the 4th star

Is it too early to be thinking about the National Football League? No way, Jose. The season is ready for take-off, and my tray table is in its secure and upright position. So, in the spirit of looking ahead to things that really don’t matter in a big picture sense, let’s take some time this week, away from the patio and laughing at those with green Bud Lights on their table, to consider each of the NFL divisions — what happened last year and what will (probably) shake down once the snaps are for real and the volume of the television analysis increases:

NFC EAST

2008 regular season standings:

New York Giants (12-4)
Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1)
Dallas Cowboys (9-7)
Washington Redskins (8-8)

Fun fact: I haven’t slept since the Giants lost to the Eagles in the post season.

Outlook for 2009:

New York Giants (12-4)
Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
Dallas Cowboys (10-6)
Washington Redskins (7-9)

Last season, everyone was calling the NFC East the best division in football. How do three post season berths sound this time around? The Giants still have the best defence in the group and that D will have to carry them for the bulk of the year. A bruising running game (Brandon Jacobs) and stout defence — now there’s a team I can really rally around. Eli Manning has a new contract and a bunch of young recievers. All that’s needed is someone to step up catching the ball. Can I ask for my Christmas present now? As a New York fan, of course I have the Jints slotted in the No. 1 position. The Eagles could also lay claim to that post, however. They haunt me forever. Michael Vick is the great unknown right now. The Cowboys? Hmmm. I’m interested watching them implode — a season later than expected. No T.O. and Romo has no real deep threat. Roy Williams should be called out by Jerry Jones after Week 3. The Cowboys running game could be deadly, though. Washington? Sorry, Rick Forney, but your team peaked with its .500 record last season. Jason Campbell has hurt feelings and Jim Zorn throws his hat into the ‘first coach to be fired’ ring.

It’s so hot and humid. We should all take our shirts off. A toasted Man Sandwich would really hit the spot.