Big Blue View
The Eagles are still the team to beat — but will the gap close in 2025?
Training camp is just weeks away, and in the NFC East, every team enters with something to prove. The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a Super Bowl run, the Washington Commanders are riding a franchise quarterback breakthrough, the Dallas Cowboys are entering a new era, and the New York Giants… well, they’re hoping a strong draft class can at least put them in the fight.
From quarterback battles to rookie spotlights, here’s what we will be watching from the Giants’ rivals as the NFC East gets back to work.
The Eagles return much of the roster that won the NFC, but they’ll need to hold up against a brutal schedule and some key losses on defense. Gone are veterans like Darius Slay, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. That leaves more pressure on second-year standouts Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, who were excellent as rookies but will now be asked to lead the secondary full-time.
Saquon Barkley is back after a career year, but how he holds up after 436 touches is a real concern. Kevin Patullo replaces Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator, and while the scheme likely won’t change dramatically, it’s always worth watching how a first-time play caller handles pressure.
Key losses: OC Kellen Moore**,** DT Milton Williams, DE Josh Sweat, CB Darius Slay, S CJ Gardner-Johnson, G Mekhi Becton, CB Isaiah Rogers, ILB Oren Burks, RB Kenneth Gainwell, DE Brandon Graham, CB James Bradberry
Key additions: OT Kenyon Green, Edge Azeez Ojulari, OLB Josh Uche, CB Adoree Jackson, T Kendall Lamm, RB AJ Dillon
Key Draft Picks: LB Jihaad Campbell, S Andrew Mukuba, DL Ty Robinson
Position battle to watch: Cornerback Kelee Ringo vs. the field for CB2. Ringo has the tools, but consistency is the question. Former Giant Adoree Jackson will be in the mix as well.
Breakout candidate: DT Moro Ojomo. Quietly productive in 2024, he’ll take on a larger role with Milton Williams gone.
Jayden Daniels didn’t just win Offensive Rookie of the Year, he flipped the identity of the franchise. Now, the Commanders are looking to build on a 12-win season with a retooled offensive line, a new weapon in Deebo Samuel, and a deeper secondary. But it’s the defense that could make or break them.
Washington’s run defense was one of the league’s worst in 2024, but after ranking 30th in yards allowed, GM Adam Peters made stopping the run a top priority this offseason. The Commanders are banking on a revamped front and a more cohesive scheme under Joe Whitt Jr. to give Daron Payne the support he lacked last year. In the secondary, Marshon Lattimore is back to full health and will be the anchor. Rookie Trey Amos could see early playing time if he impresses in camp.
Key losses: DT Jonathan Allen,...
