How do the Eagles stack up against each remodeled NFC East team?

Examining the NFC East and the changes that have taken place within the division, we might be able to discern the big-picture: what cultural and strategic changes are the teams in the division attempting to make? Team by team, annual acquisitions and releases, as well as coaching changes and player personnel moves, make visible the philosophies for every NFL team. Schemes, like cultures, can be surmised by the measurables, playing strengths, and personalities of each acquired player, as well as the bygone traits of those players who were deemed unfit for each team’s roster. Below is an account of key personnel moves, as well as takes on the schematic and cultural changes taking shape in the division. Most importantly, changes for the Cowboys, Giants, and Redskins should reveal how Chip Kelly’s Eagles plan to comparatively compete. How will each 2 game series work out, and who will prove to be the Birds’ toughest opponent?

Dallas Cowboys (2014 record: 12-4):

It’s easy to look at Jerry Jones’ offseason acquisitions and surmise that, for the 2015 Cowboys, talent is significantly valued over character. The not-so-holy trinity of Greg Hardy (FA), Randy Gregory (2nd round draft pick), and La’El Collins (UDFA) yields loads of talent and size-speed advantage. These players come with the much-publicized cost of disciplinary concerns and locker room chemistry. And it’s not as though the roster was filled with church boys last season. Cowboys players were suspended for 16 total games in 2014, second in the division to Washington’s 22. It will be interesting to see who leads the division in suspensions and monetary fines this season, when the Cowboys were not shy about adding known bad boys. There is certainly talent though. At almost every position group (greatly excluding ball-carriers), Dallas is hoping for success in trickle-down economics: give the big money to a few big names, and hope that their talent can carry and improve the dreck below them on the depth chart. However, beyond the Cowboy’s self-generate talent-culture lede, other schematic trends are discernible.

The first move of Dallas’ offseason was to extend head coach Jason Garrett, OC Scott Linehan, and DC Rod Marinelli. Although Jason Garrett may be seen by some protractors as a stand-in for Jones’ whims, Linehan and Marinelli are NFL stalwarts. Between the two coordinators there are 32 years of NFL experience with the majority of them belonging to Marinelli, who coached the stellar early-2000’s Buccaneers defensive line (boasting Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice). Marinelli’s scheme requires defensive lineman to generate almost all of the pass rush, and he coaches them with a notoriously ironclad discipline. The marquee acquisition of Greg Hardy provides Marinelli with an edge rusher similar to Simeon Rice, a plater speed and solid upper body strength, able to achieve a nasty bend around the opposition’s best offensive tackle. Former 34th overall pick Demarcus Lawrence should be more effective in his sophomore season, making Dallas’ d-line potent from both sides. Of course, Hardy has been suspended for 10 games pending appeal. Perhaps that allows rookie Gregory to show off in the mean time.

Marinelli’s Tampa 2 is quite traditional, and relies on deep pass drops from inside linebackers. The defense’s complexion will change greatly if Sean Lee can return to his old form. Otherwise, Dallas’ linebacking core overachieved last year, and could be a tad underwhelming. Veterans Keith Rivers and Rolando McClain are serviceable, but nowhere near as athletic as Lee, who has 11 career interceptions to Rivers and McClain’s combined 5.

Dallas’ first pick was devoted to defensive back in athletic phenom Byron Jones (CB/FS). At 6’1", 200 lbs, it will be interesting to see if the spindly Jones can bump and run relying on his speed to make up for subpar strength. CB Orlando Scandrick should start opposite Jones, and was recently resigned to a staggering 1-year, 9.5 million dollar extension that locks him up through 2019. The former fifth round pick stands at only 5’10" but plays with a gambling physicality. Like Jones, Scandrick is seen as more of an athlete than a true cover corner, which makes him susceptible to the skillful play of NFL East receivers, confounding many when he was extended to such a generous contract. In Marinelli’s Tampa 2, corners can be aggressive as they have consistent over-the-top help. Jerry Jones and crew must be hoping that the scheme can shine up a spotty defensive backfield.

Linehan, originally hired to the perplexing title of "Passing Game Coordinator," eventually overtook longtime offensive line coach Bill Callahan as Offensive Coordinator. Before that, Linehan was one of the key coaches responsible for the Detroit Lions formidable passing attack under old HC Jim Schwartz. Although skewed toward the ground game, Linehan was as imbalanced in Dallas as he was in Detriot—the Cowboy’s ranked 30th in passing play percentage in 2014, and former RB DeMarco Murray’s heavy workload is well-known (392 for first in the NFL before LeSean McCoy’s 312). Last year’s offense was predicated toward doing one thing damn well, and this upcoming year it may be the other damn thing, chucking the rock, that Dallas relies upon.

Dallas’ passing game has a similar model to Schwartz’ Lions, which featured Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Titus Young, and TE Brandon Pettigrew. Dez Bryant is the team’s big, explosive, marquee threat, in the mold of Megatron. Bryant was begrudgingly franchised this offseason, though none of his requisite cap space was allotted to star RB Murray. Jerry Jones instead tagged Dez and resigned the shifty Cole Beasley to a four-year, $13.6 million dollar contract. Where Bryant can stretch the field and attract double-teams, Beasley is a change-of-pace underneath, and, at only 5’8" and 175 lbs, he offers limited scrappy running ability with the ball in his hands. At best, Beasley is a poor man’s Danny Amendola/Julian Edelman type. Jason Witten is 33 years old, tough and savvy, but slowing down. Jones did little to upgrade this unit of pass catchers, which will be first fiddle to a a group of unproven running backs.

Taking over for Murray is the tandem of longtime Raider Darren McFadden and former backup Joseph Randle. McFadden averaged 3.4 yards per carry in 2014, while Randle average 6.7 on a very limited diet of only 51 rushes to DeMarco Murray’s 392 (Murray averaged 4.7 YPC). Although DeMarco Murray is regularly scrutinized for fumbling, he put the ball on the turf 3 times out of 392 rushes last year. Compare that to Randle’s 2 fumbles in his 51 attempts. If Linehan continues to skew snaps toward running the ball, the talent versus discipline argument that seems central to Dallas’ offseason will be once again echoed: Randle was arrested twice in four months last year (possession; theft). Is this group adequately disciplined to take care of the ball? However, this group may be one of the least talented on the team. McFadden is aging and a surprising pick-up for a needy Dallas backfield. He provides depth at best.

The Cowboy’s offensive line has been a much-lauded point of pride, and was only bolstered by the unusually complex Collins acquisition. The coming season will thrust into question an old football debate: can anyone run behind a stout line? The gap in talent between offensive lineman and ball carriers is a glaring uniqueness for Dallas. No other team in the division, maybe the whole NFL, has such a chasm of talent between two position groups on the same side of the ball.



Dallas’ highly traditional schemes (a run-first, fullback-wielding offense, and a Tampa 2 that generates pressure from the defensive line rather than blitzes) combines with a nontraditional roster. The Cowboys are an early favorite in NFC East, despite an unimproved passing attack and a regression at the running back position. The defense will be the side to watch, where a marginally upgraded secondary and a very strong defensive line bookend a linebacking core riddled with uncertainties. There are large-scale character concerns in almost every position group, aside from quarterback and tight end. It seems to me that the Cowboys are all-in this season, hoping their risky acquisitions and volatile personalities provide enough talent for 35 year-old Tony Romo to make a late-career Superbowl run. Culturally, we can call them gamblers in 2015. Jones is all-in, rolling the dice, but they’re a damn expensive set of dice that could roll right off the table.

New York Giants (6-10):

The Giants offseason moves suggest they’re interested in getting bigger and more physical, though they only addressed a few position groups. On defense, former DC Steve Spagnuolo returns in place of Perry Fewell. Otherwise, the longstanding Tom Coughlin staff and roster look eerily similar to last year’s underachieving squad. Like the Cowboys, Coughlin’s Giants seem to be after a return to physically-oriented football.



In the draft, the Giants spent their first pick on high-risk/high-reward OT Erick Flowers from Miami. What Flowers lacks in polished technique and footwork, he makes up for in size and upside. Many analysts predict a rocky road for Flowers early on that may lead to legitimate NFL production. The Flowers selection represents the paradox of the Coughlin era in New York, the same kind of tragic nobility that has plagued the coach since he fined Michael Strahan for not being early enough: Flowers is the type of selection that may struggle and ultimately contribute to Coughlin leaving New York, yet he has real value to whoever will succeed Coughling as the next head coach. Flowers’ role will be especially crucial now that veteran OT Will Beaty has been lost to injury. Defensive line is a division-wide strength, and the rookie will have his hands full this season.

Aside from Flowers and 7th round pick Bobby Hart, the Giants did little to improve an offensive line that paved the way for the worst rushing attack in the NFC East (23rd in the league). That line will be blocking for a likely tandem of Rashard Jennings and Shane Vereen, who averaged 3.8 and 4.1 yards per carry respectively. These two runners are remarkably similar in running style: strong, stout bowlers with solid leg drive who like to catch the ball out of the backfield. Explosiveness is problem, however. Both Jennings and Vereen failed to register a run over 20 yards in 2014. The tandem represents only a slight upgrade over former runners Peyton Hillis and the short-lived wunderkind David Wilson. The Giant’s running game will likely chip away at defenses while its offensive mainstay, the passing attack, tries to move the ball downfield. Physical UConn product Geremy Davis (6th round pick) joins Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz, and the underachieving Ruben Randle, for what should be one of the deepest WR corps in the NFL. If the Giants’ offensive line can keep Eli Manning upright long enough to deliver the ball, this passing attack should be potent. Overall, expect a one-dimensional offense from the G-men, who are hoping that their one-dimension—sensational pass-catchers—will get the job done.

Second round pick Landon Collins will join a to-be-determined safety in the Giants’ defensive backfield. At absolute best, Collins will provide a physical dimension akin to Kam Chancellor or Adrian Wilson. At worst, Collins might resemble an out-of-place linebacker, who lacks the hip flexibility and coverage speed to stick with NFL receivers. Regardless, Collins provides a distinctive element to the Giants’ defense, a unit that has sorely lacked an identity since the days of Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. The New York brass is hoping that Collins will intimidate opponents, because a milquetoast linebacking corp of Jon Beason, Mark Herzlich, and Jameel McClain is unlikely to intimidate anyone.

Spagnoulo’s 2015 defense will similarly try to mirror his former championship regime, and the team’s most solid draftee, third round pick DE Owa Odighizuwa, should help. Odighizuwa’s length and agility resemble the prototypical NYG edge rushers we’ve seen from years past.

A return to form, with Collins’ physical presence in the middle, seems to be the plan in New York. Perhaps this model, both new and old, will improve on last year’s defense, which allowed the 4th most yards of any team in the NFL (6012). With such a weak offensive line and run support, we’ll likely see an often-pressured Eli Manning. He is not the best under pressure, to put it kindly. Will more of the same be good enough in New York? Expect a marginally improved team that could upset some contenders, but ultimately won’t achieve much. What little success the Giants can muster may only determine the atmosphere of Tom Coughlin’s inevitable exit.

Washington Redskins (4-12):

Under new GM Scot McCloughan, the Redskins are implementing a Power Run game that emphasizes grittiness and strength. Whether the emphasis on power is due to shaky quarterbacking from Robert Griffin III, or head coach Jay Gruden legitimately desires a more physical attack, is yet to be seen.

Running back Alfred Morris’ average yards per attempt have dropped from 4.8 (2012), to 4.6 (2013), to 4.1 (2014). While this decline might seem slim, anyone who watched the Redskins last year could notice this trend. Last year’s offense seemed to hinge most on former Eagle DeSean Jackson’s ability to break open the game with a big catch. Jackson averaged 20.9 yards per catch on 56 receptions in 2014. Mainstay receiver Pierre Garçon had a huge 2013, picking up 1,346 yards on 113 receptions, but that year is beginning to look more like a statistical anomaly than a new normal. Garçon has averaged around 800 yards per season in Washington, excluding 2013. With the addition of tough guy Brandon Scherff (1st round pick) and Arie Kouandjio (4th round pick), the Redskins offense will hope to reprise some of the balanced, mauling attack it enjoyed under former coach Mike Shanahan. With these additions, Washington’s offensive line has gotten bigger, stronger, and younger.

On defense, former San Diego Chargers linebacker coach Joe Barry replaces Jim Haslett as defensive coordinator. Barry is expected to retain the team’s 3-4 scheme, but the acquisitions of DE/OLB Preston Smith (2nd round pick), DE Ricky Jean-Francios (FA), and NT Terrence Knighton (FA) ought to make the Redskins’ front seven much more physical and versatile than in years past. This trio of additions pairs nicely with veteran DE Jason Hatcher to create the best defensive line Washington has had in a long time. Behind that line, things are a little shakier. The void left by former OLB Brian Orakpo (signed by the Tennessee Titans) could be filled by any of the 16 (yes, 16) linebackers currently on Washington’s roster. However the position will likely be manned by second year man Trent Murphy. Between Murphy, Ryan Kerrigan, Perry Riley Jr., and perhaps rookie Martell Spaight (5th round pick), the Redskins will field an athletic but largely untested group of run-stopping linebackers. Like the Cowboys and Giants, this linebacking corp will have to exceed expectations to impress as much as their skilled defensive lines.

At cornerback, Washington might be the best in the division: David Amerson, Chris Culliver, and breakout second year man Bashaud Breeland will be in competition to pair with starter DeAngelo Hall. However, backing this group are some really weak safeties. It will be interesting to see how veteran Dashon Goldson (traded from Tampa Bay) fits into a safety group with coverage-man Jeron Johnson and back-up Duke Ihenacho. None of these three garner much respect around the league, and a late career switch to safety for DeAngelo Hall might be something to watch out for. Overall, expect this defense to be average-to-strong. This group will certainly generate some sacks and the occasional tackle-for-loss from a stout defensive line, but otherwise, skilled tight ends, slot receivers running pick routes, and pass catching running backs could really skewer this group. Unfortunately for Washington, the other NFC East teams generally have abundant talent in those areas. If RG3 can return to rookie form, Washington has a chance to be impressive (sound familiar?), especially with an improved rushing attack. Of the NFC East teams, Washington is the dark horse.



Philadelphia Eagles (10-6):

The Eagles continue to turn heads and attract the attention of reporters (see: 105 media attendees at the first OTA practice), but the publicity the team is receiving belies Chip Kelly’s no-nonsense, distraction-free, all-football approach. The roster reflects this attitude, as Kelly has continued to clean house, removing stars such as DeSean Jackson (departed in 2013) and LeSean McCoy (traded to Buffalo) for the workmen-like rookie WR Nelson Agholor (1st round pick) and DeMarco Murray (FA). Culturally, Eagles fans are truly beginning to see what a Chip Kelly-tailored roster looks like: players with clearly defined roles who, like movable pieces in a high performance engine, can slide in and out without friction. Unfettered functionality is Chip’s thing.

New player personnel man Ed Maryonwitz failed to add to his team’s offensive line in the draft, and it will be interesting to see how the line performs in 2015 without guards Todd Herremans (cut) and possibly (probably?) Even Mathis (holdout). The ease or unease with which DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews (FA), and veteran Darren Sproles find running lanes will tell us (a) circumstances prevented the Eagles from upgrading an aging lineman group, or (b) Kelly and company liked their big uglies so much that they felt they could leave the group unchanged in 2015. When it comes to Kelly’s year-three, all-football culture, the proof is in the current Evan Mathis situation. If Kelly valued talent and culture equally, Philadelphia might reward the grumpy Mathis with a new contract, as he has been a prestigious guard in his time as an Eagle, and, aside from his two holdouts, has made much less news than McCoy or Jackson. Chip Kelly, however, seems hellbent on only rewarding the Connor Barwin-types on the team (contract restructured to guarantee entire salary), players who embody a team-first, don’t-ask-questions, militaristic mentality. If the Eagles cave on Mathis, it will be interesting to examine the conditions under which Chip Kelly’s aversion to persona cracks, but no one is putting their money on that possible outcome. Get ready for the Gardner/Tobin era.

It will interesting to see where the Eagles place roster spots this offseason. Last season, UDFA Trey Burton dazzled on special teams and earned a spot in a crowded tight end group. This year it could be wide receiver, where veteran Seyi Ajirotutu (FA) could serve a key special teamer. An intriguing place could be running back, where two thirds of the big name ball carriers are injury prone. Kenjon Barner or Matthew Tucker may have a place on the team if they can find unique ways to contribute, and, if Murray or Ryan Mathews go down, one of the two relatively green running backs could find himself getting a few touches.

Jordan Matthews, Josh Huff, Agholor, and Riley Cooper should make for a reliable if not somewhat bland receiving corp. Who will be delivering the ball to them, however, isn’t at all bland. Kelly’s grand experiment, trading Foles and picks (to STL) for Sam Bradford, suggests that the coach isn’t solely focused on signing boy scouts—he is evidently willing to take big risks to upgrade talent. Bradford penchant for smarts and a fast release could make him the easy favorite to start over Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley, and even the ineffable Tim Tebow (FA). All of that, of course, hinges on a crummy knee.

With the additions of Byron Maxwell (FA), Walter Thurmond Jr. (FA), and Eric Rowe (2nd round pick), the Eagles should be much better suited on the backend to run DC Billy Davis’ 3-4 press man/cover 3 defense. Expect all three to be on the field at once, with Thurmond at SS alongside Malcolm Jenkins. Nolan Carroll is also a legitimate contender for a cornerback spot beside Maxwell. No less, a wildly athletic inside linebacking group led by Kiko Alonso (traded from Buffalo), Mychal Kendricks, and DeMeco Ryans should make up for mild insufficiency at OLB, where resigned veteran Brandon Graham and Connor Barwin will start. The defensive line of Fletcher Cox, Cedric Thorton, and Bennie Logan should continue (and even improve) as the most athletic group in the NFC East. Vinny Curry and Beau Allen provide excellent depth.

What makes the newest iteration of the Eagles roster so unique is that, while it is flush with big-name talent, the vibe of the team is somewhat undistinguished. Asking most NFL fans what makes the Eagles remarkable, the two most likely answers are (1) Chip Kelly, and (2) Tim Tebow. This seems entirely purposeful, as Kelly wants a talented team that keeps a low profile, or at least a profile lower than his own. Expect the Eagles to do battle with Dallas for the frontrunner in the division. Bottom line for 2015 is, between a great team and a disappointing one, are a few anterior cruciate ligaments.

How the Eagles stack up:

Dallas: Against the Cowboys, Chip Kelly’s squad will have to prove its rebuilt secondary can handle Dez Bryant, slippery compliment Cole Beasley, and the ever-savvy Tony Romo. The Cowboys looked truly awful in the Linc last year, which proved that, if outmatched physically, the Cowboys will simply give up. In Philadelphia, Dallas looked feckless. It’s possible that this lack of mental toughness manifests more significantly this year, as the team is increasingly laden with high-maintenance players. While Eagles fans narrativize this matchup as discipline versus high spending, good guys versus bad, the outcome of the two-game miniseries with Dallas will likely hinge on the performances of each defense: Can the thin Dallas defense contain new Eagle Murray in Chip Kelly’s power-spread? Can the Eagles stifle first Bryant, and second Witten, to get to Tony Romo’s delicate collarbones? Who’s stronger, the Eagles’ d-line or Dallas’ o-line? That matchup may be one of the league’s most entertaining in 2015. At worst for the Birds, I predict this series will split, which isn’t altogether negative for either squad. These teams are really evenly-matched despite polar opposite philosophies.

New York: Like with Dallas, the receivers in New York will be the dangerous venom in this matchup. An injured Odell Beckham Jr. only caught two passes for 28 yards against the Eagles in week 2, yet fully healthy in week 17, he caught 12 balls for 185 yards. That performance included a 63-yard scorcher for a touchdown. The Eagles never faced a fully healthy Beckham Jr.-Cruz tandem in 2014, but likely will this upcoming season. Culturally, it will be interesting to see how Chip Kelly’s scheme-motivated mega-makeover compares to Tom Coughlin’s ponderous continuity. Which is better: the rapidly evolving hare, or the kind of boring tortoise? In the modern NFL, I’m going with hare. While I do believe the Giants have upset power, it’s really hard to believe they could beat the Eagles once, let alone twice. Look for a strong Birds squad to take both games, unless of course Chip Kelly’s grand experiment fails, and Mark Sanchez is taken beatings akin to the kind Nick Foles took from Washington last year. The Eagles are simply more bigger, faster, and stronger than New York.

Washington: In the entire 2014 season, the Eagles converted 43.5% of their third downs to the Redskins’ 31.5%, and Philadelphia earned 38 more first downs than the Skins. However, in their two matchups last season, the Eagles had only 4 more first downs than Washington. The two teams scored the exact same number of touchdowns (7 each in 2 games) for the same amount of points (61 total in 2 games), and had almost the same number of total yards (Washington’s 816 total yards to Philadelphia’s 847). Each team replaced personnel departments this offseason, and each team employs a litany of quarterbacks with health issues. Each team is also seeking a tougher running attack. Of all inter-divisional matchups, the 2 game series with Washington may be the most telling for the 2015 Eagles. While the Birds seem equipped to face Washington’s improved offensive line, Philadelphia’s unproven secondary will have its hands full against Jackson, Pierre Garçon, and Andre Roberts. On the other side, Washington’s weak safeties and linebackers should be exploited by Zach Ertz, Darren Sproles, slot receiver Jordan Matthews, and whoever else Chip Kelly might decide to motion into the shallow passing game. Kelly’s pace and penchant for fast scoring will be crucial against Washington, as the Skins were able to match the Birds almost stride for stride in 2014. Predictions on this series could go any way, and that’s why I think the two-game series against the Redskins will be the most important of the Eagles’ season. If Kelly can beat the Skins twice, it may be time to crown this offseason a success. Should he falter, the jettisoning of McCoy and Jackson to boot will look awfully foolish for a coach unproven in the NFL, with a taste for high-risk moves. The vitriolic nature of this matchup is also fecund for injuries, which may be worse news for Kelly in year three than Gruden in year two.