1. Philadelphia Eagles: What a year they had in 2022. They were able to acquire A.J. Brown from the Tennessee Titans and he immediately became the heart and soul of this team. The Eagles were perfect in their first eight games of the season and finished the year with 14 wins which is the most in their franchises history, the NFC East division title for the first time since 2017 (the year they won the Super Bowl) and the top seed in the NFC Playoffs. They represented the NFC in the Super Bowl where they fell short of the ultimate goal against the Kansas City Chiefs. Jalen Hurts was absolutely incredible in 2022 as he was an MVP candidate. This was a well-rounded Eagles team that could beat you with the passing game, running the football and the defense also handled their business. I was happy they were able to lock Jalen into a contract extension. This is going to be a tough team once again in 2023.
2. Dallas Cowboys: In their last two seasons, they have a record of 24-10 under Mike McCarthy. They’ve won 12 games in consecutive seasons. They failed to repeat as division champions which continued the trend of a different winner in the NFC East. The Cowboys won their first road playoff game since 1992 and snapped their losing streak against Tom Brady which ended up being the last game of his career. When it comes to Dallas, I never know what team will show up. In other words, I’m saying there’s no in between with them. When they are good, they’re a tough out for any opponent, especially when they’re staying within their box and when they’re struggling, they really struggle. The Cowboys success is predicated on which Dak Prescott we will see. This is my favorite defense in the league as we speak. I expect them to compete for the division title this year.
3. New York Giants: Brian Daboll proved to be an excellent hire. I saw a Giants team that actually wanted to play for their Head Coach and I say that because I can’t say I noticed that under Joe Judge, Pat Shurmur and Ben McAdoo. Brian held them accountable which was what they needed. The Giants finally had a coach that could further develop Daniel Jones and he had a nice season in 2022. The difference maker was a healthy Saquon Barkley and being healthy definitely means something. Defense was also a big part of their success in 2022. The Giants clinched a playoff spot for the first time since the 2016 season and won their first playoff game since Super Bowl 46 when they defeated the Patriots. In the off-season, they acquired Darren Waller from the Raiders to give Jones a weapon in the passing game. For his first season in East Rutherford, Brian was named Coach of the Year.
4. Washington Commanders: This is a franchise that’s a mess. They’re clearly at the bottom of the division and the other three teams have all ascended and improved their rosters to remain competitive. The Commanders were one of my three losers in the NFL Draft in the Spring because they didn’t really fill any of the voids on their roster. The issue I have with them is they can never finish football games. They will go into the fourth quarter only to blow the lead. It’s going to unfortunately be another long year in Landover. Don’t be shocked if they decide to part ways with Ron Rivera after this season. He’s another coach entering the year on the hotseat.
2023 Predictions
1. Eagles (12-5)
2. Cowboys (11-6)
3. Giants (10-7)
4. Commanders (4-13)
I believe this is the year that we finally get a repeat winner in the NFC East. I like the Philadelphia Eagles to win this division once again. They added onto an already great defense through the draft and the offense is too potent and consistent. The Eagles will get a boost with Jordan Davis returning to the field and he will be the full-time nose tackle with Javon Hargrave leaving and signing with the San Francisco 49ers. The Eagles lost Miles Sanders and replaced him by acquiring D’Andre Swift from the Detroit Lions. The defending conference champions won’t go down without a fight.
