Washington's Jason Campbell Admires A Fumble Versus Giants
Every Autumn during the NFL pre-season it seems that all analysts are talking about is the prowess of the NFC East. This could not be further from the truth.
Ok, ok, I know you’re saying “The Giants did it only two seasons ago!?” but everyone knows that was a complete fluke, and based on how many other years analysts said someone from the NFC East was going to do it, the division would have 6 rings in the past 10 years.
Every week I have to hear Sal Pal (Paolantonio) covering the Giants and Eagles running his mouth at how their defenses are so stout, while opponents quiver at the variety of talent on their offenses. Ed Werder does his own rendition down south covering the Cowboys. He can’t get much of a rational thought across the screen with that microphone so far up Tony Romo’s tail.
Let’s take a closer look:
New York Giants
Get a pass because they’ve actually won it this decade. However, last year they were the high and mighty favorites only to get knocked out in the 1st round to a streaky Philadelphia squad, in their own house nonetheless, for the 2nd time in a month. This year they were heavy favorites once again, and everyone was riding the train at the start of the season. Of their starting 5 games they were 5-0 with a seemingly big (but clearly now over-rated) victory over the Cowboys. Turns out, all of the victories came against teams that still now have losing records. The following landslide of losses came in dominant fashion, except for the close San Diego game, and a late-win vs. ATL. Last Thursday’s “statement” game now has the G-Men looking for answers while pointing fingers, an ultimate low for the season. Look for them to play spoiler this year and not even come close to fulfilling expectations.
Philadelphia Eagles
Perhaps the most successful group of losers over the past 10+ years. Everyone knows their 5 NFC East crowns, 7 Playoff Appearances, 5 NFC Championship Games, and 1 Superbowl. Since 2004, analysts chose the birds to fly “all the way” and they have only made it once to the big stage. Of their first 5 games, they’ve come out the victor in all but one beat down by the Saints, who are the truth at this point. Things were looking up until coaching idiocracy reared its ugly head again in a disasterous loss to Oakland. Pass 90% of the time against the worst defense against the run in all of the NFL, great choice. This team has so much talent but their coaching staff finds ways to muck it up. Reid eats timeouts faster than Dollar-Menu cheeseburgers, and their offensive coordinator destroys all possibilities of continuity on offense. With the passing of Defensive Coordinator, Jim Johnson, it seemed that the only thing keeping Philly in it for the past couple years was about to go too. Luckily, new guy Sean McDermitt can run the ship, which is saving Reid from ploppin that behind right on the hot seat. Two additional losses so far puts the Eagles at 7-4, and in control of their road to the playoffs. They’ll blow another one, don’t you worry. They’ll probably even make the playoffs, but fulfill Superbowl aspirations? I don’t think so.
Dallas Cowboys
Probably the most consistently over-rated of the bunch. Again, this squad behind Tony Romo and a brand new ridiculous stadium, was expected to run the table. Just like last year, and the year before it, many believed the Cowboys to be the team to beat, even though they failed to win a single playoff game in any year since 1998 under Chan Gailey. They’ve been trying to find the next Jimmy Johnson ever since, and this current attempt with Wade Phillips defines sideline silliness on Sundays. But year in and yea out, they are the favorite to win it all when they haven’t even gotten on the doorstep (well, they were on their way but Romo’s superpowers are only limited to QB duties, not place-holder). So far this year “them Cowboys” dropped games to the hapless Giants, over-rated Broncos (remember when that D was “unstoppable”) and the Packers. They eeked one past the disaster that is the Washington Redskins with a pathetic 7-6 win. Their road doesn’t get much easier with a NYG rematch, then the Chargers, Saints, Skins, and Eagles. Even if they make it through that gauntlet, and win at least one playoff game, their jubilation of that one victory will sidetrack them from the ultimate goal, and again head home early as an over-rated squad.
Washington Redskins
Ok, this could be the only team that hasn’t had high expectations to fill, but they deserve some fault for consistently spending ungodly amounts of money for players that add no value to the team. Mark Brunell, Bruce Smith, Deion Sanders, Shaun Alexander, De’Angelo Hall, Santana Moss, Adam Archuleta, and now an oft-injured Albert Haynesworth for a $100 contract. You gotta hand it to Dan Snyder at trying to be the Yankees of the NFL, but someone get that man an advisor! The poor hogs have been squealin for a quality head coach ever since Gibbs left, returned, then retired again as they’ve been lucky to sneak in only a couple successful seasons since their last NFC East championship in 1999. This year has been no different with the addition of Jim Zorn, the offensive guru who doesn’t even call offensive plays anymore. That sideline circus must have Jason Campbell’s head spinnin. The only plus side is that their defense has been something to look forward to as London Fletcher is a tackling machine.
Say what you want, but once again the beast of the NFC East proves to be mediocre at best. Maybe they just beat themselves up? Who knows, but I guarantee this year ends with the same failed expectations. What do you think?
