A conversation about the 2015-16 NFC East

The topic for today's panel is the NFC East. The panel in all its prestige includes Jamaal Anthony, John Nolan, Henry Thode, and myself. Conversations that took place earlier in the week include the AFC East and AFC West. 

Dallas Cowboys

2014 NFL Playoffs: Sunday's Divisional Round

And now on to Sunday's 2014 NFL Wild-Card games with Brendan Brody and Bryan Harvey:

Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers @ 1:05 on Fox

These two won't be playing catch on Sunday; they'll be playing football.

2014 NFL Playoffs: Sunday's Wild-Card Round

And now on to Sunday's 2014 NFL Wild-Card games:

Cincinnati Bengals v Indianapolis Colts @ 1:05 on CBS

When will Andy Dalton do the smart thing and change his name to something cool like Boomer?

Michael Langston: When these two teams take the field Sunday afternoon, guess what stat broadcasters will mention time and time again during the playoffs.

LCB Insider: Cowboys Head Coaching Search

Below is a list recovered by an unnamed inside source from a trash can outside of the office of owner Jerry Jones this week in Dallas.  By the obvious title, this is a list created by Jones and high ranking Cowboys officials in search for the next head coach for 2011 and beyond.

Some very interesting names on here.  The first two major questions LCB has in presenting this list:

1)  Why is Jim Zorn the first name listed?

2)  Why was this list thrown away?  To hide from public knowledge? Or was the win over the Giants with Jason Garrett enough to win over Jerry?

Let the scuttlebutt begin. As one famous philosopher once said, "Get your popcorn ready".

2009 NFC East Division Preview

In the past, we broke down every team in detail before the start of the season, but this year we decided to view each division as a dysfunctional American family and base our predictions off their family trees.

Place of Residence:

As much as Jerry Jones and Dan Snyder wanna claim that the height a one's mountain, the size a one's shack, the greenness a one's valley, the depth a one's crick, or the hiddenness a one's holler matter, they don't. Blood-stained earth is blood-stained earth, and no city slicker or law man is ever goin' to convince this family or that family that a big screen TV or a slick coat of paint makes up fer years a playin' cowboys and Indians with real guns and real knives. Would a new house in DC help one fergit the sound of a snapped bone? Does chargin' the cousins exorbitant amounts a money tuh see a donkey show in Texas help one fergit the jarring of one's cerebellum? Well, maybe that one's true, but it's also true that Asa Harman McCoy was murdered in a cave, comin' home from a war, and that's why Plaxico Burress can't go nowhere without packin' heat and Donovan can't go as fer as his property ends without havin' to call up his crazy brother Michael, who rumor has it cuts men up like they was dogs with broken liquor bottles.

Vacation Spot:

Ain't such a thing. Has you ever been to Philly?

Favorite Pastime:

Club murderin' and ax killin' each other. The fun comes in pickin' out a weapon, and the relaxin' comes in not havin' to hide the body but jus' leavin' it as a warnin' to tyrants, sayin' somethin' along the lines of don't tread on us, bastard sons of a dog-faced mother.

Teach's Prediction:

I thought this was our worst comparison yet because we're comparing the division that has the most Super Bowl wins in history to a bunch of hillbillies, who fight to the death over things like the number of notches on a pig's ear. Then I thought about how we all reference the Hatfield's and McCoy's, but none of us know the reasoning behind the feud, which is similar to how we're all subjected to hearing how this division is the most talented in football, year after year, without any real reasoning behind such claims. How can a division that is always said to be the best one currently in football possess only one Super Bowl winner in 13 years, only two Super Bowl appearances in that same time span, and have its marquee team not win a playoff game since this year's college class of freshmen started kindergarten?

I also don't know what reasoning anyone could come up with to pick a winner in this division right now, before the season starts. One of these teams is always much better than people predict, and at least one of them is always much worse.

The Redskins offense continues to sputter in the preseason, but the defense has the potential to be scary good. I think T.O.'s absence from the Cowboys will help their offense, but they struggled on defense all last year and lost some of their best defensive players this offseason. The two safest teams to bet on in this division are Philly and New York. Philly has the horribly underappreciated and constantly slept on Donovan McNabb, but there's always the question of his and Brian Westbrook's health. I think it's inevitable one of them misses serious time, and I don't think Michael Vick will be ready to carry their weight; so I'm picking the Giants to finish first. I like their defensive line. I like Brandon Jacobs, and I think Eli stands a chance of proving he can play quarterback without Plaxico.

Langston's Prediction:
The Cowboys have the highest expectations. They cut loose of all their extra baggage and built a new stadium, where you get to pay an enormous amount of money to eat pizza, watch the game on tv, and not see the field. They also have one of the best running back combos in football, one of the most dynamic pass rushers in the league, and maybe the best tight end in football, but after that, there isn't much else. This team doesn't have the receiving threats or the secondary to win this division, and Wade Phillips is still their coach.

The Redskins have the best defensive player in the game, Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, Chris Cooley and defensive rookie of the year candidate Brian Orakpo; however, this team needs Jason Campbell to elevate his game. If he doesn't, then he and Jim Zorn will both be looking for jobs in the spring.

The Eagles may have the most talented offensive team in football, with Westbrook and LeSean McCoy in the backfield, Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin running routes, and Jason Peters coming in to protect the QB. Their defense is solid, but they would be better if they hadn't let Dawkins leave. All the pundits are picking them to win the division and possibly the Super Bowl, but I say beware because the offseason champs always let you down. The defense has its holes, and if the offense has an off day, then this team has the potential to lose big. They also lost their best coach Jim Johnson, a loss that a lot of people are overlooking.

The Giants have the best defensive line in football, a great running back combo, and a good offensive line. The rookie receivers Hakeem Nicks, Ramses Barden, and Travis Beckum will have to produce right out the gate, and they need Mario Manningham to step up his game. If Eli and his young core of receivers can find a groove, then they can play with any team in the league. This team has the right balance on offense and defense to win the division, and I expect them to do just that.

LCB NFL Picks: Week 15

+3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons: Langston's Pick: After the whooping the Bucs took on the road from the Panthers I expect them to come in and play with more intensity against the Falcons. Its just too bad none of the NFC South teams ever lose at home. I like the Falcons to win this game due to the newly found home field advantage at the Georgia Dome. The win will put them in control of their playoff fate going into week 16. LCG's Pick: Falcons at home, you can almost automatically tally another one for the ATL in the win column.


+2.5 Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens: Langston's Pick: The Ravens are coming off of a great victory over the Redskins, where they controlled every facet of the game. However they were playing the Redskins who have just fallen apart in the second half of the season. While the Steelers beat the Cowboys, another team who is managing to fall apart despite a talent filled roster, with an amazing comeback. These two teams mirror each other; they both have great defenses, power running games, and a great play-action passing game. This has the chance to be one of the best games of the year, it is a fierce rivalry between two teams that absolutely despise each other. This game could go either way but I like the Steelers to win, leading them to another division title and another trip to the playoffs. LCG's Pick: Pittsburgh are the Ravens in two seasons, talented and overwhelming. Steelers by 6.


+3 Minnesota Vikings @ Arizona Cardinals: Langston's Pick: The Vikings have a slim lead in the Norris and the Cardinals have already clinched their first division crown since 1949. Both teams are talented on both sides of the ball, but one has Tarvaris Jackson slinging the rock and the other has two-time MVP Kurt Warner leading the O. Kurt Warner will take care of the ball and do his damage through the air, while Tarvaris will do his best not to lose the game for Purple Jesus and the rest of the Vikes. That being said, I have absolutely no trust in Tarvaris as a starting QB. The only way he can change this game, is negatively. Cardinals win by 7, setting up a two-way tie at the top of the Norris. LCG's Pick: Tarvaris more like Barvaris (terribly vague Simspons reference). Cardinals by 5.



+3 New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys, Sunday Night on NBC: Langston's Pick: The Giants looked uninspired against the Eagles last week and the Cowboys threw up all over themselves, blowing a 10 point lead against the Steelers. To be honest I have went back and forth on this game about 4 times due to the following factors; the Giants will be without their measty playmaker Brandon Jacobs while the Cowboys are in the middle of a meltdown. The Cowboys rarely, if ever, lose in the Big D. While the Giants rarely lose. T.O. is complaining, while Plax is plea bargaining. With all that being said I settled on the Giants. The deciding factor; Romo has something Eli doesn't, an innate ability to make his dumbest throws at the worst possible time. Giants win by 4. By the way, the countdown to the Cowboys implosion has already started .. 10.. 9...8..7.... LCG's Pick: He may not be Pey Pey, but Eli can sure sling the rock. Giants by 6. I can't wait until this fiasco in Dallas really get started.



+14 Cleveland Browns @ Philadelphia Eagles, Monday Night on ESPN: Langston's Pick: This is another MNF game that looked great in August. Its too bad for Romeo that his team just fell apart(physically and mentally) this year. Hopefully he gets another job, I think he has the ability to be a great head coach. Oh well. Eagles will cruise in this game, keeping their playoff hopes alive for at least one more week. LCG's Pick: The Browns are free from a QB controversy and for the first time in history that will be a negative thing. Eagles cover easily.

Eagles v Cowboys on Monday Night!

It's less than two hours until kickoff and the suspense is killing me. I've been looking forward to this game ever since the 2008 schedule was announced. If you ask any Eagles fan to name the one NFL team they absolutely despise, odds are the majority will be going with the Cowboys. And as if we Philadelphia fans didn't already have enough reasons to hate the prima donnas in Dallas, Jessica "I only remain relevant because I date an NFL quarterback" Simpson had to go and make an idiotic comment on some morning show earlier in the week. I can't explain why that made me so mad except to say that I want to hear her football picks about as badly as I want to hear one of her albums. Only God knows why any television show would still bother booking yesterday's news, but I digress.

The way I see it, these are two very evenly matched teams who rolled over a couple of cupcakes in their respective season openers, so we should be in for one heck of a battle tonight. I think the key for the Eagles offense tonight is going to be getting Brian Westbrook and rookie stud DeSean Jackson into favorable matchups downfield. Jackson put up over 100 yards receiving in his NFL debut and he could really make an early bid for Rookie of the Year by putting up those kinds of numbers again tonight. Look for Donovan McNabb to spread the ball around and get several receivers involved in the passing game.

Defensively, the key is going to be getting pressure on Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. The defense got to Marc Bulger 4 times last week and they need to maintain that level of intensity tonight. The secondary is going to have their hands full with Patrick Crayton and "the player" so it will be interesting to see how they go about covering Jason Witten. The run defense did a good job of containing Steven Jackson last week so I would expect the same tonight against Marion Barber.

As for "the player" and all the smack he's been talking this week trying to get under Donovan McNabb's skin, well I dare him to go across the middle tonight. Especially if Sheldon Brown is nearby:

2008 NFL Season Preview:#1 Dallas Cowboys

I know what some of you are thinking, how did you jump from #4 to #1? Well myself, Teach, and Berndon all voted individually in the power rankings and then we combined them to make them as even as possible. It turns out we all had the same top three teams, but we all put them in different order. I had the Patriots, Colts, and then the Cowboys. Teach had the Colts, Cowboys, and then the Patriots. And Berndon had the Cowboys, Patriots, and then the Colts. Giving them each the same amount of 1st,2nd, and 3rd place votes. So the top three teams will be ranked #1 until one of them loses or one of the the teams rises above the rest.

Division: NFC East
Last Years Record:
Head Coach: Wade Phillips
Offensive Coordinator: Jason Garrett
Defensive Coordinator: Brian Stewart

Key Additions:
CB Pacman Adam Jones
LB Zach Thomas
RB Felix Jones

Key Losses:
CB Jaques Reeves
RB Juluis Jones
SS Keith Davis
LB Akin Ayodele

Offensive Breakdown:
For 2008 to be a success for the Cowboys, they will need to make the Super Bowl. If not, 2008 will seen as a huge letdown. Especially after a season where they went 13-3, sent 13 players to Hawaii, and secured home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The Cowboys faced off against the Giants but found themselves being one-and-done again for the fourth straight time (they have not won a playoff game since 1996). Owner Jerry Jones made sure to remedy the situation by bringing in big names and talented players to an already loaded lineup, but will it be enough for the Cowboys to bring back another trophy to the Big D?

ranchise quarterback they had been looking for since the retirement of Troy Aikman in Tony Romo. Romo has had a successful two years as the leader of the Cowboys offense with two Pro Bowls, a monster $68 million contract extension, and Jessica Simpson. But Romo is 4-7 in December and January, including an 0-2 record in the playoffs. He has certainly shown he has the ability to be America's Team QB. But if Romo really wants to be listed with the names of legends like Staubach and Aikman, he needs to do something about late-season collapses and postseason failures. Or he will be listed with names like Marino and Kelly. Brad Johnson is returning to his spot as the backup.

The Cowboys upgraded in a big way at the running back position by letting go of Julius Jones and drafting Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Pairing the two rookies with the barbaric Marion Barber, sets up for a fantastic running back committee. Felix Jones brings the speed to offset the power that Barber inflicts on opposing defenses, and Choice offers an every down alternative if Barber gets injured. The main thing about this unit being a success is Barber, who hasn't been the main man since high school. The Cowboys are confident in his abilities, based on his 975 yards and 10 touchdowns and his play against the Giants in the playoffs(129 yards). The NFC East should worry about the pain that Barber is about to inflict on potential tacklers.



Terrell Owens turns 35 in December, but there is a short list of receivers who performed better than the emotional wideout last season(81 catches, 1355 yards and 15 tds). T.O. will continue to be the threat he has been over his career and will continue rising up the all-time receiving lists. Tight end Jason Witten, who caught 96 passes and earned his fourth straight trip to Hawaii is clearly Tony Romo's favorite receiver. The Cowboys believe they can get big plays out of Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd. Crayton notched career-highs in catches, yards, and touchdowns and is out to prove he is more than capable of being a big play threat. Isaiah Stanback and Austin Miles round out the wide receivers while rookie Martellus Bennett and Tony Curtis are the backup at tight end.

The offensive line for the Cowboys is as good as it gets in the NFL, with three Pro Bowlers in the middle. Center Andre Gurode, tackle Flozell Adams, and guard Leonard Davis bring few worries to the offensive line. All three are locked up with big contracts and should be in the Big D to protect Romo for the foreseeable future. Right tackle Marc Colombo, who's entering the final year of his contract, could be next in line for a big payday if he plays as well as he did last season. Left guard Kyle Kosier has been steady in his two years as a starter. To add some depth, the Cowboys picked guard James Marten (3rd round) and tackle Doug Free (4th) in last year's draft, although neither saw much time as rookies. Cory Procter and Pat McQuistan also return to reprise their roles as the backup center and swing tackle.

Defensive Breakdown:
There is nothing dominant about the Cowboys defensive line however they are solid, deep, and versatile. Jason Ratliff and Tank Johnson are a solid pair in the middle. Ends Marcus Spears and Chris Canty are solid, if not spectacular but Spears needs to gain more consistency. Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowe are big and able reserves at the ends, Bowe is also available as a possible tackle reserve with his huge 6'5 305 frame.

Last year's strong defensive showing was keyed by the pass/rush combo of outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Greg Ellis. The Cowboys also have talented 2007 first-round selection Anthony Spencer in tow at the position, and he'll be used to help keep the 33-year-old Ellis fresh. The inside corps added a wealth of leadership and experience with the offseason signing of native Texan Zach Thomas. Although the seven-time Pro Bowler will be 35 this season and was limited to five games due to injuries a year ago, the team is confident he's still got the speed and savvy to be an impact playmaker. Thomas will line up next to leading tackler Bradie James on the inside, with nickel specialist Kevin Burnett often subbing for James on passing downs. Bobby Carpenter and Justin Rogers supply depth and help out on special teams.

The biggest upgrade to the team is easily in the secondary, with the player formerly known as Pacman along with draft picks Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scrandrick coming to the Big D. Add them to the starting tandem of Terence Newman and Anthony Henry and the Cowboys have a group capable of covering any wide receiving unit in the NFL. Free safety Ken Hamlin is the leader of the secondary, and is coming off his best year as a pro where he earned Pro Bowl honors. The biggest question mark on this team is probably at strong safety with Roy Williams, who has shown to be more hype than substance. He is still a feared hitter, before and after the whistle, but is such a liability in coverage that the Cowboys take him out in obvious passing situations. The Cowboys are hoping that the addition of Pacman, Jenkins, and Scrandrick will help remedy Williams woes in pass coverage.

Season Outlook:
In my mind its not the team that needs to get across the hump, it is Romo who needs to prove he is an elite quarterback once the playoffs start. I can see them winning 12 or more games but if Romo is more Marino than Aikman (i.e. they fail to meet expectations in the playoffs), expect Garrett to take the reins in 2009 and the rest of us can look forward to more of this.





Schedule:
Week 1: Sep 07 DAL @ CLE 4:15 PM FOX
Week 2: Sep 15 PHI @ DAL 8:30 PM ESPN
Week 3: Sep 21 DAL @ GB 8:15 PM NBC
Week 4: Sep 28 WAS @ DAL 4:15 PM FOX
Week 5: Oct 05 CIN @ DAL 4:15 PM CBS
Week 6: Oct 12 DAL @ ARI 4:15 PM FOX
Week 7: Oct 19 DAL @ STL 1:00 PM FOX
Week 8: Oct 26 TB @ DAL 1:00 PM FOX
Week 9: Nov 02 DAL @ NYG 4:15 PM FOX
Week 10: Bye
Week 11: Nov 16 DAL @ WAS 8:15 PM NBC
Week 12: Nov 23 SF @ DAL 1:00 PM FOX
Week 13: Nov 27 SEA @ DAL 4:15 PM FOX
Week 14: Dec 07 DAL @ PIT 4:15 PM FOX
Week 15: Dec 14 NYG @ DAL 8:15 PM NBC
Week 16: Dec 20 BAL @ DAL 8:15 PM NFL NETWORK
Week 17: Dec 28 DAL @ PHI 1:00 PM FOX