NFL 2023 - NFC preview

 NFC East

Dallas Cowboys (11-6/ 5-1 in division): They have their team the way they want it, although their running game is fragile.  Team health is important, as most positions (except QB) take a significant step down with the second string.

Washington Commanders (5-12/3-3):  Lots of new players to break in, including a new starting QB.  At least, as shown during preseason, they have a simple playbook to help them learn.  That makes it easy for opposing defenses to figure out, but this team will get better as the season progresses.

Philadelphia Eagles (5-12/2-4): Jalen Hurts needs to stay healthy, as they don't have much talent in the way of backup.  A slightly porous offensive line makes that questionable.  I also don't like the "running back by committee" that they are starting the season with.

New York Giants (5-12/2-4):  Tommy DeVito should be the backup QB, not third string.  He performed much better than Tyrod Tayler during preseason.  It shows that the coaching staff automatically favors the older veterans, despite performance.  That will affect the effort of the younger players, which they will need to count on as the veterans get injured.  This team will fade in the second half of the season.

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings (12-5/4-2): In this era of free agency, the Vikings did something amazing -- they remained mostly intact.  That cohesion will be a great advantage.  If anything, the offense should be better than last year, which makes them a tougher opponent.

Detroit Lions (9-8/2-4): Teddy Bridgewater looked good during preseason, but the Lions really should have a third QB on the roster.  If Goff does down, Teddy may not stand for long, as he has a history of injuries.  They have good depth at other offensive positions.  The backup defense is young, but hungry.

Chicago Bears (8-9/3-3):  Justin Fields looks better this year, but the defense, normally a Bears stable, seems weak.  Hopefully some of the new guys will sharpen as the season progresses.

Green Bay Packers (7-10/3-3): Jordan Love needs to stay healthy, as he doesn't really have decent backups.  In fact, most positions are highly fragile, with a benchful of questionable backup talent.  In other years when this has been an issue, injuries have sidelined their seasons, and I see that happening again.

NFC South

New Orleans Saints (11-6/6-0): Derek Carr looked rejuvenated, and he has a good running game to support him.  The offensive line looks solid, which is something Carr needs.  The defense is good but not consistent, so the Saints offense will have to outscore opponents.

Tampa Bay Bucs (7-10/5-1):  Baker Mayfield has great receivers, but he's the only decent QB the team has.  The offensive line is decent but not overly strong, so if Baker goes out with injury, this team stalls.  At least their defense will prevent them from getting blown out.

Atlanta Falcons (5-12/1-5):  This team is hard to predict.  Their depth chart is still up in the air.  It does not appear that they used the preseason to really measure which player to place where, and that confusion may carry into the season.  Players may still feel like their position is not secure.  You can't have players looking over their shoulders at the coaching staff and team administration as well as their opponents.

Carolina Panthers (4-13/0-6): Bryce Young had ups and downs in the preseason.  I'm not sure if he's really ready.  This team is nearly completely restructured.  It's be a learning year.

NFC West

Los Angeles Rams (13-4/4-2):  Like the Vikings, another solid team.  They;ve had to replace a bit more, but the newcomers are fitting in nicely.  Definitely the team to beat in the division, and the conference.

San Francisco 49ers (12-5/4-2):  Brocfk Purdy has great support around him, and a stiff defense, too.  This team is a force.

Arizona Cardinals (8-9/2-4):  The offense will be relying ontheir tight ends, that's for sure.  They have a strong defense, but the offense will be pretty predictable.

Seattle Seahawks (6-11/2-4) : Perhaps the team in the conference that has fallen the most in one off-season.  Geno Smith has never been successful as a starting QB.  Clearly they thought Drew Lock needed more time to learn, but he should be on the field within five or six weeks; I don't expect the Seahawks to tolerate Smith's poor performance longer than that.