a rookie receiver, Dez Bryant, who could have an immediate impact in 2009. The running game features Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. That’s quite a combination. The defense is full to the brim with talent, with at least one elite level player at level. So why do I doubt Dallas?

The offensive line is appalling in pass protection. The greatest boon to Flozell Adams’ reputation could be what happens in Dallas now that he’s no longer a Cowboy. There were signs of trouble through the off-season and now that pre-season is nearly complete it’s time to panic. This is a Super Bowl caliber team but for its offensive line. If Tony Romo can’t stay vertical, Dallas can’t win.

Get ready for fireworks

Washington fans can expect a few more wins this season now that Donovan McNabb has replaced Jason Campbell under center. They can also expect plenty of drama with Mike Shanahan and Albert Haynesworth both itching for a feud. Haynesworth is a phenomenal talent but is a nightmare to motivate. His failure to pass a fitness test during training camp became stuff of legend. All the while Mike Shanahan looked on in disapproval. The Redskins’ coach has called out Haynesworth, claiming he needs to show more commitment and not miss practice. Haynesworth isn’t in an apologetic mood by the looks of things so this could turn ugly later in the season.

The final shake-up

For all its woes on the offensive line, Dallas will win enough games to make people believe they can still make the playoffs. They might just pull it off but only if they find a way to protect Romo. Washington will find its divisional slate just that little bit too much in 2010 so I expect another losing season for the Redskins. The battle for the divisional title is going to be close. Philadelphia has the talent to match the Giants but I like New York’s battle-hardened quarterback, Eli Manning, to prove the difference this season. The Giants are going to the playoffs.