NFC East Preview

The rivalries are what carry this division, as it will be among the most watched and competitive divisions in football this year.

DALLAS 11-5

Once again the Cowboys have the talent to be one of the best teams in the league but it will come down to execution. They have the skill players on offense and defense to be considered the best in the league. However, the offensive line continues to be an issue with its protection and run blocking. With Romo established, three capable running backs and a receiving corps that gained Dez Bryant, the offense will go as far as the line can block.

The defensive line and pass rush will be at the top of the league again and the Cowboys will use it to generate turnovers. Wade Phillips' specialty is defense so expect another strong season from that side of the ball.

The Cowboys looked rusty in preseason, perhaps just biding their time. Either way, the Cowboys have a tough schedule and always get their opponent's best effort. Bum's son's laid-back approach can result in a let-down from time to time but, ultimately, the Cowboys should win the division. However, don't expect a home game in the Super Bowl.

NEW YORK 9-7

The Giants were a tale of two teams last year. Out the gate quickly at 5-0, they stumbled badly in the second half, especially on defense, going 3-8 after getting hit hard with injuries. Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning are anxious to get back to the playoffs but must get better line play on both sides of the ball.

The defense looked awful much of the time last year, allowing the second most points in the league. The Giants spent four draft picks on defense, including DE Jason Pierre-Paul with the 15th pick. The defensive line used to be the strong point of the team and will need to return there if the Giants are to be successful. Picking up S Antrel Rolle in free agency will be a great pick up on the back end.

New York must get back to a more formidable rushing attack to compete within this division. Manning is coming off his best year but needs a ground game to keep defenses honest. He was also sacked a career-high 30 times, so protection must improve.

The Giants will have its work cut out but should be able to improve from last year's disappointment.

WASHINGTON 8-8

Major turnover happened in DC this offseason, and not a moment too soon. The Redskins had become the butt of jokes during last year's forgettable 4-12 campaign. But now they have a veteran coach and veteran QB to lead the way.

Things have been tumultuous for the entire summer thanks to disgruntled employee Albert Haynesworth. His relationship with the new staff started bad and still hasn't improved. Haynesworth doesn't want to play nose tackle in Mike Shanahan's 3-4 defense and it appears to be a stalemate in the battle of wills that has gone on for months. The Redskins are still trying to trade Haynesworth and Shanahan has said he will not start the $100 million man opening weekend.

With McNabb now under center, the offense will dramatically improve. He's being looked at as a savior of sorts, but he must be protected and stay healthy to accomplish anything. The Redskins offensive line was very porous last year and must perform better to allow McNabb to distribute the ball. The running game also fell off with the lack of blocking up front and will need to be re-established this year. No. 4 overall pick OT Trent Williams can hopefully contribute immediately.

With new management and a proven quarterback now leading the 'Skins, dramatic improvement should be seen. Doubling last year's win total is well within range, as well as a run at the division title.

PHILADELPHIA 7-9

The Eagles are in the heart of a youth movement. Andy Reid will turn things over to Kevin Kolb to fill the shoes of McNabb. Kolb is unproven but has potential to do what Aaron Rodgers did in his first year after patiently waiting. Kolb will have the receiving weapons and experienced play-callers, but will have a tough challenge in such a competitive division.

DeSean Jackson has established himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league. Hopefully Kolb can throw the deep ball as well as McNabb because Jackson can fly past defenses. Kolb will need solid offensive line play and RB LeSean McCoy to build on his impressive rookie season carrying the ball.

The defense will be the question mark with a lot of holes to fill. They will blitz and harass the quarterback, as they always have, but may not have the manpower to be as effective as they have been in the past.

The Eagles have potential to compete in the NFC but will take a step back as its young players get accustomed to the NFL.

Pain in the Haynesworth

Most people who are given $100 million are happy. Most people would do whatever they could to live up to that paycheck. Most people wouldn't no-show after cashing a $21 million bonus two months before work starts. But most people aren't Albert Haynesworth.

We know about his size, his talent, his ability. Unfortunately we also know about multiple incidents that make people question his integrity, character, and humanity.

People can't fathom someone making nine figures sitting out because he "doesn't like the new scheme" put in place by a new coaching staff. This is a coaching staff, mind you, that is replacing an old one who went 4-12 last year. Haynesworth doesn't want to play in a 3-4. Boo-hoo.

If you're the best interior defensive player in the league, which Haynesworth believes he is and is paid like it, you should be able to play in a 3-4. Last year he went off on the coaching staff because of the scheme, and they were in a 4-3. It was because of how he was being used in that defense. This Haynesworth guy is tough to please. Maybe he should have had 'defensive coordinator' put into that huge contract, also.

The two-time All-Pro said last year he "couldn't survive another year this system." Well, the system has changed and he won't even give it a chance. And he's not playing for Jim Zorn anymore. He's got Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Shanahan leading the team now. It's not about the scheme, the coaches, the other players. It's all about Albert. It always is.

Teammates and players around the league are sounding off on Haynesworth. Look at the track record. Fights with teammates in college and the NFL, stomping on opponents' faces (literally), multiple traffic violations and incidents, being sued by a pregnant ex-girlfriend. Despite all of this he's still one of the highest-paid players in the league. Not an example that should be followed.

He's not worth the trouble, but what can Washington do? They can't get the money back, so do they keep the disgruntled employee? If they release him, he wins. Trading him might be the best option, but then the Redskins have paid him many many millions to play for someone else. And they would want much of the bonus repaid, which is unlikely. I would make him play in that 3-4 and do his damn job.

Good luck, Washington. But no one should be surprised. Owner Daniel Snyder was asking for this the day he gave Haynesworth the $100 million.

Notes Around the League

Shanahan

• The Redskins turned their whole organization over to Mike Shanahan. He signed a 5-year/$35 million deal to coach and have final say on all football decisions.
• The Skins got a couple major pieces that were missing at the start of the season: 1) A new GM- Vinny Cerrato got canned before Zorn. That's how bad he was doing. 2) New coach - Zorn was a joke. Should have never been hired.
• Next step: New quarterback. Jason Campbell is to quarterbacks as Jim Zorn is to head coaches. Portis got loose on Campbell during a radio show yesterday.
• Good move by Snyder and Washington to bring in an established coach. Shanahan will try to rebuild his image that took a hit in his last years with Denver.

Charlie Weis

• No surprise that Weis immediately signed with an NFL team. The Chiefs are betting on him return to glory as an offensive coordinator.
• The Chiefs moved very quickly to get Weis. Haley and Pioli were most likely planning this once he was canned at Notre Dame because of past working relationships. Haley worked with Weis with the Jets.
• Time will tell if Weis will be successful. Chiefs need better receivers and a much better defense. Chazz won't be helping with that. Cassell still has to prove himself. Still a lot of questions in Kansas City, but Jamaal Charles looks like a solid back. 
• First step for KC: Get Charlie a snot-rag. No one wants to see boogers and slime running down his face every game.

Rex Ryan

• Blowhard-of-the-year is at it again. In yesterday's press conference, Ryan said the Jets should "be the favorites" for the Super Bowl. Get over yourself, Rex. I'm all for confidence, but don't be stupid.
• That's the dumbest thing that's come out of his mouth since he said the Jets were "obviously out of the playoffs" three weeks ago.
• As much as Ryan trumpets is own horn, I'm leaning towards the Jets for an upset wild-card weekend.

Chris Henry

• Charlotte police will not charge Chris Henry's fiancee with any crime following an investigation into the accident that killed the Bengal receiver.
• This has to be a case of lack of evidence and witnesses. How can someone die from falling out of a truck you were driving and nothing happen? Vehicular manslaughter, anyone?

Quick Prediction: Texas over Alabama. I'm going with McCoy. A lot of the experts like Alabama.