The Plainsman Press - South Plains College

Tim Deleon, staff writer

Saying that the Cowboys will win the NFC East might sound a little biased, especially considering the fact that I have been a ‘Boys fan since I can remember.

But this year is a little different. When Bill Parcells took over as head coach in 2003, the Dallas Cowboys led the NFL in defense. Since then, the ‘Boys have slipped. The past two years have been a blur of defeat, embarrassment, and frustration. True the ‘Boys are America’s team, but it won’t stick with them forever, unless they string some wins together and have a chance at another Super Bowl.

This year is proving to be the toughest in a long time for the teams in the NFC East. The teams include Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, and New York(Giants). This division is the only division in the NFL that does not have teams with a losing record.. So when I say that the ‘Boys are going to win the division, it won’t be because the other teams aren’t good… It will be ‘cause they are just not good enough.

Let’s start with the Giants. The Giants hold the best record in the division so far with a 6-2 (.750) record. Their play seems flawless. They have beaten teams that they should not have beaten. So, are they really that good, or is it just luck? Are the Giants a worthy opponent in the NFC East? Eli Manning seems to think so, throwing for 1,811 yards for 14 touchdowns. But with targets such as Jeremy Shockey and Armani Toomer, who wouldn’t be this good this far in the season?

Handling chores on the ground for the Giants is Tiki Barber. He looks like he is on his way to a great season as well. He’s averaging 5.0 yards per carry and has five touchdowns to go with it. If the Giants should be feared, it’s because of their ground game and not Eli. Eli is way too young to carry a team on his back. I’d give him a couple of years before he gets anything accomplished.

As far as the Eagles go, injury is now their team name. McNabb has a chest problem that has affected his play significantly. They should have benched McNabb way, way sooner than now. The Eagles are half way through the season and McNabb is still their starter. Not that he isn’t a good quarterback or anything; it’s just that he’s hurt. If they bench him now, the Eagles might have a chance to salvage their season. As far as T.O. goes, well he is history. The Eagles cut T.O. due to undisclosed information a couple of weeks ago. With McNabb playing badly, his top receiver gone, and the incredible play of the division, the Eagles have no chance to reach the playoffs. A healthy McNabb might change that, but I don’t see him getting healthy any time soon.

The only reason the Redskins beat the ‘Boys on that infamous Monday night game was LUCK. There is no way the Skins are that good. They are third in the division so far with a 5-3 record. And quite frankly that is where they will stay. The Redskins are over rated. Sure, Mark Brunell is having a great season, throwing for 1,781 yards and 12 TDs, but that means nothing if you don’t win. Sorry guys, the NFL is about wins, not stats.

The reason why the Cowboys will win the division this year is because of experience. With Drew Bledsoe throwing like a crazed maniac with 2,019 yards and holding a 97.4 passer rating, you have to wonder, is this his best year, or is it just being reunited with the Tuna and Terry Glenn? I’d say it’s a little of both. With the protection that he is getting, Bledsoe can throw all year long. He wants a Super Bowl ring. This year may not be THE year, but I’m sure he will come close and hopefully come to Dallas to get it next year.

The Giants will finish second to the Cowboys this year, due to a lack of experience. Sure Eli is a great QB, but he’s no Big Ben. He will be disappointed this year when they lose to the Cowboys for a second time this year.

Yeah it was a close game last time, with both teams having a handful of mistakes, but the Cowboys came out on top. And that is exactly what they will do this year. Lets go ‘Boys!!