NFC East has new look but success may be slow to achieve
The NFL’s worst division has plenty of new kids — and coaches — on the block. It still might not translate into much more success in 2020.
After combining for only 24 wins last season, the NFC East got three new coaches: Mike McCarthy (Cowboys), Ron Rivera (Redskins) and Joe Judge (Giants).
The division remains a two-team race between Dallas and the reigning champion Eagles, but rebuilding New York and Washington are improving.
The Eagles, who edged the Cowboys with a 9-7 record last season, have the most stability. Coach Doug Pederson enters his fifth season with a Super Bowl victory, two NFC East crowns and three straight playoff appearances on his resume.
The Eagles added speed in the draft, selecting receiver Jalen Reagor in the first round and John Hightower and Quez Watkins on Day 3. The Eagles addressed a big need once free agency opened by acquiring three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay from Detroit.
“When I look at our football team, when I look at the depth of our football team, and see where we are right now, it’s exciting,” says Howie Roseman, the Eagles’ personnel boss. “We have a good football team, and we can’t wait to get started.”
The Cowboys have the most talented offense in the division following the selection of Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb, who fell to pick No. 17, and re-signing Amari Cooper to a $100 million contract.
Dallas lost cornerback Byron Jones in free agency, replaced him with second-round pick Trevon Diggs, a guy many mock drafts had the team taking in the first round.
The Giants, coming off a 4-12 season, beefed up their offensive line to give Daniel Jones more protection and open bigger holes for Saquon Barkley. They chose tackle Andrew Thomas at No. 4 overall, tackle Matt Peart in the third round, and guard Shane Lemieux in the fifth. New York upgraded its defense in free agency by signing cornerback James Bradberry
and linebacker Blake Martinez, placing a franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams and an unrestricted free agent tender on edge rusher Markus Golden.
The Redskins had an easy choice at No. 2. Defensive end Chase Young joins the team’s three previous first-round picks on the line. Young, Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne give Washington a front four that could be one of the league’s best for years. They’ll help keep the team close, but the offense has to catch up.