NFL Divisional Finals Preview and Predictions: By Kyle Balfour

The Go For It On Fourth 32 for 32 Season Preview
The 2017 NFC East:

Continuing our 32 for 32 series with the fifth part. This time around, we begin on the NFC and head to the NFC East.

Dallas Cowboys: Kris MacBain @kjmac87

How was last season for you?

Last season was one of my favourites since I started watching the NFL almost 10 years ago. Watching the Cowboys go 13-3 behind the dynamic rookie duo of Dak and Zeke was something to behold. Plus, that 35-30 win at Heinz Field, a personal highlight! What a game. It could have been another long season after Tony Romo went down in preseason but by the end of October it was clear Dak was legit. Unfortunately, the season ultimately ended up in disappointment, one and done, after Aaron Rodgers and the Packers abused our defence early doors. A late surge made it interesting but made it clear we needed to focus on the defence now with Dak and Zeke driving the offence moving forward.

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

I'm interested to see how the rookies in the secondary will get on. From what I have heard, I am quite positive about the impact Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis and Xavier Woods could have. It has always been the downfall of the Cowboys, too many times I've watched the quarterbacks of the NFL carve up the Cowboys defence like a turkey so I'm happy at the investment in the defence this year. 1^st round pick Taco Charlton should also help the D-line get more pressure on the QB which will hopefully create opportunities for these guys.  

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

No one expected Dak to go off like he did last year. 23 TD and only 4 INTs was phenomenal rookie season so this is a big year for him. I think there will be more INTs and I think he will be given more responsibility and opportunities with the through the passing game this year. It was quite a simple gameplan from the cowboys last year, feed Zeke first. This year I expect Cowboys to still be a run first team, but I expect Dak's playbook to be expanded to try a few more deep throws. 

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

I feel that Sean Lee is the main man beyond Dak. If he can stay healthy he is one the league’s best Linebackers. He can do pretty much everything. With the heavy investment in youth on the defensive side, Lee's experience could prove invaluable in helping the rookies along this year this year.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

The Defence.

How did you come to support your team?

I used to visit my grandparents every Saturday and my dad and uncle both had American Football mugs. My uncle had a 49ers one, my dad, the Cowboys. For some reason, I liked the mug and my team was decided. 

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

You'll get tagged in plenty of memes. Some of them are funny. Plus, its always exciting as you never know. If the Cowboys defence will hang on to that 2-score lead inside the two-minute warning.

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

If we can go 3-3 from the opening 6 games, a fresh, hungry Ezekiel Elliot returning from his suspension could mean he is fresher for the post season.  Plus, the signs have been positive so far for Jaylon Smith's return. Last year’s second round pick has yet to make his debut and was viewed as one of the premier players in last year’s rookie class, so I'm hoping he can stay healthy and can add that extra pressure the defence needs to get the ball back for the offence.

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

The sophomore slump. Will Dak be able to handle the early load and the fans expectations after last year? We play on paper a strong schedule with both great defences and offences and I just hope we can keep it together in the early part of the season to make a return to the play-offs possible.

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

Has to be on defence. Either D-Line or secondary but i'll go for Marcus Peters, corner back for Kansas. He seems to be a INT magnet at the Chiefs and the Cowboys need more turnovers on defence.

With Ezekiel Elliott suspended for six games, how will that affect the rest of the team, and will Dak be able to carry the pressure on his own?

I think we will see the Cowboys try to keep to the power football that was so successful last year. The offensive line can bully most defensive lines in the NFL and rushing the ball should be a big part of the Cowboys offence. Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris have shown they can run behind this line enough previously to keep the clock running. I feel there will be more pressure on the defence to stand up and be counted in these early games. 

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team?

A come down from last year but I think the Cowboys will still be strong enough to make the Play-Offs.

What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

I think we will go 10-6 this year and make the play-offs. Knocked out by the Packers...again.  

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

I like what the Raiders have done. They were very unlucky last year losing Derek Carr just before the play-offs so I think they could be the AFC representative at least.

New York Giants: Kyle Balfour @TheShitIveSeen

How was last season for you?

An improvement. Not massively, but progress was shown. We made the playoffs (always a bonus). I refuse to discuss that game…but our defence returned to the realm of the elite, and our receiver core became renowned and revered. Our running game continued to suck. Manning continued to be serviceable.

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

Painfully necessary to begin with, with the end of the underdog story of Victor Cruz, but quickly returned to hope with the cut of professional half-ass Rashad Jennings, and the signing of probable drama queen Brandon Marshall. Oh, and Geno Smith…I guess. Signing and maintaining as much of the defence as possible, with only one significant loss to the Colts. Good draft with a projected great Tight End, giving even more dynamic and versatility to the receiver core, another Quarterback for depth, and pieces to help the team. All in all, a very good off-season, building on top of what was great, and maintaining that greatness. Good draft, getting pieces of what we need.

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

Eli Manning: Cutler-esque pick machine at worst, anti-GOAT at best. He’s a polarising QB, which a lot of critics demonstrate by making it hard to demonstrate his overall quality. Personally, he’s just a mark or two off elite consideration, better than above average, but not quite in the greats. He’ll get the job done…hopefully.

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

Our main man…pftt, everyone knows this! Odell “only needs one hand” Beckham Jr. A living God amongst receivers. He’s quick, he’s smart, he can catch and he got dem moves, doh! Aside from him, it’s the two-headed monster on D of Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul. Both elite defencemen, who can tackle and sack with the best of them. With his hand now in the near full recovery, expecting a sack healthy season from JPP.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

Pressure will be among both Offensive and Defensive Co-Ordinators Mike Sullivan and Steve Spagnullo. Always been critical of Spaghetti for not utilising the defence in a way that demonstrates their talent. Last season amended these critiques. Now the pressure is on both of them, and McAdoo, to prove to the league that this team is ready to go all in.

How did you come to support your team?

Becoming a Giants fan was due to an old podcast I used to listen to: the collegeuniversity podcast. It’s still up on iTunes. Listening to it right now out of nostalgia!

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

Why or how would I endorse the Giants to non-fans? Cause we can beat the Patriots! *laughs*

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

Optimism is rich in Giants town because we have on paper the BEST wide receiver corps in the league (I challenge anyone to find me better), we have an improved running game, QB depth, an elite defence once again. There’s even talks of us being a Super Bowl contender. Long as we can subdue the rest of the division (NFC East is looking pretty tough this season!)

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

My doubts lie in Manning. He HAS to be good, and the running game is unproven, but that’s still an improvement of Jennings prior.

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

I’d love to have a proven running back like David Johnson or Devonta Freeman.

Can the Giants’ offence catch up with the amazing defence from last year, and deliver this team a Super Bowl run?

Yes, yes it can. Our receiver corps, as said before, is stacked. If they deliver, we will have a truly magical season.

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team? What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

After a quick summary at our schedule (December 3 @ the Raiders, mark your calendars!), I see us hopefully having a 12-4 or maybe a 13-3 season. Broncos, Seahawks, Raiders will all be tough games, with the Eagles maybe giving us some trouble as well. The Cowboys do not phase me (we swept them last season), the Redskins are in disarray and the rest are mostly scrub fests (Chargers, Rams, 49ers.) Post-season is a tough one to answer, because every fan will say the Super Bowl, and I’m no different, and I think the Giants can maybe pull off another miracle like the 2007 season.

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

Whoever is in the Super Bowl from the NFC, it’ll be against the Patriots. Honestly don’t know how the AFC East could get any easier for them. Like seriously, can the AFC East get any easier for the Pats? I know the Jets are usually trash fire, but this season looks unprecedently bad. Kicker gone, (who then kicked a guy out of the job at Tampa), star Centre gone, best QB they had, gone, both receivers gone, running back old as, drafted safeties in both the first and second round, owner off to work for Trump. There’s trash fire, then there’s deepwater horizon levels of bad. Dolphins lost their mediocre QB due to injury, sign an even more mediocre guy than that. Bills lost their star WR, Tyrod Taylor is jerked around by management, just usual walking meh coming out of actual New York. My only dream is that the Pats sweep the season and we beat them in the Super Bowl (again!)

Philadelphia Eagles: Josh McGinn @joshmcginn

How was last season for you?

Last season wasn’t ideal, a 7-9 season never is. With it being Doug Pederson’s first year in Philly and first year as a head coach, I think there are positives to work from.

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

I think we’ve had a great free agency, the pickups of Jeffrey and Smith should really help Wentz progress into a proper franchise QB. Also the pickup of Nick Foles will help also, I believe, although I hope we don’t need to use him very often.

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

I think Wentz had an okay first year, a 16-14 TD-INT ration for a rookie on a 7-8 team isn’t awful. Hopefully the additions of two known reliable targets at WR can help him progress.

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

There are a few that could take this for me, but ultimately I’d need to say Darren Sproles. To have an every down back with that experience in the squad can only help others play better, including Wentz.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

The most predictable answer I know, but Carson Wentz. With this year’s class of Quarterbacks probably not seeing week 1 game time, Wentz and Goff will have all eyes on them to see how they can improve from year one.

How did you come to support your team?

I have family from New Jersey, and when they came over to visit around ten years back, they brought over some Eagles gear. I was into the game before then, but didn’t really have a team to follow.

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

The Philadelphia Eagles are a great team to support, a predominantly working class area, there’s a real sense to family and loyalty while at the Linc watching the Birds play.

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

It follows up from what my previous answers were – Wentz and off-season pickups. I think the additions at WR and RB will help us improve massively. The pickup of LeGarrette Blount will be huge.

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

It’s more of a doubt including other teams. I think the Cowboys and Giants have massive potential going into this season. Both I think could make a run at the NFC Title.

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

Other than Brady or Rodgers, I’m a huge fan of Antonio Brown. You could be struggling the whole game and he could do something to save it all in an instant.

Carson Wentz had a mixed season last year, starting brilliantly then fading towards the end. Which Carson Wentz will we see more prominently this season?

Hopefully he’ll take the next step and progress with the new additions in offence.

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team? What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

9-7 or 10-6. I think the NFC East will be one of the hardest divisions to win this season, so a 9-7 may even win it. I think if we can get to the playoffs at all, it’s a huge bonus and let’s progress even further in Carson’s third year.

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

New England. Can’t see past them at all.

Washington Redskins: Baz Wilkes

How was last season for you?

Last season definitely ended up a disappointment. Going into the last game, needing a win to get into the playoffs at home, and then losing to a divisional rival was really poor football management.

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

In the Draft we had to look for bigger, stronger players for our overworked defence and I think we rectified that, but obviously only time will tell. Pryor will prove to be an excellent signing, but to a degree he has to be, after losing Garcon and D-Jax. Doctson and Gaulette are going to help us, they’ve been out through injury, so it’s like getting two new players. A lot depends on the fitness of TE Jordan Reed.

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

It’s a big season for Kirk Cousins, after the “Will he or won’t he sign” so he has to perform, and I think he will, but I do question his on-field decision making at times. For example, he should throw the ball away more when in trouble rather than either taking the sack or forcing a throw with no chance of success.

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?
Without a doubt, Jordan Reed has to stay healthy on the offence, and we need Kerrigan back to his best on defence.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

Jay Gruden is under enormous pressure this season, and with Dan Snyder waiting with the gun loaded, then the bullet might come sooner rather than later if we have a poor start.

How did you come to support your team?

I started following the Redskins when the NFL was first aired on Channel 4. I really liked the name and the rest as they say is history. I really hate fans who start following a team just because they’re winning i.e. the Pats.

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

One reason for supporting the Skins is there’s never a dull moment on and off the pitch.

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

As everyone has the Skins to bomb this year, I believe we could surprise a few people, but we need a solid start.

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

My fears will be relying on a new look D-line getting to the opposition Quarterbacks.

Will Washington and Kirk Cousins finally work out the long-term deal to keep him at the club?

Kirk is an important cog in our machine and I believe a deal will be reached but has he ever said what he wants, whereas the club shouldn’t always say what they’re prepared to pay.

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team? What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

With a bit of luck, I see at least a 9-7, if not a 10-6, but if we make a slow start then a 4-12 record might be the best we can get and Gruden will be fired.

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

You always believe your own team will make the Super Bowl, and my heart says we will, but reality says we won’t. I think the Pats will take some stopping again but my outside tip could be the Raiders if Carr stays healthy.

Anything else you’d like to say about the upcoming season, or anything you’d like to plug or mention?

Good luck to all the fans and we all hope for a good season, except the Cowboys where I couldn’t care less! Thanks and enjoy the rollercoaster!