NFC East Preview: 2022
At last, the 2022-2023 NFL season is here.
Although this season’s powerhouse and eventual Super Bowl champion is unlikely to be a team from the NFC East, there are still several interesting storylines. How will the new-look Commanders perform? Or, will we finally know if Jalen Hurts is the truth in the city of brotherly love? Those are two of the many storylines worth following this season in the NFC East.
So, how will everything go? Let’s take a look.
Philadelphia Eagles
It has been many seasons since a team repeated as NFC East champions, and the Eagles have an easier schedule than the Cowboys, their biggest threat to the title. Philadelphia is a promising team with Jalen Hurts under center, and now A.J. Brown is his newest receiving target. Its matchups against Dallas will be crucial in winning this division, but it is definitely attainable for the birds in what will be a 2022-23 NFC East title-winning campaign.
Record Prediction: 12-5
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas would be my pick to win the division if it weren’t for an easier Philadelphia schedule. The weapons are present on both sides of the ball with players such as Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb.
If Dallas wins its games against the Eagles and other top teams such as the Buccaneers and Rams, the Cowboys could easily win the NFC East again. Don’t get your hopes up though, Cowboys fans, because it still isn’t your year.
Record Prediction: 10-7
Washington Commanders
Washington’s NFL franchise finally got a new name and a new quarterback in Carson Wentz. If Wentz plays well and the defense improves from last season, the Commanders could win the division.
Wentz has a great WR1 in Terry McLaurin, while Curtis Samuel and newcomer Jahan Dotson should also be reliable targets. However, losing Brandon Scherff to free agency and Antonio Gibson’s consistent fumbling issues don’t make things easier.
There are no excuses for the defense to play anywhere near the way it did last season. The defensive line in particular has great potential, especially when Chase Young returns. However, Washington is banking on too many things to go right that easily couldn’t, so the Commanders will likely finish in third place.
Record Prediction: 9-8
New York Giants
This season’s purpose is rebuilding, not winning.
The Giants made the right coaching and general manager hires, but it will take time for them to evaluate the current roster and find the necessary talent to contend again. Daniel Jones probably is not the answer at quarterback. Kenny Golladay and Saquon Barkley should be better, though.
The Giants simply do not have enough talent to be anything good this season. Buckle up for a long season, New York. Stink for Stroud, anyone?
Record Prediction: 5-12
Conclusion
No team jumps out as a serious Super Bowl contender in this division. The Eagles and Cowboys are talented, but probably not talented enough to make noise in the playoffs. The Commanders could be solid if things go their way, but that’s unlikely. Meanwhile, the Giants are in full rebuild mode and are unlikely to be competitive this season.
Nolan Wick is a second-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email nhw5046@psu.edu.
