32 Teams, 32 Questions: The NFC East

Much like Chris Mortensen of ESPN, we are touring all 32 teams in the NFL featuring what we’re looking for in the 2013 season and beyond – only DLF hasn’t chartered a bus for anyone, no pro will actually talk to us and we’ll be focusing completely on dynasty fantasy football. Other than that, it’s totally the same.  In this new series, we will cover all 32 teams and ponder a question we have for each of them in relation to dynasty leagues. Each edition covers one division – in this case, we cover the NFC East.

Past Editions

AFC West
NFC West
AFC East
NFC North
AFC South

Dallas Cowboys

“How effective will the Cowboys’ running game be under the influence of their new offensive coordinator, Bill Callahan?”

Saying the Cowboys want to run the ball in 2013 is like saying that Jerry Jones likes big TVs. Jason Garrett knows running the ball is essential to him keeping his job past the 2013 season. During the past two seasons, the Cowboys record is 7-16 when DeMarco Murray has fewer than 18 carries. Their record is an astounding 9-0 when Murray gets the ball 18 times or more. They know where their bread is buttered.

It would be easy for Tony Romo to hand it off to Murray 20 times per game on their way to an undefeated season; keeping Murray on the field, though, has become a daunting task. He has missed nine games due to injury during the past two seasons and many fantasy owners are all but keeping him off of their draft boards this year. Talent isn’t Murray’s problem, health is.

During the 2013 NFL draft, the Cowboys addressed their back-up runningback need by selecting Oklahoma State standout Joseph Randle. Randle rushed for over 3,000 yards in college, with a 5.5 yards per carry average, on his way to scoring 43 total touchdowns. If Murray goes down, Randle could be the Cowboys best option to take the reigns.

Offensive coordinator, Bill Callahan is no stranger to running the ball. Callahan led the Oakland Raiders to the third best rushing offense in 1999, and led the league in rushing in 2000. The play calling duties have been given to Callahan this year, and he has a track record for getting the ball in the running backs’ hands.

Philadelphia Eagles

“Which quarterback is going to take the helm in Chip Kelly’s offense, and how effective will he be”

The Eagles have a quarterback controversy, much like Aaron Hernandez has legal issues. Michael Vick, Matt Barkley, and Nick Foles will all battle for the starting gig behind center in Philadelphia, and could all be granted an equal opportunity to do so.

Vick has been the starting quarterback for most of the past few years, but has struggled with turnovers recently. In the past two seasons, Vick has turned the ball over 33 times in only 23 games played. Chip Kelly has no allegiance to Vick and may show that soon. Head coaches who are new to their teams have routinely shown they will cut ties with the previous regime’s mediocre talent. To be clear, Vick is a superior talent who just may not have a full tank of gas left. Couple his age (33) with his propensity for turnovers and he might not be as much of a lock to start as many believe.

With the first pick in the fourth round, the Eagles selected Barkley. Kelly has seen plenty of Barkley over the years, coaching against him and the Southern California Trojans. Barkley threw for more than 12,000 yards in his college career and may have the brightest future ahead of him. The Eagles coaching staff may view him as more of a project, though, and his football career could start later, rather than sooner.

While Barkley represents the future, and Vick can run some wildcat, the future could be now with an actual Wildcat. Foles (the former Arizona Wildcat) looks the part of a starting NFL quarterback. He literally stands above the rest, at 6’6”, 243lbs. Many people believe Foles was an average quarterback last season, which he was on paper. By the time Foles was given starting quarterback duties, the offensive line was plagued by injuries and bad play, his best offensive weapon (LeSean McCoy) was dealing with concussion issues, and the team had all but given up on their lame duck coach. With a new regime and a new found hope, Foles could succeed in this high tempo, run first offense.

New York Giants

“With Ahmad Bradshaw gone, and no veteran leadership in the backfield, how effective will the Giants’ running game be this season – will David Wilson be ‘the guy?”

Tom Coughlin has routinely run a running back by committee approach. The primary benefactor the past few years has been Ahmad Bradshaw. Coughlin has shown that he will cut bait with his running backs before they exit their prime. He did just that this offseason by releasing Bradshaw into free agency.

Last season, the most effective ball carrier in replacement of Bradshaw was not David Wilson, it was Andre Brown. In ten games (and only two starts), Brown averaged 5.3 yards per carry on 73 carries, and scored eight touchdowns. Brown also showed he was serviceable out of the backfield, snagging 12 balls for 86 yards in limited duty. Wilson was not as effective last year. During a week one loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Wilson had an untimely fumble. Coughlin has a reputation for benching a player due to fumbling issues and he did just that. Over the next 12 weeks, Wilson averaged just two carries per game. During that same time frame, he was only able to find the end zone once.

Evidence has shown Coughlin usually will not have ‘the guy,’ but even if he did, it probably would not be Wilson. Brown will probably be the ball carrier to own in 2013, though Wilson is extremely talented, will get his share of carries and will probably be the better back to own long term.

Washington Redskins

“With Santana Moss aging, which receiver will step up and help Pierre Garçon for the Redskins? Can Garçon even stay healthy?”

Pierre Garçon has shown no ill effects from neither his plantar tear, nor his torn labrum in his shoulder. The shoulder surgery was considered by most to be minor. The partial plantar tear in his foot was slightly more serious and the team has taken caution against further injury. That being said, Garçon looks poised to have a great year catching passes from Robert Griffin III.

In 2012, Josh Morgan quietly caught 48 balls. Morgan will not make many highlight plays, or lead the league in touchdowns, but he will catch the ball when its thrown to him. Every team needs a receiver like Morgan. Garçon can take the top off of the defense, while a guy like Morgan can catch the underneath routes while moving the chains. Many people  also know the name Leonard Hankerson. Hankerson will likely make the team and be given one more year to prove himself. He was selected in the third round of the 2011 draft, yet has battled injuries and ‘stone hands’ since.

The Redskins receiver to keep your eye on this year is Aldrick Robinson. He did not get much playing time in 2012, but when he did, he shined. While averaging a colossal 21.5 yards per catch, Robinson also hauled in three touchdowns. Footballs aren’t the only thing that Robinson has been on the receiving end of, though. Robinson has received praise from both Shanahans, his position coaches, and even his quarterback.

Playing opposite of Garçon may not be the job of one player, but the Redskins finally have the depth to rotate guys in.

What questions do you have in regards to the Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, and Redskins? Post them in the comments below and let the debates begin!

Follow me on Twitter @KarlSafchick

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