The NFC East is traditionally perceived as one of the NFL’s toughest divisions, and perception is shaping up to be reality in 2009. The Giants, coming off a 12-4 season, have lost Plaxico Burress, but they’ve shored up an already formidable defensive line with the return of Osi Umenyiora from injury and the acquisition of former Cowboy Chris Canty.

The Eagles came on late last season to make the NFC Championship Game, made a huge off-season move by trading for left tackle Jason Peters to protect Donovan McNabb’s blind side and drafted skill-position players Jeremy Maclin (WR) and LeSean McCoy (RB).
The Cowboys have plenty of talent spread over both sides of the ball, but the problem is it doesn’t appear to run very deep. Injuries at receiver, offensive line or any defensive position could spell doom for the new occupants of the $1.2 billion stadium paid for by Jerry Jones and the people of Arlington.
The Redskins appear to be the weak link here, but they won’t be a pushover, particularly on defense.
Next-level players
Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys: An electrifying runner who is truly a threat to score every time he touches the ball, whether via handoff, pass or kickoff, Jones might well emerge as Dallas’ premier weapon if he can avoid injury.
Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants: While it’s true rookie receivers don’t normally make a big impact, the fact is New York’s first-round pick out of North Carolina led the NFL in receiving yards in the preseason, and someone has to help fill the void left by Plaxico Burress.
Brent Celek, TE, Eagles: The departure of L.J. Smith opens the door for Celek. The third-year pro from Cincinnati came on in the second half of last season, beginning with a six-catch, 131-yard game in Week 9 at Seattle.
Chris Horton, SS, Redskins: He started 10 games last year as a rookie after being drafted in the seventh round and recorded 76 tackles and three interceptions. Horton is a value pick on the rise.
Elite player
DeMarcus Ware, DE, Cowboys: He had 20 sacks, 84 tackles and six forced fumbles a season ago and was the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. At only 27, he should have plenty of big seasons still to come.
Elite game
Giants at Cowboys, Sept. 20: Virtually all games between NFC East rivals are elite matchups, but why not go with the regular-season opener at Cowboys Stadium in prime time against the hated New York team.