Most Indispensable-NFC East
Now we address one of the more interesting divisions in the NFL, the NFC East which is home to "America's Team", the New York Football Giants, and 5 time offseason champs the Washington Redskins. Not to be outdone in offseason drama, the Philadelphia Eagles now transition from the all time franchise leader in yards, touchdowns, and wins just to name a few to his heir in Kevin Kolb. The Eagles have already lost Donovan McNabb to the division rival Redskins and can't afford to lose…..
Philadelphia Eagles
Scouts Inc-Trent Cole-DE
My Pick:
Another pick I'll have to disagree with as even though Trent Cole may be an underrated pass rusher, that attacking defense has proven it can get pressure on the quarterback in many different ways. I feel even in Cole's absence they'd do just fine, because if there's one thing they learned from D-coordinator Jim Johnson its how to consistently put pressure on the quarterback. On the other side of the ball an offense which once fueled off of the run, now has a deep threat that may cripple their offense if lost. Desean Jackson's game changing ability is key to keeping that offense effective as his speed down the field requires attention and one that frees up guys like Brent Celek and Jeremy Maclin. A first year starter may have difficulty adjusting without his best toy on the field.
Dallas Cowboys
Scouts Inc-DeMarcus Ware-LB
My Pick:
This may be one of the easier picks to make as the answer is most certainly DeMarcus Ware. DeMarcus is one of the best pass rushers in the league as even when he was questionable last year due to a neck injury, he still played in a key late season game against the eventual champion Saints, sacking Drew Brees twice. The impact of DeMarcus Ware in that game was evident as in both sacks a fumble was caused. I'm not sure the Cowboys defense could maintain they're play without their stud Line backer. In my opinion, Jason Witten is also pretty indispensable himself as his presence in that offense is bigger than catches and yards.
Washington Redskins
Scouts Inc-Albert Haynesworth-DT
My Pick:
Albert is a respectable choice here as many people have forgotten, because of the offseason issues, how dominate a player he can be. The Titans, a couple of years ago, started 11-0 on their way to the first seed in the AFC and I'd argue Haynesworth may have been the most indispensable player on that team. Instead, I'll go in a different direction as Brian Orakpo, in his short time there, has proven he can pressure the quarterback. In a division filled with good quarterbacks who like to put the ball in the air, the redskins will have to disrupt the passer as much as possible if they plan on having any chance in that tough division.
New York Giants
Scouts Inc-Justin Tuck-DE
My Pick:
Again another good choice, because if the Giants plan on having any success this year, they'll have to return to Super Bowl form and to do that they have to get better play from their ends. Both Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck have to stay healthy in order for that to happen. I will say though, that another solid choice would be Wide Receiver Steve Smith who took on much of the load after the departure of Plaxico Burress. Hakeem Nicks was drafted to give that offense a vertical threat but on 3rd and 7 you can count on Steve Smith being in Eli's short list of options. Smith has been a 1st down machine since his first year in the league, and with first downs being the objective as an offense; I'd say Steve Smith is a pretty important piece to that.
