Yes, we’re only three weeks into free agency. And yes, we’re still over three weeks away from the 2023 NFL Draft. So yes, it might be way too early to start predicting how the NFC East will shake out this upcoming season.
Doesn’t mean we’re not going to do it anyway.
As easy as it will be to say we’re being homers here, it cannot be denied that the Dallas Cowboys have had the best offseason so far of the four NFC East squads.
The Eagles have bled coaches and defensive starters.
The Giants have made a few moves and lost some players.
And the Commanders… well, that train wreck is still very much in progress.
So, for now — pending any further free agent moves and the draft — here’s how the NFC East will finish when the 2023 regular season comes to end:
Dallas Cowboys
Unlike the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, Dallas solidified its coaching room.
Mike McCarthy has taken over play-calling and Brian Schottenheimer has replaced Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator. But the biggest achievement was retaining Dan Quinn as defensive coordinator.
The front office stepped up. They brought in key new pieces in Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks via trade, restructured bloated contracts, and let go of players instead of overpaying them.
They retained some key players, added a few more in free agency, and are set up to draft the best players available instead of desperate needs.
The Cowboys will not have an easy schedule in 2023, but as of right now, they should be the clear favorites to win the division.
Prediction: First place. 12-5.
New York Giants
The Giants haven’t made any big splashy moves.
A banged-up secondary was their downfall in 2022. Provided Daniel Jones doesn’t regress — and the Giants don’t make the mistake of bringing back Odell Beckham Jr. — New York should be in the running.
As things stand right now, they might have a slightly easier schedule than the Cowboys in 2023. They’ll challenge the Cowboys for the division but have to settle for a wildcard.
Prediction: Second place. 11-6.
Philadelphia Eagles
I said it last year and I stand by it today: The Eagles were a very lucky team in 2022.
Their 14-3 record was a mirage.
They barely beat Detroit, Jacksonville, Indianapolis, and Dallas (the first game) in the regular season.
Their playoff run saw them beat a depleted Giants team and a 49ers team playing without a quarterback.
The Chiefs were sleep-walking through the first half of the Super Bowl, before waking up and pulling out the victory.
During their offseason they have lost several defensive starters and both their offensive and defensive coordinators. The Eagles’ 2023 schedule is not going to be easy at all.
In short, Fly Eagles Fly is likely going to be doing a lot of Cry Eagles Cry this fall.
Prediction: Third place. 8-9.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders’ issues off the field of play are likely going to continue as long as Dan Snyder owns the team. Those issues will impact the players, no matter how hard they try to ignore them.
Washington’s schedule will not be helpful. Look for them to lose five out of their six divisional games. We’ll give them a win at home over the Eagles here.
Outside of their division? If they win five of those 11 games it will be a miracle.
Prediction: Fourth place. 5-12.