NFL
2021 NFL Season: The Division To Watch
for maximum enjoyment.
The word around town is the NFC West is the best division in football, and it’s pretty hard to disagree. The Rams’ monster defense, the 49ers’ smash-mouth football, the Cardinals’ geriatric cast, and the Seahawks’ high-flying offense will give each other a run for their money for the playoff ticket gifted to the division winner. But if you want the best storylines, the closest games, and the trashiest trash talks, only one division checks that criteria, the one and only NFC East.
Yes, they were the bonafide worst division in football last year, with a combined division record of 23–40–1, and the division winner’s regular season record was below .500. However, this offseason, every single one of them looks like legitimate contenders for the playoff spot. America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys, got America’s Quarterback back after Dak Prescott signed a contract extension, in addition to some direly needed help on the defense from this year’s draft class. Trevon Diggs will also make a comeback from a broken bone that derailed his fantastic rookie season. Ceedee Lamb will most likely enjoy a sophomore breakout with the return of a stable quarterback. They appear to be the favorite to enjoy an early playoff exit.
Not far behind them are last year’s division winner, the Washington Football Team. WFT was the meme team to root for last year, and not for lack of a good reason. Their head coach beat cancer, their quarterback room was a revolving door, and they had fantastic defensive linemen to boot. Chase Young was a superstar on the team and appeared to be the leader their locker room desperately needed. They released some unneeded distractions and upgraded both their defense and offense. However, the organization is still a big question mark, and their starting quarterback spot appears to be up in the air as well. Taylor Heinicke might be the Cinderella most fans pegged him out to be, and with Ryan Fitzpatrick there to mentor and bail him out, they might just be the dark horse to root for this season. Don’t take this as an endorsement though; they will definitely lose some questionable games.
The New York Giants spent big dollars on the offense this offseason, signing an underrated wide receiver in Kenny Golladay to give Daniel Jones all the help he needs to prove himself in his final rookie contract year. A returning Saquon Barkley will also help keep the offensive chains moving, so there are no more excuses for the young quarterback. Their defense is nothing to scoff at either. Though not as flashy as Washington, the addition of cross chop extraordinaire Azeez Ojulari will bring some spice to the Giants’ pass rush. They also added blocking tight end Kyle Rudolph after they acquired him via free agency. Overall, a decent team if Daniel Jones pulls a Josh Allen this season.
Finally, the Philadelphia Eagles. How the Super Bowl LII champion has fallen. They are all in on their second-round quarterback Jalen Hurts and have also added silky smooth route runner, Heisman Trophy winner Devonta Smith as possibly their number one weapon on their offense. Of course, this pick was risky due to his size, but it wasn’t as questionable as J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and Jalen Reagor. Their defense isn’t anything to write home about, though. Any casual fans would believe even Darius Slay can’t carry this defensive unit into anything remarkable. No one should be surprised if the Eagles pick in the top 10 again next year.
NFC East games probably won’t have the absolute pinnacle of teamwork, talent, and tactics, but anyone and their grandmas know the division will be fun as hell to watch. Like, come on, who wouldn’t sign up to see Chase Young suplex Dak Prescott for four quarters?
Farhan Rafi is an average sports-ball fan that enjoys pretty much anything that is at least mildly interesting. He does not support any individual team, per se, but sincerely roots for the players and overall success of the sport. He is also big into cars and photography, a truly mediocre set of interests. You can find his coverage of sportsball news on Twitter at @sportsballsports, or check out his personal page @flahaaan, where he posts his photographs, mostly of cars (but other things too).
