NFC East: Impact Newcomers

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jul 11, 2006

NFC East: Impact Newcomers

Terrell Owens

Aside from the potential controversy, Owens could have a huge effect on the Cowboys. He's a home-run threat who can also move the chains as a possession receiver, which is exactly what Dallas' offense needs.

Andre Carter

Carter has been a disappointment in the three seasons since he had 12.5 sacks for the 49ers in 2002. But he still has plenty of size and athleticism and is joining a much better unit in Washington. Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will focus on ways to free up Carter to chase the quarterback.

Brodrick Bunkley

Philly needs a presence in the middle of its defensive line immediately, which means the No. 14 overall pick of the 2006 draft will have to pick up coordinator Jim Johnson's defense in a hurry. The Eagles drafted Bunkley because of his ability to the pressure the quarterback from the tackle spot, but he'll also have to help strengthen a weak run defense.

LaVar Arrington

He has a great opportunity in New York because opponents have to spend a lot of energy containing defensive ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, which should open up lanes for the athletically gifted linebacker. The keys for Arrington are staying healthy and getting along with the coaching staff.

Mike Vanderjagt

Kicking problems kept the Cowboys out of the playoffs last year, and Vanderjagt is the NFL's most accurate kicker of all time. Vanderjagt's numbers may suffer a little since he won't be in a dome, but he'll still be one of the top three kickers in the game.

Adam Archuleta

The former Ram enters a good situation in Washington, with the talented Sean Taylor at the other safety spot. Look for the Skins to move Archuleta all over the field and give him plenty of opportunities to blitz, an area in which he excels.

Darren Howard

Howard had 11 sacks with the Saints two seasons ago and the Eagles hope he can take the pressure off fellow defensive end Jevon Kearse, who typically draws double teams in passing situations. Philly had only 29 sacks last year, and that caused major problems for the secondary.

Sam Madison

The Giants hope the four-time Pro Bowler will help shore up an area that was a weakness last year. Madison is 32 but hasn't shown significant signs of slowing down yet, and he should have more opportunities for picks in New York than he did in Miami.

Bobby Carpenter

Even if he's not a starter immediately, Carpenter should see plenty of action in Dallas' young and dynamic linebacking corps. The No. 18 overall draft pick has a long history with Bill Parcells, who coached Carpenter's father, Rob, with the Giants. Carpenter is probably as mature as any player in the rookie class and should have little problem adjusting to the pro game.

Antwaan Randle El

Randle El never put up big numbers for the Steelers, but he's a much more dangerous offensive player than his stats indicate. With a strong running game in place and a legitimate No. 1 receiver in Santana Moss, the Skins have plenty of flexibility in their passing game and will be able to use Randle El in creative ways.

NFC East: Impact Newcomers