Are the Cowboys the team to beat in the NFC East?

Perhaps not.

in absolutes Joe but, they are a lot tougher with a healthy Romo and Bryant for 16 games.

They may not win 12 games this year but, 10 - 11 games maybe all a team needs to take the NFC East division.

Dez is still recovering from foot surgery performed in January..No idea how that will affect his play moving forward

Rather, I'm talking about future troubles with a possible unstable foot, like Romo with his collarbone

Their offensive line is over-rated; they give up a hell of a lot of sacks.

Romo can't say healthy.

Bryant is coming off surgery.

Witten is old.

Their defense is highly suspect.

What makes them the team to beat?

If one team stays healthy and plays smart they'll win it. There is no world beater in the division. Any of the four can come in first or last

If you put a gun to my head and my life depended on me picking the eventual NFC East winner this season, I'd pick Dallas.

they will be a problem early until Romo gets hurt. The biggest threat in the NFC East is the Redskins. They had a very good draft and if Cousins is legit, which is a big if, then they would be the favorites to repeat as NFC east champs.

Is their Achilles heel. Their offense and particularly that OL with Romo and a stacked backfield is tough to beat. Their defense will tell the story of this team in 2016. Too many holes on their DL and a porous secondary will make this team beatable in the NFC...

I am sure EE is a very good RB....but McFadden and Morris are good....

It is anyone's race....in NFC East. I like my chances

With their pass rushers having to sit out and Romo put together with bandaids and baler twine, he's one good hit from missing half the season. The only one on the team that scares me is Witten who seems to own our asses and no one accounts for him and lets him run free. Pisses me off.

Our problem has not been that the Cowboys are particularly good, but that we tend to beat ourselves when we play them. We've made some big improvements in the offseason and will field a healthy (knock on wood) team of actual starting caliber players this time around. Now if we can just manage the clock!

Snyder stopped trying to run the show and know he has a good organization that makes good player personnel decisions. So they are a good team and should continue to be.

Last year was not all about the play of their QB. They just weren't a good team. Even when he was there, Romo threw more INTs than TDs last year. Romo is also 36 coming off of another injured season. Okay, so 36 is not completely stick a fork in him old, but Romo's game is not exactly about being heady and managing the game either. He a loses a little bit of that escapability, a little bit of arm strength, can you expect him to be the same player?

This is a team that really could go either way. But I just have to ask myself, are people ever going to hold this team accountable for earning the hype? Do they ever get tired of being wrong? Dallas has one winning year in the last six seasons. ONE.

Giants, Washington or eagirls. He'll one shot and Romo could be done. They will be hunting that shoulder. No real change on defense either.

Until the Giants beat them with Romo, and can beat Philly, I’m going to say yes. I’m still skeptical on Washington. But…ya just never fucking, know. With the Giants additions ...well see!

In comment 12950227 Route 9 said:

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Until the Giants beat them with Romo, and can beat Philly, I’m going to say yes. I’m still skeptical on Washington. But…ya just never fucking, know. With the Giants additions ...well see!

I'm with you in not giving the GMen the benefit of the doubt, but what exactly has Dallas done to deserve it? A 4 win team that has finished above .500 once in the past six seasons is going to have to prove it before I start anointing them anything.

Its always the Cowboys, then come the excuses.

im gonna say the skins are the team to beat right now. I understand their struggles last season i do, but they had a good draft and added norman and if they stay healthy they could be tough. that being said the NFC East is WIDE open, honestly top to bottom on the roster IMO the giants look to be the most complete team but time will tell. fact is this, the cowboys have serious injury concerns. romo is one hit away from being out AGAIN. no matter what people say i am in the minority to say romos career is coming to an end because of these injuries. dont be surprised if a year or two is all he has left. their defense is BAD too, plus no DEs for first four games.
its wide open and i am EXCITED

In age. We'll see if he's really fragile or just suffered an injury like most players in the NFL

If Romo and Dez are healthy, they win the East.

Skins come back down to Earth a bit.

Eagles and Giants are wild cards with new HC's.

Too many things have to go right for the Giants to win Division over Dallas with healthy Romo and Dez.

didn't like their Draft....Elliot could prove to be a stud, but I thought he was the wrong pick for them. They should have absolutely picked Jalen Ramsey....as they need major help in the secondary. They're relying on an aging Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne...and Scandrick who is coming off a major injury. And if Jaylon Smith turns out to be a good player then good for them, but I thought that pick was a major reach. Throw in Lawrence and Gregory suspensions, I think their D-line is a mess. Their tackles are nothing special. I think their defense majorly over achieved last year...and this year I think it finally catches up with them.

In comment 12950185 Big Blue '56 said:

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Perhaps not.

Yup.

I'd qualify it this far:

With a healthy Tony Romo: Perhaps.

Without a healthy Tony Romo: Definitely not.

The overwhelming favorites in the division by the media. I believe they're currently garnering the best Super Bowl odds in Vegas among the 4 teams in the division. It's only early May. The hysteria/circle jerk over Dallas will only grow between now and opening weekend.

In comment 12950266 shabu said:

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If Romo and Dez are healthy, they win the East. Skins come back down to Earth a bit. Eagles and Giants are wild cards with new HvC's. Too many things have to go right for the Giants to win Division over Dallas with healthy Romo and Dez.

Based on what? Their defense is awful and what exactly makes you think Romo can stay healthy? For all the love their OL gets, they aren't very good in pass protection. I know people that love the Dallas hype don't like to admit it, but that vaunted OL is a main reason Romo can't stay healthy. But what else is new. The media and fans that follow their every word have been anointing Dallas as the favorites for the past 20 years. How's that worked out? I've never seen a team get so many passes, not even by the media, but opposing fans, as the Cowboys. I guess it's due to the media, but holy shit balls do opposing fans love them some Cowboys, even though they have won jack shit in decades.

I don’t think any of the NFC East teams are as good as the Panthers, Packers or the Cardinals. Inside the NFC East I think the Cowboys might be the team to beat, but those previous teams I just mentioned, I cannot see Dallas going there on the road and winning. Now could the Cowboys win the NFC East and the Giants win the division like in 2007? Sure.

They were 4-12 without Romo for most of the season but if he gets hurt again, it’s the same old same old. Head-to-Head, the Cowboys don’t scare me vs the Giants, but in a 16 game season, I still gotta give the edge to the Cowboys but if the problem was Coughlin and coaching (like many on BBI said) the Giants can be a playoff team. Then again, it is May. I’ll go on record as saying from a Cowboy perspective, I like their pick of Elliot at #4, but bring it…we got Damon Harrison and Jonathan Hankins!!!

In comment 12950216 George from PA said:

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I am sure EE is a very good RB....but McFadden and Morris are good.... It is anyone's race....in NFC East. I like my chances

I agree. I thought Ramsey was the best pick. Though EE was a solid pick. I don't see why any Giant fan should get in a tizzy over EE hype. Who cares? All we have to do is get into the playoffs.

How can anyone argue that the Cowboys aren't the team to beat when they have the best Vegas odds to win the division?

In comment 12950307 giantstock said:

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In comment 12950216 George from PA said: Quote: I am sure EE is a very good RB....but McFadden and Morris are good.... It is anyone's race....in NFC East. I like my chances I agree. I thought Ramsey was the best pick. Though EE was a solid pick. I don't see why any Giant fan should get in a tizzy over EE hype. Who cares? All we have to do is get into the playoffs. How can anyone argue that the Cowboys aren't the team to beat when they have the best Vegas odds to win the division?

Look here, it's a newbie troll on another Cowboy thread, with minimal posts on Giant threads.

let's beat em, starting with Romo, and then all the rest in due course. Only a totally deluded and delirious psychotic would buy into that proposition.

is the key the healthiest team wins

is the key the healthiest team wins

we both have our limits and weaknesses...

Us - LBs .... young 2ndary, 1/2 an OL

Dallas - Injury prone QB, no DEs for at least a 1/4 of the season. Offensive weapons a yr older and coming off injury.

to look at Giants and Dallas, we'd see a lot of hypocrisy.

The key to Dallas last year was Romo's health. It will be the key this year. Unfortunately, the guy is injured more and more each year. Last year, the Cowboys were 2-6 and people were worried they would win the division because they might have a healthy Tony Romo, and every comment assumes he will be healthy.

Now imagine if people said the Giants would be great on D if only Jon Beason could've stayed healthy? It is similar logic. Expecting Romo to stay healthy is fool's gold.

can go out and cover OBJ, Sterling Shepard and Victor Cruz ( if healthy), then the Cowboys have a decent shot.

In comment 12950340 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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to look at Giants and Dallas, we'd see a lot of hypocrisy. The key to Dallas last year was Romo's health. It will be the key this year. Unfortunately, the guy is injured more and more each year. Last year, the Cowboys were 2-6 and people were worried they would win the division because they might have a healthy Tony Romo, and every comment assumes he will be healthy. Now imagine if people said the Giants would be great on D if only Jon Beason could've stayed healthy? It is similar logic. Expecting Romo to stay healthy is fool's gold.

You've got to be kidding? Beason?

If you are so confident Dallas will fold you have a great chance to make a ton of money in Vegas.

I was flicking channels, and found 4 media fools on ESPN, discussing the NFC Least....

The just dissed the Giants, and couldn't help but drool all over themselves, talking about the Cowboys....

Last season, even with that dreadful defense, the Giants beat themselves, the Cowboys didn't, and they had Romo....

This conference is up for grabs...I don't think the Redskins repeat....Eagles are in a room without a door.....yes with Romo, Dez, Whitten and Double E, they will be strong on offense.....but I don't think Romo can be counted on for 16 games......and their defense has not improved.....

If things fall into place for this team, and it can avoid major injuries, this team can win the division....

It won't be easy.....new HC....new OC.....who will be the #2 WR? Can Perkins contribute right away? How long will it take for the defense to gel? Who will be the FS?

Soon, these questions will be answered....

An adult WR who needs a baby sitter, a QB whose collar bone is held together with items from the Office Max discount bin, and a rookie RB who hasn't played a down. Destined for Canton!

In comment 12950307 giantstock said:

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How can anyone argue that the Cowboys aren't the team to beat when they have the best Vegas odds to win the division?

Vegas odds are set by where Vegas thinks the money will be wagered, NOT based on which team they think is the best.

In comment 12950350 Doomster said:

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I was flicking channels, and found 4 media fools on ESPN, discussing the NFC Least.... The just dissed the Giants, and couldn't help but drool all over themselves, talking about the Cowboys.... Last season, even with that dreadful defense, the Giants beat themselves, the Cowboys didn't, and they had Romo.... This conference is up for grabs...I don't think the Redskins repeat....Eagles are in a room without a door.....yes with Romo, Dez, Whitten and Double E, they will be strong on offense.....but I don't think Romo can be counted on for 16 games......and their defense has not improved..... If things fall into place for this team, and it can avoid major injuries, this team can win the division.... It won't be easy.....new HC....new OC.....who will be the #2 WR? Can Perkins contribute right away? How long will it take for the defense to gel? Who will be the FS? Soon, these questions will be answered....

Everything you is definitely true - but when it is all said and done- who is the favorite to win the division? Giants can win it. But who is favored to?

If history is any indicator, Washington will not repeat. Dallas has to worry about their defense and Romo's inability to stay healthy. Philly has questions at QB and a new head coach.

If say NYG are the realistic team to beat.

6 wins least year but 5 very close losses. Significant upgrades on defense, 2nd WR, and return to health of many important players.

In comment 12950352 Jim in Tampa said:

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In comment 12950307 giantstock said: Quote: How can anyone argue that the Cowboys aren't the team to beat when they have the best Vegas odds to win the division? Vegas odds are set by where Vegas thinks the money will be wagered, NOT based on which team they think is the best.

Then if you think they're wrong you can bet against where most of the money is going, okay?

In comment 12950356 giantstock said:

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In comment 12950352 Jim in Tampa said: Quote: In comment 12950307 giantstock said: Quote: How can anyone argue that the Cowboys aren't the team to beat when they have the best Vegas odds to win the division? Vegas odds are set by where Vegas thinks the money will be wagered, NOT based on which team they think is the best. Then if you think they're wrong you can bet against where most of the money is going, okay?

You're missing the point. I didn't claim the Giants were the best team, not did I make any claim about how good or bad the Cowboys would be. I just stated a FACT that Vegas sets the odds based on where they think the money will be wagered and NOT based on which team they think is the best.

other previous NFCE winner. This division is chock full of teams/coaches that have no clue how to win with any consistency

Same old story, injuries and the hot QB will determine fate of the division race.

I know we have to practice and get preseason game reps in, but I like our chances if we didn't...

In comment 12950240 PatersonPlank said:

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Its always the Cowboys, then come the excuses.

Eagles have been pimped a lot, too. Not anymore because Chip screwed them and the Wentz trade will set them back for a few years.

In comment 12950298 BigBlueShock said:

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In comment 12950266 shabu said: Quote: If Romo and Dez are healthy, they win the East. Skins come back down to Earth a bit. Eagles and Giants are wild cards with new HvC's. Too many things have to go right for the Giants to win Division over Dallas with healthy Romo and Dez. Based on what? Their defense is awful and what exactly makes you think Romo can stay healthy? For all the love their OL gets, they aren't very good in pass protection. I know people that love the Dallas hype don't like to admit it, but that vaunted OL is a main reason Romo can't stay healthy. But what else is new. The media and fans that follow their every word have been anointing Dallas as the favorites for the past 20 years. How's that worked out? I've never seen a team get so many passes, not even by the media, but opposing fans, as the Cowboys. I guess it's due to the media, but holy shit balls do opposing fans love them some Cowboys, even though they have won jack shit in decades.

Normally I agree . But healthy Dez and Romo with Elliot is 10+ wins. That OL will be better when they run the ball better, without Dez and Romo u stack the box and it's over.

They will be tough .

Eagles I can't see doing much and I think the redskins come back to earth a bit . Giants too many what if's to guess a finish.

Dallas included. Their defense isn't questionable. It's pretty close to terrible.

EE might be great but Dallas still has a ton of question marks and some of those questions are of the critical variety. Giants have a few but a lot less than last year.

Philly will be terrible. Skins are on the fence with Dallas and NYG.

Has the most upside of any Giants opponent in the NFCE. Franchise QB, great OL, good WR, good TE, potential at RB, and a defensive scheme that gets the most out of it's talent. The elephant in the room is injury issues and character concerns, which shouldn't be glossed over.

Any team outside of Philly could make an argument that they're the team to beat so it's kind of a pointless exercise. Of the four, I really like what the Giants have done and they can really make some noise if they stay healthy and the rookies produce.

Eagles are in full rebuild mode. That leaves a Cowboys team coming off a down year, a Washington team coming off an over-achieving year, and a retooled Giants team thats been the most successful NFC East team over the last 16 years (but not the last 3).

It's any one of those teams division.

line is overrated. It wasn't playing very well even when Romo was in there.

Skins. I think Cousins has hit his ceiling already. He's the second coming of Rex Grossman or McCown.

He reminds me of young Andy Dalton.

.

I think the Giants are.

:)