After careful review, below are my predictions for the NFC East in the upcoming NFL season.

First Place:

Dallas Cowboys -- As usual, expectations are high in Big-D and the team didn't disappoint the faithful as they had a very active and what appears, on paper, to be a successful off season. The Cowboys singed free agents QB Brad Johnson, OT Leonard Davis, and SS Ken Hamlin. In the draft they picked up, what some experts think, is a rookie of the year candidate in DE Anthony Spencer. The addition of Wade Philips as head coach should improve a defense that was suspect last year. Prediction: If Tony Romo can shake off a poor late season performance the Dallas offense should be one of the top units again. This team is good enough to go all the way if their defense steps up. I don't expect that to happen but they will make the playoffs but more than likely will exit early.

Second Place:

Philadelphia Eagles -- The Eagles once again had a troubled off season but this time it was with Coach Any Reid. In the draft, to the surprise of the faithful, the Eagles took Houston QB Kevin Kolb. I for one, believe that this might have been a good move as McNabb has gone down with season ending injuries in three of the past five seasons. Other than that off season move, the Eagles haven't done much to improve their situation. Predication: If McNabb can stay healthy the Eagles will contend for the East crown, but lately that has been a big if. He is coming off a tough knee injury so the jury is still out on how he will bounce back. Look for the Eagles to sneak in as a wild card.

Third Place:

New York Giants -- The Giants seemed to have filled some needs in the draft this season grabbing CB Aaron Ross and some added insurance in WR Steve Smith. They were also able to add some need speed to the defense with their other five draft picks. The two big question marks for the Giants will be the security of head coach Coughlin's job and whether or not Eli can step up his current mediocre performance. Prediction: Too many question marks on whether or not this team will continue to have issues with Coughlin as well ast the continued struggles of Eli Manning. Not a playoff team this year and could slip to last place in this division if they don't watch it.

Fourth Place:

Washington Redskins -- The Redskins seemed to have done alright in the draft although they only had five total selections. They were able to fill a need on defense with they got DB LaRon Landry and QB Jordan Palmer. Gibbs has yet to show the magic that he once had in his first stint with the Redskins so might be on thin ice with ownership this year. Washington did lose some tough games last year but they are going to need to learn how to close them out if they are going to get anywhere. Prediction: Washington did address some issues in the draft but not enough to make a difference in my opinion. They will battle with the Giants for last place in the East and out of the playoffs.

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