FRESH FACES ADDED TO MIX
From Marshall plan in New York to Philly’s receiver upgrade, Cowboys’ divisional foes make moves with Dallas in sights
NEW YORK GIANTS ODELL BECKHAM JR.
Only the Patriots allowed fewer points than the Giants did on defense and they can be even better if B.J. Goodson can take over the middle linebacker spot and perform as expected. It’s the offense that needs more pep. Only the Texans scored fewer points among playoff teams than the Giants. QB Eli Manning picked up another target with the off-season signing of WR Brandon Marshall. Opponents may have a hard time deciding which receiver to get double coverage: Marshall or Odell Beckham Jr. Other changes on offense include a new starter at RB in Paul Perkins. Hopes are also high for rookie TE Evan Engram. One footnote: the offensive line is basically the same, which may not be a good thing.
WASHINGTON KIRK COUSINS
The team didn’t agree with QB Kirk Cousins on a longterm deal so this could be his last in D.C. If Cousins wants to showcase his ability for a big payday next year, he will do so with some new faces on offense. Gone are WRs DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon. In their place are Josh Doctson of TCU and Terrelle Pryor. Doctson didn’t play much as a rookie, and Pryor played his first full season last year with the Browns, catching 77 passes for four TDs. Washington also added former Rams WR Brian Quick. Another to watch will be rookie RB Samaje Perine of OU. On defense, first-round pick Jonathan Allen will likely earn a starting spot in the defensive line. The defense could have seven new starters.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES LeGARRETTE BLOUNT
Quarterback Carson Wentz, who started all 16 games as a rookie, has more to work with this season. The Eagles added WRs Alshon Jeffrey and Torrey Smith along with pounding RB LeGarrette Blount. Eagles receivers led the league in drops last season so the sure-handed Jeffrey will help although he has missed time early in camp with a shoulder injury. Another WR, Nelson Agholor, has shown plenty of improvement. On defense, Philadelphia is counting on a stronger pass rush from the front four after drafting Derek Barnett in the first round. The Eagles also added veteran DE Chris Long from the Patriots. But Philadelphia is still looking for answers in the secondary, where rookie Rasul Davis of West Virgina may get a chance.