NFC East
Team	Hoge's analysis
	I like the Philadelphia Eagles mostly because of quarterback Donovan McNabb. He is such a great playmaker. Head coch Andy Reid caters to the strength of his team and is able to maximize his talent. In the playoffs, he learned to lean on the running game more, and I expect him to continue to do that more next season. Correll Buckhalter's season-ending knee injury, however, will hurt the Eagles' offense. But I expect Jim Johnson's defense to once again be solid at applying pressure against the pass and to refocus stopping the run. Last season the Eagles ranked only 18th in run defense, but they should improve next season, even though they lost linebacker Jeremiah Trotter to the Redskins. Trotter was as much a problem as he was an asset to the defense's run-stopping ability because he jumped around so much.
	The New York Giants lost defensive coordinator John Fox to Carolina as well as linebacker Jessie Armstead (Redskins) and safety Sam Garnes (Jets) as free agents, but I still expect the Giants' defense to be much better in 2002. New defensive coordinator Johnnie Lynn will try to simplify things and the defense back to the level of play it showed two years ago. The Giants' offensive line needed to be retooled because it was getting old. I think the Giants will play a physical style that head coach Jim Fassel wants to play in front of running backs Tiki Barber and Ron Dayne. Rookie tight end Jeremy Shockey should be a nice weapon for quarterback Kerry Collins in the passing game.
	At the end of last season, the Dallas Cowboys were one of the NFL's most improved teams, winning three of their last six games. They should continue to improve, and quarterback Quincy Carter will play even better in 2002. The Cowboys still have Emmitt Smith to run behind a quality offensive line. Meanwhile, Dallas' defense is underrated. With the additions of La'Roi Glover, Kevin Hardy, Bryant Westbrook and rookie Roy Williams, there are good signs that Dallas could have a fast, solid defense. The Cowboys look to be a more complete team than the Redskins.
	The Washington Redskins defense could be outstanding, with Jessie Armstead, Renaldo Wynn and Trotter to go with LaVar Arrington, Champ Bailey, Bruce Smith and Darrell Green. Unfortunately, the defense may not hold up for the entire season. Under Steve Spurrier, I don't think the Redskins will manage offense well enough for the defense to be as good as it potentially can be. I don't see Spurrier's offense taking off. Maybe in the preseason, but in the regular season, especially with his talent at quarterback and receiver. The Redskins' offensive strength is running back Stephen Davis and their offensive line, anchored by tackles Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen. If Spurrier doesn't cater to the running game, it will be a foolish mistake because the defense will be spending too much time on the field. And no matter how great a defense is, the longer it's on the field, the more likely it will wear down.