The NFC East is a beast

Football Digest, Sept, 2004 by William Wagner

FOR YEARS, THE NFC EAST WAS dull and drab, featuring teams that only the most hardcore fans could appreciate. Not anymore. In the blink of an eye, it has been transformed into the NFL's flagship division. Every game played by the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and New York Giants will be must-see viewing.

Here's what the NFC East has to offer that the other divisions don't:

The team that will win the 2004 season's Super Bowl

After three straight misfires in the NFC Championship Game, the Eagles have loaded up and are ready to go all the way. In the offseason, they finally acquired the big-play wide receiver they so desperately needed, Terrell Owens, who will become a favorite target for Donovan McNabb. They also acquired one of the best pass-rushers in the game, Jevon Kearse. As it was, Philadelphia was formidable. Now, though, these guys are championship material.

Joe Gibbs

Gibbs led the Redskins to three Super Bowl titles in the 1980s and early '90s, but then he retired because he was burned out. Somehow Washington owner Dan Snyder lured him back to the sideline this offseason, and the Hall of Fame coach is just what this franchise needs to get back on track. The fans in Washington, D.C., haven't been this excited for years--and with good reason. Gibbs is a winner.

Bill Parcells

Like Gibbs, Parcells is one of the best coaches of the modern era. Last year he, too, was lured out of retirement, by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. In his first season on the job, Parcells brought the Cowboys back from the dead, posting a 10-6 record and reaching the playoffs. This season could be even better. His system is fully in place, and he has a better all-around roster than he did in 2003.

The 2004 draft's No. 1 pick

Eli Manning actually was selected by the San Diego Chargers, but the Giants then traded for him. This latest Manning quarterback has the potential to be a star in the NFL. It won't be easy, though. If Manning struggles early--which he is almost certain to do--the New York fans. and media will make life miserable for him. Still, he comes from good stock and seems to be thick-skinned. It wall be fascinating to see how he fits in on the Giants.

A former two-time MVP

If Manning isn't ready, the Giants have Kurt Warner waiting in the wings. In 1999 and 2001, Warner was the most valuable player of the league, leading the St. Louis Rams to the Super Bowl in both of those years and winning it in '99. Since 2001, however, he has been plagued by injuries, leaving some to wonder whether he is washed up. Chances are, he'll receive at least some playing time this year. Can he recapture his former glory? Who can say? But we do know this much: NFL fans everywhere will be tuning in to find out.