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The NFC East is back. Last season, in November, all four division teams controlled four of the seven NFC playoff spots. If not for a late-season swoon from the Washington Commanders, the often-mocked NFC East would’ve had all four teams in the playoffs, which would’ve been the first time in NFL history that happened.
Still, the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants made the playoffs, with each advancing to the NFC divisional round. That meant the NFC East had three of the conference’s final four teams last season.
This offseason, the Eagles — who came close to winning their second Super Bowl in five seasons — lost a lot in free agency. However, general manager Howie Roseman crushed the NFL draft, keeping Philly’s losses to a minimum overall and extended quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Eagles are everyone’s favorite to repeat as NFC East champion in 2023.
The Giants, though, took a big step forward, while the Cowboys also made some moves. The Commanders, too, did some good things, but is it enough? Improvement for Washington will come if quarterback Sam Howell proves he’s the guy and new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy lifts the offense to the Washington defense’s level.
Every year, someone across the four major professional sports leagues goes from worst to first. Washington has done it before. Kevin Patra of NFL.com recently ranked the eight teams who finished in last place in their respective divisions in 2022 by their chances to win their divisions in 2023.
The Commanders came in at No. 6, and Patra gives his reasoning:
Washington is another club facing an uphill climb in a tough division. The NFC East boasts one of the best top-to-bottom quartets in the NFL. Coming off an 8-8-1 campaign, Ron Rivera’s squad is dotted with talented players. Receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson are studs. The defensive line remains a force with Daron Payne re-signing and a motivated Chase Young playing out the final year of his rookie contract. The Commanders used their top two draft picks on defensive backs Emmanuel Forbes and Jartavius Martin to help shore up the secondary. One big question is whether all the parts can come together to form a winner. The other massive question mark is at quarterback, where Sam Howell is in line to start the season. If the second-year signal-caller struggles, we could see a lot of steady veteran Jacoby Brissett.
These are all valid points. It’s difficult to see Washington challenging the Eagles over the course of a season. Yes, the Commanders beat the Eagles on Monday Night Football last season, but Philadelphia is arguably the most talented team in the NFL and, in Hurts, has no questions at quarterback.
The one thing about the NFL is you never say never. Injuries happen, and the Eagles had injury luck mostly on their side in 2022.
By the way, Patra has the New York Jets, with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers, coming in at No. 1.