The NFC East: A Desperately Weak Division at the Start of the 2020 NFL Season
The NFC East: A Desperately Weak Division at the Start of the 2020 NFL Season
The NFC East is shaping up to be one of the weakest divisions in the 2020 NFL season, and this wasn't a surprise to me. Last year, the division set a record of 24-40, the worst in NFL history. When we factor out the 12 wins and divisional ties, the NFC East's performance against the rest of the league is a dismal 12-28. This tradition of underperformance suggests we should expect the same from the 2020 season.
The New York Giants saw their almost Hall of Fame quarterback hang up the cleats, while Washington had no major additions through the draft or free agency. Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, who are often seen as top teams, made little significant moves in the off-season. This inaction suggests these teams are not prioritizing changes that could improve their standing.
The Giants and Washington's Current State
The Giants find themselves without a star quarterback, which could jeopardize their progress. In contrast, Washington is playing a wait-and-see game with their young quarterback, hoping he will develop into a star. However, New York's management appears to be floundering, making it difficult to predict their success this season.
The Eagles and Cowboys: Consistent Inconsistency
The Philadelphia Eagles, who were 8-8 last season with a 5-1 divisional record, failed to establish themselves as perennial contenders despite their impressive roster. Similarly, the Dallas Cowboys, despite a strong showing with an 8-8 record and a 5-1 divisional win rate, showed inconsistency. Both teams fell short of expectations as they navigated a challenging season.
These underperformances are not exclusive to the NFC East; in NFL history, most of the biggest single-season turnarounds have involved significant quarterback acquisitions. However, no such acquisitions are expected for the NFC East teams, further cementing their status as one of the weakest divisions, if not the weakest, in the league.
External Factors and Challenges
External factors, such as coaching changes and team schedules, play a crucial role in these diminished performances. The Cowboys, being the most talented team in the NFC East, face a brutal schedule, compounded by an owner who doesn't support their quarterback. This owners' interference and the defense's struggles are major contributors to their subpar performance, even against one of the NFL's top teams, the Seattle Seahawks.
Key Takeaways
The NFC East, with no major changes or acquisitions, is set to have another disappointing season. Teams such as the Giants and Washington are struggling without a strong quarterback, while the Eagles and Cowboys show signs of inconsistency despite their star players. The division's underperformance suggests that significant change may be needed to turn things around.
It's clear that the NFC East is not set for a strong showing in the coming season, and fans and analysts should brace for continued struggles unless significant changes are made. As always, this is a fluid situation, and only time will tell if these teams will finally break their curse and surprise everyone.