GRIDIRON GRUMBLINGS: VOL. V

TAKING BACK THE EAST: FIVE REASONS THE GIANTS WILL WIN THE NFC EAST
By Marc Jimenez, NFL Draft Bible

The New York Giants are supposed to be in a transition period. Their all-time leading rusher is gone. Their quarterback is an enigma. Their defensive end hasn’t shown up for work and their coach might be fired at the end of the year. But if there is one thing we learn from football, it’s that the season doesn’t always go as planned. For all the so-called parity in the NFL, the league can be very unpredictable, so don’t believe everything you hear or read, except this: The Giants will win the NFC East.

Here are five reasons why.

1. Philadelphia: The Eagles captured the division last season by winning their last five games to finish 10-6. Jeff Garcia revitalized a team that wasn’t expected to do much after Donovan McNabb went down with an ACL/meniscal tear. Getting injured seems to be a recent theme for McNabb, who has missed 13 games in the last two seasons. If he cannot stay healthy, the Eagles don’t have a chance to repeat as division winners -- Garcia isn’t walking through the door to save their season and A.J. Feely is no Jeff Garcia. Leadership is important in this league and a team’s personality has a lot to do with its quarterback. That’s why the Eagles were so fortunate last season to have Garcia, but this season they might not be so lucky if McNabb does down again. But for argument’s sake, let’s say McNabb will make it through an entire season healthy. How are the players going to handle the loss of four-time Pro Bowl selection Jeremiah Trotter, who was a well-liked guy in the locker room? The middle linebacker position is like the defensive quarterback. Although Trotter was losing a step, it remains to be seen if second year player Omar Gaither can anchor a defense that was ranked 26th against the run last season. Also, how is Andy Reid going to concentrate on coaching the team when his two sons might end up in jail?

2. Dallas: It’s touching that many of the Cowboys are thrilled with the departure of Bill Parcells, but you cannot lose an all-time coach and expect to get better. It just doesn’t work that way. Bringing in a guy like Wade Phillips isn’t what the Cowboys needed. Despite the fact that many players openly disliked Parcells, he still knew how to coach and motivate his players. Remember folks, Dallas was just one bone-headed play away from facing Chicago in the playoffs. If Tony Romo doesn’t fumble the snap, who knows how far Dallas could have gone? Romo’s blunder was Bill Buckner-like and he might never live it down. Throw into the mix that he is a relatively inexperienced quarterback who has to deal with a moody wide out and try to win a new contract, the Cowboys will slip behind the Giants in the division. Phillips is a defensive guy and won’t be able to fix Romo if he struggles.

3. Washington: You know you’re in for another 5-11 season when you have Jason Campbell, Mark Brunell and Todd Collins as your quarterbacks. The Redskins offense ranked 21st in passing last season and I don’t see that getting any lower this year. Plus their defense was terrible last season, ranking at the bottom against the run (27th) and pass (23rd). Joe Gibbs might have made a mistake coming back. I’m sure he’d rather return to NASCAR and follow the progress of new free agent signing Kyle Busch, than deal with another losing season at Washington and further damage his brilliant coaching career.

4. Michael Strahan: When the Giants’ future sack leader likely returns in a few days, the Giants defense, especially the pass rush, will be a lot better. It is even reported that Strahan, who has kept himself in shape during his holdout, might want to play another two seasons. Now, there’s nothing that can motivate a veteran player more into having a career season than playing for a new contract.

5. Eli Manning: Eli has the ability to get his team in the end zone, throwing 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons, but he has been inconsistent throughout his young career. Whether it was his laid-back attitude or his late-game interceptions that prevented him from becoming a star in the league, this season might be the year that Eli finally lives up to the expectations that come with being a No. 1 pick. Have you ever been upstaged by a sibling and vowed to make things even? Having seen his brother, Peyton, win the Super Bowl will light a fire under Eli and allow him to put together terrific season. This is a make-or-break type of season for Eli and I’m sure he’s tired of hearing about the Peyton comparisons or having his leadership skills questioned. Eli showed just the type of backbone he needs when he fired back at Tiki Barber for ripping him, as well as announcing his retirement in the middle of the season and his constant criticism of coach Tom Coughlin. New York, who should have a strong running game with Brandon Jacobs, will miss Barber’s production but not his mouth.

So expect big things from Big Blue this season. I sure do.

Agree? Disagree? Get at Marc Jimenez: marc@nfldraftbible.com