Nitubara: Silva: NFC questions, answers and predictions

Can Packers repeat? Is S.F. worse than Seattle? 'Boys better than Eagles?

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Aaron Rodgers will try to lead a talented Packers team back to the Super Bowl.

OPINION

updated 4:43 p.m. ET Sept. 6, 2011

Evan Silva

The NFC boasts arguably the two best divisions in football (East, South), but also probably the worst (West). After a hectic period in late July and early August, these teams are looking to narrow the gap on the Super Bowl champion Packers in the North.

Let's see how they've fared:

(Teams listed by conference, in predicted order of finish)

NFC EAST

1. Dallas Cowboys

Training camp solution: Emphasizing youth and pass protection on the offensive line, the Cowboys have cut five years off the average age of last year's starting five. The offense is built to feature the pass with two No. 1-caliber receivers, Jason Witten, and elite athleticism at both tackles.

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Dallas running back Felix Jones will be a featured back this season -- no more sharing carries.

Hanging problems: The defensive secondary is shaky. Cornerback Terence Newman, 33, missed all of camp with a groin tear, and the safeties looked overmatched in preseason.

Surprise: The team is going all in on Felix Jones as an every-down running back. Jones slumped to a career-low 4.32 yards per carry last season, but has enjoyed perhaps the best camp of any Cowboys player. Rookie DeMarco Murray and Tashard Choice were both injured for all of August.

Outlook: The Cowboys' offense will play aggressively, and be forced to do so perhaps even more than coach Jason Garrett prefers to offset secondary problems. They'll score a lot of points. Working in Dallas' favor over Philadelphia is system continuity and more playmakers in the defensive front seven. We're picking the Cowboys to win the NFC East.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

Training camp solution: The Eagles' aggressive offseason approach left them just over a month to get a large chunk of their starting lineup assimilated. New signees couldn't practice until August 4, so the team has since been trying to teach the players the terminology.

Tom Mihalek / Reuters

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick struggled with his throwing accuracy during the preseason.

Hanging problems: The wheeling and dealing generated headlines entering Eagles camp, but early returns on many of the acquisitions are underwhelming. Receiver Steve Smith has no obvious role and is coming off microfracture knee surgery. Tackle Ryan Harris is out indefinitely after back surgery. The Eagles are asking Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to cover the slot as a nickel back, and so far it appears to be a poor system fit. The linebackers have been atrocious.

Surprise: This surprise isn't positive. In the preseason's first three games, Michael Vick completed 19-of-36 passes (52.8 percent) for 219 yards, one touchdown, three interceptions, and two fumbles. Vick's 2010 preseason numbers weren't better, but it's surprising he's gotten off to such a slow start. Musical chairs on the offensive line and receiver Jeremy Maclin's absence haven't helped.

Outlook: The Eagles have collected a lot of talent, but they picked an awkward time to do it with so little time for new faces to know their roles and build chemistry. Philadelphia travels to St. Louis for the opener. Expect a verbal beatdown from the media if an upset ensues.

3. Washington Redskins

Training camp solution: The quarterback battle got more attention, but the Skins held a running game-oriented camp. Coach Mike Shanahan named his starting five offensive linemen in July, and the unit didn't miss a single day of practice together throughout August. New featured runner Tim Hightower played extensively in preseason -- rare for a starting back -- and exploded for 170 yards on 25 carries (6.8 average), along with two TDs. The zone-blocking scheme is clicking.

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Defensive end Ryan Kerrigan could be the pass rusher the Redskins have been searching for.

Hanging problems: Can the Redskins win games with John Beck or Rex Grossman under center? Both played competently in the preseason, but Grossman often folds in real games and Beck hasn't played in a real game since 2007. This needs to be a run-heavy team to open the season.

Surprise: Some draft prognosticators believed first-round pick Ryan Kerrigan wouldn't transition smoothly from college end to 3-4 outside linebacker. As a pass rusher in the preseason, however, Kerrigan has been exactly what the doctor ordered with a team-high 10 tackles and two sacks. This defense could rival the Giants for best in the NFC East if Kerrigan keeps it up into the winter.

Outlook: Unless we're talking the 2000 Ravens, teams don't win much without a franchise-caliber quarterback. That said, the 'Skins can be competitive if their offensive line stays healthy and the defense doesn't have to be on the field for long stretches. 8-8 is a reasonable, if optimistic goal.

4. New York Giants

Training camp solution: Like the Cowboys, the Giants revamped their offensive line to get more athletic and younger. William Beatty, 26, takes over at left tackle with David Diehl kicking to left guard. The team paid David Baas $27.5 million to solidify center. Right guard Chris Snee and right tackle Kareem McKenzie are the only staying at the same spots.

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Running back?Brandon Jacobs was one of the bright spots during the Giants' preseason.

Hanging problems: The Giants suffered through a star-crossed August. Quarterback Eli Manning struggled in camp and preseason games, defensive end Osi Umenyiora had knee surgery, and 2010 interceptions and tackles leader Terrell Thomas tore his ACL. This team may start slowly.

Surprise: Brandon Jacobs was a preseason bright spot, rumbling for 115 yards on 19 carries (6.05 average) after coach Tom Coughlin talked him up as more than just a change-up back to Ahmad Bradshaw. The carry split will be more even this year, and the offense more physical.

Outlook: In preseason, the G-Men also lost dime back Bruce Johnson (Achilles) and promising rookie defensive tackle Marvin Austin (pectoral) to season-ending injuries. First-round pick Prince Amukamara (foot) is probably out until Week 5. It's going to be tough sledding early this year.

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