AFC East NFL season overview

Philadelphia Eagles (2010 ATS 8-8)

The Philadelphia Eagles are a team that seems to fight themselves as much, if not more, than any other team in the league each season. High profile storylines and controversies have come to define them in the Reid era. Last year it was the Vick/Kolb saga. In the end Vick regained most of his form, developed as a quarterback, and becomes the main man going into 2011.

They owned their division once again and played real well on the road. McCoy gave them a legitimate threat to replace Westbrook, they scored well in all drive categories, took care of the football, and terrorized opposing quarterbacks.

Unfortunately, they stunk at home, couldn't protect Vick whatsoever, took far too many penalties, and couldn't stop a high school team in the red zone. In the draft they took the crowd favorite Watkins to improve the O-line and a safety in round two - presumably to replace Mikell.

According to the NFL betting odds, the Eagles currently have the best shot of winning the Super Bowl in comparison to their AFC East competition, listed at 15/1 at Bodog.

To-do list:solidify O-line, resign Bradley, fill needs at CB, S, DE, and P.

Biggest post-lockout question: Can Juan Castillo really coach a defense?

New York Giants (2010 ATS 7-9)

The New York Giants were their typical up and downs selves in 2010. They beat everyone they were supposed to, but failed under the bright lights. Special teams also really let them down, but other than that they had a lot going for them last year.

Coughlin's smash-mouth run game put up great numbers, the O-line did a great job in protection, and they had good ball control and drive stats. On defense, they gave opposing quarterbacks a lot of sleepless nights, and they knew how to get off the field on 3rd down. Overall they were solid in most critical areas.

Yet, 'solid' isn't good enough when it comes to making noise come January. I expect Nicks to make people in NY dismiss any notion that Plaxico Burress is coming back, and their main area of focus in the draft was on defense (they drafted a CB and DT). Fewell had an underrated year as defensive coordinator.

To-do list: re-sign Bradshaw, keep Boss, fill needs at LT and G.

Biggest post-lockout question: Will Umenyiora stay in NY with the team 11 million over the cap?

Dallas Cowboys (2010 ATS 6-10)

How the mighty have fallen. What should be made of the Dallas Cowboys? The team completely tanked it last year almost in protest to Wade Phillips. Once Jason Garrett took over the players decided to come in and earn their paychecks. Not exactly the sign of a well-oiled machine.

Garrett will have challenges heading into 2011. His pass defense completely sucked, couldn't stop anybody in the red zone, get off the field on 3rd down, or give any top team any type of challenge.

So where does he start? Well he does have good lines on both sides of the ball to work with and they went out and drafted a LB, S, and G in the top couple of rounds. Romo will return healthy and Bryant could breakout in 2011. We'll see what they do in free agency, but it looks like all signs are pointing up in Texas.

To-do list: Fill big needs at S, resign Free, solidify O-line, upgrade at G, DE, CB.

Biggest post-lockout question: Is Romo really the right guy for this team, and if he can't be a leader--who will?

Washington Redskins (2010 ATS 8-5-3)

At the other end of the spectrum are the Washington Redskins. Does anybody in the league have any respect for this organization anymore? It continues to be a place where guys just come to get paid. Shanahan was supposed to come in and provide them with stability, but he was the source of more dissension than anybody else last season.

In his defense, Washington is the kind of place that needs to be blown up before it can be set right. Despite their record, they did step up and play good vs tough opponents last year. At the same time, there are weaknesses up and down the roster still. They were terrible on the ground on both sides of the ball. Stopping the pass was even worse thanks in large part to their inability to rush the quarterback. On offense they couldn't sustain drives worth a lick.

This all leaves Washington with far more questions going into free agency than all other teams in the division combined. They did address the defensive line in the draft, but what will be their strategy when the market opens up?

To-do list: figure out QB, upgrade O-line/RB, fill needs at CB, LB, DE, WR, RT. Put an end to the Haynesworth chapter one way or another.

Biggest post-lockout question: Has Shanahan really changed anything in Washington or this is a case of same old, same old in Snyder-Land? 

What are your thoughts? Check out the SBR Forum and share your opinions and keep a close eye on the opening betting odds for the 2011 season.