NFC EAST PREVIEW

Training Camp Preview
Dr. Donovan

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Who are the team leaders again?? Not only is Tony Romo feeling the heat this year to get this team over the hump, questions also surround RB Marion Barber with stud RB Felix Jones waiting for his chance to shine as a starter. Also, can Roy Williams be a legit #1 with this team? Last year he was never really a factor after getting traded to the Cowgirls.

After another underachieving season last year, the Cowboys are still picked to go to the Super bowl every year. This means huge expectations and Jerry Jones wont be so lenient this year if the Cowboys don't go deep into the playoffs. Can this be the year they breakout or will we see a fire sale in Dallas after the season?

New York Giants

Who is going to catch the ball? Plaxico Burress shot his butt off the team, and Amani Toomer is no longer on the team. That leaves Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Hakeem Nicks, Sinorice Moss, and Mario Manningham fighting for a #1 spot. It should be an interesting camp competition and don't be surprised if the rookie Hicks or Steve Smith comes out on top.

Who is Brandon Jacobs' handcuff? Brandon Jacobs had a solid year last year but had help from Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw to take the load off and he still broke down towards the end of the year. Will Ahmad Bradshaw, last year's #3, be that guy or will rookie Andre Brown earn that spot?

Philadelphia Eagles

Longtime DC Jim Johnson unfortunately lost his battle with cancer and the Eagles lost a legendary DC and a huge part of the Eagles family. Sean McDermott, the 35-year old defensive assistant, has been elevated to DC and must quickly move to make the defense his own. McDermott is the longest tenured Philly assistant and was the heir apparent, but he's never called plays; which is Johnson's forte. Brian Dawkins also went to the Broncos. With the loss of their 2 biggest defensive leader's, can the Eagles D compete in a high powered offensive division?

The good news is Brian Westbrook's recovery from surgery is ahead of schedule, but realistically he won't see the field much until the start of the season. Are rookie LeSean McCoy and veteren Lorenzo Booker capable of shouldering the load this year? Its not a question "if" Westbrook breaks down but "when".

Washington Redskins

If there was an alternative to Jason Campbell, the Redskins pursued him this offseason. Daniel Snyder went after ets rookie, Mark Sanchez, and he also tried to trade for Jay Cutler. This looks to be Campbell's last chance at showing he's a starter in the NFL and this is an enormous training camp for Campbell's NFL future.

Stopping the running game is a must if you want to be competitive. With the additions of mammoth DT Albert Haynesworth and pass-rushing rookie OLB Brian Orakpo, the Redskins may be last years Tennessee Titans on defense. Will it be enough in, what some would call, the toughest division in the NFL?