Training camps are finally underway around the NFL. This is the start of a four day, four post series where I will examine the biggest question
mark surrounding each team in each division, beginning with the NFC East and NFC North.
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| The Redskins are hoping Robert Griffin III can return to this form and make a run for the championship in 2013. |
NFC EAST
Washington Redskins
(2012 record: 10-6)
Q: How will Robert Griffin III's injury and absence in the preseason affect the offense?
RGIII's media coverage has grown to almost Tebow-esque proportions. Everyone is waiting to see if he'll follow up his magical rookie year that included a 102.4 QB rating with a sophomore campaign that'll be just as if not more successful. The Redskins front office is being safe with his injury in holding him out of the presesason. They don't want to be overly aggressive in getting their top offensive weapon back on the field. Kirk Cousins played fantastic as his backup, and should be able to fill in again if RGIII falls.
A: Not Much. Pierre Garcon claimed earlier last week they can be the "best offense ever". With a growing receiving corps., a durable workhorse running back, and either quarterback at the helm, they have a respectable shot.
New York Giants
(2012 record: 9-7)
Q: How effective will the new running game be?
Two seasons ago, Earth(Brandon Jacobs) and Fire(Ahmad Bradshaw)(no Wind in Derrick Ward) were arguably the best running back tandem in the NFL as they won their second Super Bowl in four years. Now, both are gone, and two young second-year backs are eager to prove themselves. David Wilson's second pro play from scrimmage was a fumble. On special teams however, his incredible burst and overall speed that he also showed at Virginia Tech were on full display, and hinted at his true potential out of the backfield. His 20-pounds heavier counterpart Andre Brown is more of a balanced half back with a bit more unpredictability.
A: Very. While head coach Tom Coughlin has moved from a run-based offense to an air it out passing attack, he knows the value of having a reliable running game, and will bring out the best in these two young stars.
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Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys are ready to be a top 5
team in the NFL. |
Dallas Cowboys
(2012 record: 8-8)
Q: Can Tony Romo lead his team to an NFL Championship?
The Cowboys are the most put together team in this division. They've bolstered their offensive line and have solid playmakers at nearly every position. Dez Bryant is now an extremely dominant deep threat, after ranking 3rd in the league in receiving touchdowns and 6th in receiving yards in 2012. The remaining receivers are reliable, as is the rest of the offense. On the other side of the ball, DeMarcus Ware leads an amped up defense with promising defenders like Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr who combined for 108 total tackles as cornerbacks.
A: It's possible. Romo has the best overall team he's ever had in Dallas. He needs to show this year that he can lead them to the top.
Philadelphia Eagles
(2012 record: 4-12)
Q: Will Chip Kelly's specific spread offense be successful?
The Eagles went from "dream team" to cellar dweller in two seasons. Last season, while the placed near the middle of the league in offensive yards, they were ranked 28th in total touchdowns with a mere 29, and owned a league-worst -24 turnover differential. They had players with the right talent, but simply did not have a brain trust who knew what to do with it. By hiring new head coach Chip Kelly from Oregon, it shows the organization wants to go in a radically new direction with the offense.
A: It's tough to predict. Many teams have had a newfound success with the option, but none were as unique as Kelly's will be. With speedsters DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, Domenic Hixon and Michael Vick, as well as the stable Nick Foles, he has the tools that could make it work.
NFC NORTH
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Aaron Rodgers must work without veterans
Greg Jennings and Donald Driver in 2013. |
Green Bay Packers
(2012 record: 11-5)
Q: What will the team do at safety?
Charles Woodson departed from the Packers this offseason and joined his original squad in the Oakland Raiders. The 2013 draft was full of capable safeties, so when the Packers didn't pick any, many draft personnel were bewildered. The team was consistently overwhelmed down the middle of the field in 2012, both by slot receivers and scrambling quarterbacks. Now Morgan Burnett, who has six career interceptions, is their top safety, with M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian alternating beside him.
A: It seems clear that the coaching staff is satisfied with their current depth at the position, and as long as the younger players continue to learn, they should be able to contain most offenses as Aaron Rodgers and the commanding Packer offense fight to regain the Lombardi Trophy.
Minnesota Vikings
(2012 record: 10-6)
Q: Will the three first-round draft picks be effective?
Another clear question for the Vikings is will Adrian Peterson repeat his performance from last season, but I feel the answer is too obvious. He absolutely obliterated defenses even when they stacked eight players in the box, and that's not going to change this season. With such a dominant weapon, the Vikings front office realized the opportunity in front of them, and drafted three strong needs in the first round in defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, cornerback Xavier Rhodes, and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.
A: Absolutely. Leslie Frasier has shown that he can develop rookies succesfully, and with the solid 2013 draft, the Vikings now legitimately threaten the defending NFC Central champs.
Chicago Bears
(2012 record: 10-6)
Q: Can Jay Cutler be an elite quarterback?
The Bears defense was devastating to all offenses in 2012. Even without it's old leader Brian Urlacher, it will continue to be a concern of opposing offenses. The Bears offense is a different story. They have proven they cannot win the championship with just a great defense and a solid running game, and therefore have been building a stronger passing attack to head the offense. Brandon "The Beast" Marshall, up and coming receiver Alshon Jeffery, and newly acquired tight end Martellus Bennett combine for one of the top receiving threats in the league. After reinforcing the offensive line through both the draft and free agency, Jay Cutler is out of excuses.
A: Doubtful. Even with all the tools a quarterback would need to go far in the playoffs, Cutler may simply not have the raw throwing ability and talent to make the necessary plays.
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| Detroit Lions Training Camp. |
Detroit Lions
(2012 record: 4-12)
Q: Is this team disciplined enough to battle playoff teams?
The Lions have had countless off the field problems. On the field, Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford and Ndamukong Suh are clear leaders. However, this team isn't going anywhere with all their extra baggage. The immaturity of the coaching staff as well as the roster needs to stop.
A: Not yet. Just as some believe they have turned this mostly disastrous franchise around, something happens that drops the expectations back down to a harsh reality.
