Taking a Look at the NFC East

Teams listed in alphabetical order.

DALLAS COWBOYS
2007 record: 13-3
The Forecast: Sunny
The Cowboys easily are one of the NFL's most talented teams, as evidenced by their 13 Pro Bowl selections this past season. And they've added more talent in LB Zach Thomas (if he's healthy), CB Adam Jones (if he's not suspended) and rookie RB Felix Jones and rookie CB Mike Jenkins. If there is one position group the Cowboys lack depth, it is in their receiving core because if either WR Terrell Owens or TE Jason Witten goes down, QB Tony Romo's options shrink exponentially.
Brace for a Texas-sized Tantrum If: The Cowboys can't snap an 11-season winless string in the postseason.

NEW YORK GIANTS
2007 record: 10-6
The Forecast: Mostly sunny
Yes, the Giants lost DE Michael Strahan to retirement, traded TE Jeremy Shockey and lost LB Kawika Mitchell and S Gibril Wilson in free agency. However, this is a team that ran the table in the playoffs - all on the road - and established itself as a tough, physical team. QB Eli Manning has proven he's for real, and the Giants have a ground game where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. One situation to watch is the health and attitude of WR Plaxico Burress, who was a difference maker in 2007.
There Will Be No Repeat If: The Giants don't win more than three games at home and pull out another strong finish (three of their final five games are within the division, and the other two are against what should be improved Minnesota and Carolina teams).

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
2007 record: 8-8
The Forecast: Mix of sun and clouds
The Eagles are a team that basically beat themselves last season with turnovers and poor special teams play. QB Donovan McNabb played reasonably well coming off a torn ACL, but the Eagles struggled to score TDs in the red zone despite the presence of Brian Westbrook, who pound for pound might be the toughest RB in the league. The defense has several young players who improved last season, so that shouldn't be an issue.
The Endangered Species List Will Grow If: The McNabb of old doesn't appear weekly, no receivers step up and Westbrook gets injured.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS
2007 record: 9-7
The Forecast: Clouds with more sun as the season goes on
The Redskins rallied to reach the playoffs after the murder of S Sean Taylor and enduring numerous injuries. It was a testament to the coaching of former Coach Joe Gibbs as much as anything. New Coach Jim Zorn will have his work cut out for him, particularly if QB Jason Campbell is not recovered from a knee injury. The skill positions on offense otherwise are loaded, and the defense was bolstered by the recent addition of DE Jason Taylor, who along with Andre Carter, gives Washington an imposing outside pass rush.
Brace for Capital Punishment If: Campbell falters and the secondary and grizzled offensive line sustain any injuries.

Next up: NFC North