> ---
> NFC East preview
>
> Giants face Dallas challenge
>
> This is the fifth of an eight-part series
> reviewing the offseason moves in the
> NFL. Today's installment covers the
> NFC East.
>
> By Allen Wilson, Buffalo News
>
> Updated: 06/08/08 6:43 AM
> http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/story/365241.html
> ---
>
> Excerpt (re-sorted in reverse order by
> team):
>
> ...
>
> Here's a review of the offseason moves
> in the NFC East:
>
> ---
>
> Washington Redskins
>
> Key gains: HC Jim Zorn (Seahawks),
> WR Devin Thomas (Michigan State),
> WR Malcolm Kelly (Oklahoma),
> TE Fred Davis (Southern Cal),
> DE Erasmus James (Vikings),
> WR/KR Jerome Mathis (Texans),
> CB Justin Tryon (Arizona State).
>
> Key losses: HC Joe Gibbs (retired),
> S Sean Taylor (deceased), WR Reche
> Caldwell (Rams).
>
> Breakdown: Offensive-minded Zorn wants
> to surround young QB Jason Campbell
> with as many weapons as possible. After
> falling to pull off a trade for Chad Johnson,
> the Redskins got two of the best receivers
> and arguably the top tight end in the draft.
>
> Mathis was signed for his return ability.
> New defensive coordinator Greg Blache
> plans to run a more simplified system than
> predecessor Gregg Williams. Tryon was
> the only defender drafted in the first five
> rounds and James was a first-round bust
> in Minnesota.
>
> Questions: How quickly will Campbell
> adjust to the West Coast system? Which
> rookie receiver will make the biggest
> impact? Will the 'Skins pay for not
> addressing a defense with an aging line
> and little depth at linebacker and safety?
> Are the 'Skins finally over Taylor's tragic
> death?
>
> ---
>
> Philadelphia Eagles
>
> Key gains: CB Asante Samuel (Patriots),
> DE Chris Clemons (Raiders),
> DT Trevor Laws (Notre Dame),
> WR De-Sean Jackson (California),
> RB Lorenzo Booker (Dolphins),
> TE Kris Wilson (Chiefs).
>
> Key losses: LB Takeo Spikes (released),
> DE Jevon Kearse (Titans), CB Will
> James (Bills).
>
> Breakdown: Eagles have arguably the
> NFL's best cornerback trio with Samuel
> joining Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard.
> Clemons adds pass-rushing help. Defen-
> sive tackle should be set as Laws is the
> third one the Eagles drafted with their
> first pick in four years.
>
> Jackson, an explosive receiver and punt
> returner, and Booker, who also returns
> kickoffs, answer QB Donovan McNabb's
> plea for another big-play weapon. Wilson
> can play fullback or H-back.
>
> Questions: Can McNabb get through a
> season healthy? How will Samuel adapt
> to a defensive scheme that requires him to
> play more man coverage? Is Sheppard off
> the trading block for good? Will Jackson
> have a greater impact on offense or special
> teams?
>
> ---
>
> New York Giants
>
> Key gains: QB David Carr (Panthers),
> QB Andre Woodson (Kentucky),
> DE Renaldo Wynn (Saints),
> S Sammy Knight (Jaguars),
> S Kenny Phillips (U. of Miami),
> CB Terrell Thomas (Southern Cal),
> LB Danny Clark (Raiders),
> WR Mario Manningham (Michigan).
>
> Key losses: LB Kawika Mitchell (Bills),
> LB Reggie Torbor (Dolphins), S Gibril
> Wilson (Raiders).
>
> Breakdown: The Giants went into the
> offseason feeling they had to improve
> their secondary. Knight, Phillips and
> Thomas will help in that regard. Man-
> ningham provides more depth at receiver.
>
> The Giants took a hit at linebacker with
> Mitchell and Torbor. LB Matthias Kiwa-
> nuka might return to defensive end, his
> natural position, if Michael Strahan re-
> tires. Carr, the top pick in 2002 draft,
> joins third team in two years.
>
> Questions: How will the Giants handle
> their Super Bowl success? Will Manning
> build on great postseason? Will Strahan
> return for a 16th season? Will disgruntled
> TE Jeremy Shockey be traded? Is there
> enough depth at linebacker? Will Carr
> beat out Woodson for No. 2 QB spot?
>
> ---
>
> Dallas Cowboys
>
> Key gains: LB Zach Thomas (Dolphins),
> CB Pacman Jones (Titans),
> CB Mike Jenkins (South Florida),
> RB Felix Jones (Arkansas),
> TE Martellus Bennett (Texas A&M),
> RB Tashard Choice (Georgia Tech),
> CB Orlando Scandrick (Boise State).
>
> Key losses: RB Julius Jones (Seahawks),
> TE Anthony Fasano (Dolphins), LB Akin
> Ayodele (Dolphins), CB Jacques Reeves
> (Texans), CB Nathan Jones (Dolphins),
> NT Jason Ferguson (Dolphins), S Keith
> Davis (Dolphins).
>
> Breakdown: Cowboys are rolling the dice
> on controversial but talented Pacman Jones,
> who has been cleared to join team for off-
> season activities. If fully reinstated, he and
> Jenkins will add depth and flexibility at
> a position of weakness.
>
> Thomas brings great intangibles, but must
> stay healthy. Cowboys are deeper behind
> RB Marion Barber. They drafted Felix
> Jones over the higher rated Rashard Men-
> denhall because he is a potential impact
> runner and kick returner. Choice is a power
> back like Barber. Bennett won't take Pro
> Bowler Jason Witten's job anytime soon,
> but he'll play.
>
> Questions: Will coach Wade Phillips con-
> trol this team and get it to play to its poten-
> tial? His job may depend on it. Will QB
> Tony Romo play as well in the postseason
> as he does in the regular season? Unable
> to trade for a top-flight veteran to pair
> with Terrell Owens, are the Cowboys
> good enough at wide receiver? Will Pac-
> man stay out of trouble if reinstated?
>
> --- end excerpt ---
>
>