NFC East 2023 Season Preview: Pressure Is on All Four Quarterbacks
The Eagles fell short in Super Bowl LVII, but Jalen Hurts outplayed Patrick Mahomes on the biggest stage to remind the organization of what they possess at quarterback. Philadelphia didn’t mess around and locked down Hurts with a five-year, $255 million contract after his breakout 2022 season.
But with Hurts’s new deal eating a sizable chunk of the team’s salary cap for years to come, the Eagles had to say goodbye to a handful of veterans, including defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, guard Isaac Seumalo, linebacker T.J. Edwards and defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The Eagles, however, planned ahead through the draft and will now have their top picks from the past two drafts fill starting holes, including defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Despite the roster changes, Hurts will still have his two standout wide receivers, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and center Jason Kelce, who decided to return for a 13th season.
The Cowboys also couldn’t afford to spend big in free agency due to Dak Prescott’s lucrative contract, but they got creative by trading for wide receiver Brandin Cooks and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, and now quarterback Trey Lance. A year after sorely missing a No. 2 wideout, Cooks is now tasked with taking pressure off CeeDee Lamb, who’s coming off a career season with 1,359 yards and nine receiving touchdowns. Gilmore will be asked to form a standout tandem with cornerback Trevon Diggs, a Pro Bowler the past two seasons. Dallas’ biggest strength is on the defensive line with star edge rusher Micah Parsons, a two-time first-team All-Pro.
The Giants also have a quarterback on a non-rookie deal after handing Daniel Jones a four-year, $160 million contract extension in the offseason. Jones has had mixed results since being drafted No. 6 in the 2019 draft, but he might have his best group of skill players this season after the team traded for tight end Darren Waller, signed wide receiver Parris Campbell and drafted wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. Jones will again have dynamic running back Saquon Barkley, but this might be Barkley’s final year in New York after the team decided to place the franchise tag on him. The Giants have plenty of talent on the defensive line with Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams and Kayvon Thibodeaux, the ’22 first-round pick. Rookie first-round cornerback Deonte Banks could also be a promising player.
The Commanders have a starting quarterback on a rookie deal, but Sam Howell is an unknown player after only making one start during his rookie season. Howell, however, could be in a position to produce in his second season with a talented group of skill players, including running back Brian Robinson Jr. and wide receivers Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel. Also, Howell will get to work with new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who was the offensive coordinator of the Chiefs the past five seasons. On the defensive side, the Commanders are led by interior defensive linemen Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, and edge rushes Montez Sweat and Chase Young, who will be motivated after the team declined his fifth-year option on his rookie deal.
Philadelphia Eagles
Carter and Smith are two of the many former Georgia players among the Eagles’ defensive unit.
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Best case: The 2023 draft picks make an immediate impact to offset the many veteran departures in the offseason. Carter learns from his mistakes, as he emerges as a front-runner for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Edge rusher Nolan Smith makes teams regret letting him fall in the first round by recording 10-plus sacks.
Worst case: The 2022 draft picks aren’t ready for starting snaps, such as guard Cam Jurgens, defensive tackle Jordan Davis and linebacker Nakobe Dean. This puts more pressure on veterans Kelce, Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox, who weren’t supposed to play as much after deciding to return for one more season to win one for Hurts.
Dallas Cowboys
Best case: Cooks and Gilmore play at a high level, proving to doubters that they have plenty left in the tank. This turns out to be beneficial for Lamb and Diggs en route to All-Pro seasons at their respective positions. Also, Mike McCarthy gets plenty of praise as an offensive play-caller.
This will be McCarthy’s fourth year coaching in Dallas.
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Worst case: Prescott and the offense regress without OC Kellen Moore, tight end Dalton Schultz and running back Ezekiel Elliott. McCarthy calling the offensive plays ends up being a disaster because it’s too much to handle, especially in late-game situations. The Jones family decides to part ways with McCarthy by Thanksgiving.
New York Giants
Best case: Jones continues to improve in Year 2 with coach Brian Daboll, as he enters the conversation for being a legitimate top-10 quarterback without the public snickering on social media. Jones’s stellar play reignites Waller’s career during his first season in New York. Waller’s presence allows Darius Slayton, Hyatt and Campbell to break free downfield.
Worst case: The Giants regret paying Jones $40 million per year because he returns to his erratic ways after Daboll decides to open up the playbook to integrate the new weapons. Jones shows he can’t protect the ball while pushing the ball downfield, leading to more carries for Barkley.
Jones has big expectations to live up to following his large payday this offseason.
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Washington Commanders
Best case: Coach Ron Rivera was right about Howell, who ends up being a better version of Baker Mayfield. His moxie and accuracy breathes life into the offense, setting the stage for a dynamic season for the receiving duo of McLaurin and Dotson. This leads to Bieniemy receiving a head coaching job.
The Commanders are betting on Howell to take the reigns of their 2023 offense.
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Worst case: Rivera was wrong about Howell, who loses the job to Jacoby Brissett by Halloween. Rivera probably doesn’t make it through the entire season with an impatient new ownership group. This places Bieniemy in a tough position as an interim head coach, leading to another disappointing season for a talented roster.
