The Eagles are very deep along the defensive line despite the questions surrounding Jerome McDougle, who was shot in Miami during a robbery attempt earlier this year. And the rest of the defense remains very solid as well. Overall, this club is the best in the NFC East as far as talent and depth goes, which makes them the favorite to repeat yet again.
Washington Redskins
The Redskins’ passing game was horrible in 2004, and it can be argued that nothing was done to improve that area of the offense. Laveranues Coles was traded to the Jets for Santana Moss and Rod Gardner is now a member of the Carolina Panthers. The Redskins did pick up veterans David Patten and Kevin Dyson, but with the inconsistent play of Patrick Ramsey at quarterback, it appears the passing game could actually go backward instead of improving, which will force running back Clinton Portis to face a lot of defenses stacked with eight and even nine men in the box. However, the return of offensive tackle Jon Jansen from an Achilles heel injury that cost him the 2004 season should help open some holes.
Defensively, Washington was among the best in the league last year, but they have suffered some losses. Cornerback Fred Smoot was signed by the Minnesota Vikings and middle linebacker Antonio Pierce was picked up by the division-rival Giants. LaVar Arrington is finally ready to return, but his affect on the team is an unknown at this time. And as good as the Redskins’ defense was in 004, they didn’t make a lot of impact plays. Their pass rush was inconsistent at best, and little was done to address it in the offseason.
The Redskins should continue to be solid again on defense, although they could slip somewhat. However, the offense looks no better than it did last season, and most likely, Washington will likely bring up the rear in the NFC East again this year.
