NFC East

Sporting News, The, Sept 1, 1997 by Mickey Spagnola, David Elfin, Mark Eckel, Lee Shappell, Neil Best

1DALLAS

'96 record: 10-6, 5-3 in division. Good news: No matter the worries on the offensive line and surrounding the running game, the offense in the final two exhibition games showed potential for a high-powered passing attack. The Aikman-to-Irvin combo produced 10 receptions for 139 yards in only three quarters. Both have talked about the possibility of the passing game having to carry this offense. But don't sell Emmitt Smith short. He has a lot to prove, and even though he had a quiet preseason, he appears juiced to start the season. Ankle surgery appears to have cured whatever ailed Smith last season. He is running with authority and again able to cut at full speed. Bad news: Leon Lett likely will miss the first 13 games. Tony Casillas replaces him, but be turns 34 halfway through the season and can't possibly give the club more than 25 plays a game. So the team will be relying on rookie Antonio Anderson during crunch time. Stopping the run could be a problem. ... Neither Clay Shiver nor John Flannery distinguished himself at center during the preseason. Shiver received the most playing time, but Flannery appears to be the coaches'choice. ... Two knee injuries have prevented newly acquired wide receiver Anthony Miller from getting extensive game work with Aikman. Miller played in one exhibition game. ... Punter Toby Gowin and kicker Richie Cunningham are first-year players. 16 games from now: The team certainly has enough star power to defend its NFC East title. Beyond that, it all depends on how healthy they remain and what they might get out of Lett down the stretch. They are not what they once were, but still are capable of winning a dozen games and playing with any team in the league. How well they run the ball, and how well they stop the run, will determine their playoff fate.

2WASHINGTON

'96 record: 9-7, 4-4 in division. Good news: This team is very deep at receiver, with Michael Westbrook -- assuming his mind remains on football -- Henry Ellard, Alvin Harper and Leslie Shepherd. Who can match the 1-2 punch of Gus Frerotte and Jeff Hostetler at quarterback? Not many teams are stronger at corner-back with Darrell Green and Cris Dishman. The offensive line will be fine once guards Tre' Johnson and Bob Dahl return from arthoscopic surgeries, but there is precious little depth to block for Pro Bowl halfback Terry Allen and the NFC's top running game of 1996. Jamie Asher is one of the NFL's best young fight ends. Special teams, as always, are strong, and the players love new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's simple schemes. Bad news: Nolan's schemes can't totally cover up for a defense that was last against the run and 28th overall last season and will at least start the year minus its best lineman, holdout tackle Sean Gilbert What's more, the defense is young and inexperienced. A glance at the schedule reveals how rugged the first six games are. If the team gets off to a slow start, there will be the inevitable quarterback controversy and Norv Turner's coaching ability will come into question. 16 games from now: It was hard to get a handle on the team this summer. The pieces of a playoff team seemed to be in place, particularly on offense, and corners Green and Dishman looked good enough to cover up for defensive liabilities. However, a slew of preseason injuries prevented the team from getting either of its lines on the field intact. If the key players can stay healthy and if Westbrook stays calm, the team can succeed despite a tough early schedule. A 10-6 record and a wild-card spot -- the first trip to the postseason since 1992 -- is not out of the question.

3PHILADELPHIA

'96 record: 10-6, 5-3 in division. Good news: There is talent and depth at running back. Ricky Watters will look to have a huge season before becoming an unrestricted free agent, and Charlie Garner is healthy and has looked very good. Don't forget fullback Kevin Turner, who could be more involved this season. Defensively, there were worries about an inside pass rush. But the return of Andy Harmon from knee problems, the signing of Jimmie Jones and the development of Hollis Thomas has turned a problem into a strength. Outside linebackers William Thomas and Darrin Smith provide flexibility -- both are good cover 'backers who can also get to the quarterback when asked -- the defense hasn't had. Bad news: Start with the offensive line, where Troy Drake, a converted defensive lineman with little NFL experience, will start at right tackle. The left tackle could be 1996 first-round draft pick Jermane Mayberry, who has one full half of playing time to his credit. The guards -- Joe Panos, and Ian Beckles or Mike Zandofsky -- don't figure to draw the attention of Pro Bowl voters, either. Center Steve Everitt, the anchor of the line and the team's big free-agent signee, played two quarters in the pre-season after being bothered by injuries. If the fine doesn't come together in a hurry, the running game could suffer and quarterback Ty Detmer will be mauled. Defensively, there is very little depth and the team cannot afford an injury anywhere. Coverage on special teams also is a concern. Opponents had at least one long return in all four pre-season games. 16 games from now: Behind a strong running game and a surprisingly effective defense, the team will continue to chase the Cowboys and should have a good shot at securing a third consecutive wild-card berth. Look for nine or 10 victories.