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NFC preview – The Sports Cast
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NFC preview

The New York Giants, have a new head coach in Joe Judge as he looks to rebuild the Giants. 2020 will be a pivotal year for the front office in their rebuilding effort. The development of Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley should be top priority for the Giants There are holes on this roster overall, but with a quarterback capable of high-end play and with solid talent on the offensive side, the Giants could surprise this season

America’s favorite team the Dallas Cowboys took a big step forward offensively even if it didn’t show up in their record. They finished 8-8 and didn’t make the playoffs, they lost four games by four points or fewer, and had six losses in one score games. That showed that they were better than their .500 record. The key for the Cowboys is on the defense side of the ball, for them to be able to compete with the NFC east.

Philadelphia Eagles, teams have been consistent but their fate is decided on what happens in the passing attack. Philadelphia added some athletic players on both sides of the ball and that gives them some versatility. With that versatility they have more flexibility in the back seven. 

The Washington Football Team, is going through a transitional period. They have a new coach, second year QB, and a new name. It will be an uphill battle all season, on the offensive side of the ball there’s question marks, and the same can be said about the defense. Chase Young will add some star power and help out on the defensive line. Washington has to develop second year QB Dwayne Haskins while looking to add some playmakers. 

The Atlanta Falcons, have been on the decline since 2016, even though their still plenty of talent on the team. The story of the 2020 Falcons will start with the offensive line after they posted the worst pass-blocking (67.2) and run-blocking (58.2) grades of the Matt Ryan era. The Falcons could surprise a lot of people this season they might be able to sneak into the playoffs. 

Carolina Panthers, are starting a new era they have a new head coach Matt Rhule, and even a new quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater, and they have to deal with the retirement of All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly. The NFC south is loaded so it’s the perfect time for a rebuild. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, made a splash in free agency with the signing of Tom Brady. Tom Brady gives the Buccaneers super Bowl hope. The roster has playmakers at WR and a decent secondary. The biggest question is how will Tom Brady and head coach Bruce Arians get alone. Brady has to learn an entirely new offense but I have faith in the future Hall of Fame QB 

The Saints, have built a well rounded roster, and are one of the best teams in the NFC. The past years have ended in playoff disappointment. As long as their players stay healthy the Saints are in the mix for a Super Bowl.

The Green Bay Packers, had an odd season last year. The team finished 13-3, lost to the 49ers in the NFC championship game. The defense started well while the offense found little consistency, especially within the flow of games. The record was nice, but the Packers enter 2020 with plenty of questions marks over the key areas of the team, and none is bigger than the one that lingers over the direction of the offense.

Detroit Lions, last season didn’t go as planned they lost QB Matthew Stafford who went down to injure. The offense showed some promise when Stafford was healthy, even though their defense hasn’t been good in 2 years under head coach Matt Patricia. 

The Chicago Bears, were an obvious regression candidate a year ago. They stumbled to an 8-8 record which was disappointing. Heading into the 2020 NFL season, they not only have the same question marks at quarterback, but they also have growing concerns over turnover in the secondary. Nick Foles was acquired to compete with Mitchell Trubisky. Foles should bring stability or light a fire under Trubisky. 

Minnesota Vikings, are one of the best teams in the NFC. The Minnesota Vikings enter the 2020 season poised to compete but with more question marks than they’ve had in recent memory. The roster has undergone an overhaul over the past few seasons, with productive players moving on and more young players being counted on in their stead. Minnesota’s 15-player 2020 draft class exemplifies that shift, as does the loss of several key veterans, including star wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

The San Francisco 49ers, surprised a lot of people in 2019. This year, the theme appears to be maintenance after losing a few solid players, but the team acted quickly to replace them with similar talents. The challenge is going to be duplicating their outstanding 2019 season, as the NFC has been a revolving door of elite teams for several years. The key to the 49ers success is Jimmy Garoppolo taking another step. 

The Seattle Seahawks, are looking to take a step forward and getting back to the Super Bowl. Defensively the Seahawks have improved but their not what they use to be. As is the case for most teams, it’ll come down to passing the ball and stopping the pass, and for Seattle fans, the biggest question is if Wilson will be asked to take over the game earlier than he has in the past.

Arizona Cardinals, added DeAndre Hopkins in a steal of trade with the Houston Texans. Hopkins immediately upgrades Arizona’s offense, and the trickle-down of his presence is felt throughout the roster. Arizona didn’t have to force a wide receiver in the draft, instead they drafted defensive playmaker Isaiah Simmons and Josh Jones. I except big things out of the Cardinals this 2020 season. 

The Rams, had a disappointment 2019 season they’re looking to rebound in 2020. The key for the Rams is staying healthy.That said, the Rams still have a difficult group of playmakers to cover, a solid quarterback in Jared Goff, and a secondary that ranks among the league’s best. You can’t count the Rams out in 2020. 

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