NFC East Opinion: Big Talk And Quiet Confidence -

The NFC East sits atop of the NFL as the single most competitive division. Those four teams will slug it out without cessation.

From the time I was a child, the NFC East always stood as the most battle-tested division in the league. Every Sunday and Monday, those teams just battered each other. Additionally, we all remember the moments and names that echo from seasons past. Now, the modern incarnation of the most physical division in football brings that hostility back to the national stage. Below, these are opinions, not hot takes regarding the NFC East.

Waiting For Big Moment

First and foremost, I respect Micah Parsons, truly. The Dallas Cowboys standout is a matchup problem with NFL offenses. With a blend of strength and speed, he terrorizes opponents. Now, here is where the issue arises. Like most athletes, Parsons loves the microphone or cameras. If he isn’t speaking wildness about Jalen Hurts, he inflames tensions by careless social media activity. Despite his abundant abilities, many remember Parsons more for what he says. Parsons is a cornerstone defender. However, when will his signature moment occur? The Dallas Cowboys, on defense, field a decent roster around Parsons. Yet, he needs to take the next step in the playoffs. Twenty-six-and-a-half sacks in two seasons speaks volumes. At the same time, veteran offensive linemen, the good ones, play the physical game with Parsons. NFC East legacies are made in winter, not September.

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by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 7:01 pm

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Don’t Sleep On DC

For years, people wanted the Washington Commanders offense to match their defense, which allowed 20.2 points per game. Now, Sam Howell, he of nineteen career pass attempts, steps into the starting spot. Howell possesses the feet and requisite arm talent to play well. Plus, with three receivers in McLaurin, Dotson, and Samuel, Washington can spread the ball around. While McLaurin is the headliner, the other two require attention. Dotson tallied seven touchdowns on just thirty-five catches. Also, a healthy Brian Robinson gives the offense a solid ground game. The cloud of toxicity from previous ownership evaporated. Don’t be surprised to see Washington challenging for second-place in the division.

Gotham Duo

In their storied history, the New York Giants employed top-flight pass rush duos. If Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari continue to mature, New York can add to the list. In Thibodeaux, the Giants have a cerebral rusher with the ability to string moves together. Meanwhile, Ojulari, ironically, is a dawg. He forces himself into the play and requires constant blocking. With that said, the onus resides with Thibodeaux. Four sacks during 740 snaps aren’t the production the team wants. However, learning the NFC East ropes could be difficult for any rookie. Upside still matters.

Bad Taste

If you play or root for the Philadelphia Eagles, you need to come to grips. The Eagles sat firmly with the Super Bowl in their grasp and the defense fell completely apart. Jonathan Gannon left for a head coaching job. Sean Desai steps in. He inherits a physically talented but a demoralized defense. That vaunted pass rush could not get home when it mattered most. Those gaudy seventy-two sacks during the regular season mean absolutely nothing. Although well-respected, Desai does need to take loss in the biggest game to reshape the defense. The NFC East foes probably watched that gamefilm dozens of times by now.