1998 NFL TEAM-BY-TEAM PREVIEWS --- NFC EAST.Byline: Associated Press Associated Press: see news agency. Associated Press (AP) Cooperative news agency, the oldest and largest in the U.S. and long the largest in the world. In order of predicted finish. Last year's record in parentheses See parenthesis. parentheses - See left parenthesis, right parenthesis. . NEW YORK GIANTS
Last year: Went from last to first in division, where they were 7-0-1 under new coach Jim Fassel Jim Fassel (born August 31, 1949 in Anaheim, California) was formerly the offensive coordinator for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens and former head coach of the New York Giants. , who won Coach of the Year award. Lost playoff game Noun 1. playoff game - one game in the series of games constituting a playoff game - a single play of a sport or other contest; "the game lasted two hours" playoff - any final competition to determine a championship to Minnesota 23-22, blowing a nine-point lead in the final minute and a half. Key additions: QB Kent Graham Kent Douglas Graham (born November 1, 1968, Wheaton, Illinois) is a former professional American football quarterback in the NFL. Graham played quarterback at the University of Notre Dame before transferring to Ohio State University. and RB Gary Brown This page is on the American footballer. For the Irish Rugby player see Gary Brown (rugby player). Gary Leroy Brown (born July 1, 1969 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania) is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Houston Oilers in the 8th round of (free agents); WR Ike Hilliard Isaac Jason Hilliard (born April 5, 1976 in Patterson, Louisiana) is an American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL. He was selected seventh overall in the 1997 NFL Draft by the New York Giants out of the University of Florida. , last year's No. 1, back after missing all but a game and a half with an injury. Key subtractions: QB Dave Brown Dave Brown can refer to:
He played football for Mt. Shasta High School in Mt. Shasta, California and then Shasta College in Redding, CA. and LB Corey Miller, injured. Players to watch: QB Danny Kanell; FB Charles Way. Rookies to watch: DB Shaun Williams, No. 1 pick; WR Joe Jurevicius; FB Greg Comella, a free agent. Notable note: Giants led league with plus-25 turnover differential last season, third time under three coaches they've done that in the '90s. Outlook: Some people are looking at last year as a fluke. It wasn't. Defense has been together for last three years and is one of top three in the NFL NFL abbr. National Football League NFL (US) n abbr (= National Football League) → Fußball-Nationalliga . It allows Fassel to play low-risk offense in Kanell's first year as starter. WASHINGTON (8-7-1) Last year: For the second straight season, the Redskins Redskins can refer to:
Key additions: DTs Dana Stubblefield (NFL Defensive Player of the Year), a free agent, and Dan Wilkinson, in trade with Cincinnati. Key subtractions: DT Sean Gilbert (traded after holding out all of 1997), WR Henry Ellard and T Ed Simmons (released). Players to watch: Defense has six potential impact players: Stubblefield and Wilkinson, LBs Ken Harvey and Marvcus Patton, and 30-plus CBs Darrell Green and Cris Dishman. Starting offense has just one consistent proven threat, RB Terry Allen, and he's aging and often injured. Rookies to watch: Second-round pick TE Stephen Alexander, already pushing Jamie Asher for playing time. Fourth-rounder LB Shawn Barber in nickel pass coverage. Notable note: The last time the Redskins missed the playoffs for five straight seasons was 1977-81, the interregnum INTERREGNUM, polit. law. In an established government, the period which elapses between the death of a sovereign and the election of another is called interregnum. It is also understood for the vacancy created in the executive power, and for any vacancy which occurs when there is no government. between George Allen and Joe Gibbs. Outlook: A lot of people think just adding Wilkinson and Stubblefield put 'Skins at top of division. Maybe, but cohesion of Giants may prove better. First four games are killers: at Giants, San Francisco, at Seattle and Denver. ARIZONA (4-12) Last year: Blew an 18-point lead to Cincinnati in the opener, lost 24-21 and never recovered, although Cards kept most games close, losing three in overtime and three more in final minute. Rookie QB Jake Plummer took over midway through season and was 3-6 as a starter, throwing for a rookie-record 388 yards in a loss to the Giants. Key additions: Marc Trestman, the team's fourth offensive coordinator in four years; KR Eric Metcalf and RBs Adrian Murrell (trades); G Lester Holmes, RB Mario Bates, QB Dave Brown (free agents); DE Andre Wadsworth (still a holdout hold·out n. One that withholds agreement or consent upon which progress is contingent. Noun 1. holdout - a negotiator who hopes to gain concessions by refusing to come to terms; "their star pitcher was a holdout for six ). Key subtractions: P Jeff Feagles, MLB MLB Major League Baseball MLB Minor League Baseball MLB Middle Linebacker (football) MLB Motor Life Boat MLB Matt Leblanc (actor) MLB Mother Love Bone (band) Eric Hill, QB Kent Graham, DE Michael Bankston, FS Brent Alexander, all free agents. Players to watch: Plummer; Murrell; second-year LG Chris Dishman; FS Kwamie Lassiter, a former nickel back getting his chance to start. Rookies to watch: Wadsworth, SS Corey Chavous (second round), RB Michael Pittman (third round), FS Pat Tillman (seventh round). Notable note: The Cardinals had 34 sacks last year. Their opponents had 78, the second most since sacks became an official NFL stat in 1982. Outlook: A trendy choice in an even division. The defense is good on paper (if Wadsworth develops quickly after he signs). But offensive line and running game still need a lot of help. DALLAS (6-10) Last year: After three Super Bowl victories this decade and a 10-6 finish in 1996, sank to 6-10, losing last five games and seven of last nine. Coach Barry Switzer was fired and replaced by Chan Gailey. Key additions: RB Chris Warren, G Everett McIver, WR Ernie Mills, all free agents. Key subtractions: FS Brock Marion (free agent); DE Tony Tolbert and S Bill Bates (both retired). Players to watch: The Triplets - QB Troy Aikman, WR Michael Irvin and RB Emmitt Smith - all of whom had mediocre seasons in 1997. Second-year TE David LaFleur, TE Eric Bjornson, Mills and WR Billy Davis, who must draw coverage away from Irvin. McIver, a journeyman who will allow Larry Allen to move to LT if he can play guard. DTs Leon Lett (injured) and Chad Hennings, the only experienced defensive linemen. Rookies to watch: DE Greg Ellis, the seventh overall pick in the draft. So far, he's showed little. OT Flozelle Adams, second-rounder, who could start by season's end. Notable note: In the last two seasons, Smith has run for a total of 16 touchdowns after rushing for 46 in 1994 and 1995. Outlook: The offense has been confused by Gailey's new system. There's no pass rush and the off-field distractions haven't ended. Gailey might be good for two more wins, but it all depends if Smith and Irvin can regain their old form. PHILADELPHIA (6-9-1) Last year: Coach Ray Rhodes called last year's team his best yet, but the Eagles missed the playoffs for the first time in his three seasons with inconsistency at quarterback, offensive line problems and weak special teams. Key additions: DE Hugh Douglas (trade with Jets); OT George Hegamin and DT Bill Johnson (free agents). Key subtractions: RB Ricky Watters and QB Ty Detmer (free agents); DE Mike Mamula (injury). Players to watch: QB Bobby Hoying, now in third year, started last six games and won job. RB Charlie Garner, a spot player in his first four seasons, will have to take over running load. WR Irving Fryar, who must continue to produce at 36. Rookies to watch: Tra Thomas, the No. 1 pick, is being thrown in at left tackle, perhaps the hardest position to play as a rookie. DB Allen Rossum and LBs Jeremiah Trotter and Ike Reese could be instant help on special teams. Notable note: Thomas is the fifth offensive lineman in the last eight drafts on whom the Eagles have used a first-round choice. The only other one left on the roster is LG Jermaine Mayberry. Outlook: Hoying and Garner must deliver if Eagles are to become a serious threat in the division. CAPTION(S): Photo PHOTO Quarterback Gus Frerotte hopes to lead the Washington Redskins, who finished 8-7-1 last year after starting 4-2, to a playoff berth. Mark Wilson/Associated Press |
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