In 2006 the NFC East appears to be the most competitive and balanced division in football from top to bottom. After both the Giants and Redskins made the playoffs last year, all four of teams have upgraded this offseason and appear ready to vie for playoff spots. Let's take a look at how things might shake out.

First, the Philadelphia Eagles. After reaching the NFC Championship for three years in a row, the Eagles suffered through multiple injuries, a T.O. meltdown and a tough schedule to finish last in the division at 6-10. This season, McNabb is healthy and Owens is gone, no longer creating turmoil within the Eagles' locker room. Philly has upgraded Jim Johnson's usually stout defense with the additions of DE Darren Howard, DT Ed Jasper and 1st round draft DT Broderick Bunkley. Look for the Eagles' D to be excellent, but it will likely be the offense (or lack thereof) that holds Philly back in the end. A thin receiving corps made few additions - with the exception of Jabar Gaffney from Houston - and no significant upgrades to the running game. McNabb still has L.J. Smith and Bryant Westbrook to throw to, but the lack of a running game and big play receivers will keep this offense from being too successful.

Next, the New York Giants. The Giants had the second ranked offense in the NFC last year and return that squad in its entirety. Additionally, the G-Men added WR Sinorice Moss, brother of Redskin Pro Bowler Santanna, in the draft for that downfield explosive threat. Assuming Eli Manning continues to improve in his development the Giants should be one of the league's most explosive offenses. On defense, the Giants have arguably the best pass rushing DE tandem in the league last year, in Michael Strahan and Usi Umeniyora, but a weak secondary held them back from realizing their full potential. This offseason New York brought in multiple options at cornerback, most notably Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters, to shore up the secondary. The addition of Lavar Arrington at linebacker will also make the front seven even more potent. On paper, the Giants look like Super Bowl contenders. However, New York plays the toughest schedule in football, with regular season games versus Indianapolis, Seattle, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Carolina, Chicago, Jacksonville and two meetings with each of their division rivals. If Eli Manning makes another year of progress and the team can survive some recent off-field issues and stay healthy, this team might survive a daunting schedule and make a playoff run.

Washington was the surprise of the division last year, clinching a wild card spot and advancing to the second round of the playoffs. The team made a myriad of offseason acquisitions, adding Antwan Randle El, Brandon Lloyd, Andre Carter, Christian Fauria and Adam Archuleta. With a bolstered receiving core to go along with Clinton Portis and H-back Chad Cooley the Redskin offense should be very good as long as Mark Brunell stays healthy. But that's a big if. Before playing in every game last season, Brunell only played in 12 games the previous two seasons combined. Nevertheless, if Washington can keep Brunell healthy the offense should be better than last season and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams consistently puts on the NFL's top 5 defenses on the field each week. Playoffs appear imminent for the Redskins barring major injuries.

Finally, Dallas finished last season at 9-7 after losing several games by seven points or less thanks to inconsistent field goal kicking. In the offseason the Cowboys signed a club-record eight free agents, including the season's biggest acquisition, Terrell Owens. Like him or not, Owens is a dynamic player who makes every offensive player better. Safeties have to honor his speed and deep skills, opening up running lanes for tailbacks. Additionally, teams often have to double Owens, meaning that Terry Glenn and Jason Witten will likely see single coverage throughout the game. Dallas plans on running a two tight end offense exclusively in 2006 and drafted Notre Dame standout Anthony Fasano to complement Pro Bowler Jason Witten. The two tight end system confuses defenses and provides matchup problems as linebackers have trouble dealing with the speed of athletic tight ends and defensive backs lack the size to handle them. Just look at Kansas City's success with the two tight end system over the past two seasons.

On defense, Dallas will continue its transition to the 3-4 defense, playing a much more intricate and nuanced version this season since the personnel had a season to adjust. Parcells continued to bring in his type of players, particularly big, strong linebackers, with 1st round draft choice Bobby Carpenter and Jacksonville standout Akin Ayodele. Second year players Marcus Spears and Chris Canty will look to anchor the defensive line, along with rookie Jason Hatcher. And the team is hoping to solve last year's issues at free safety with either veteran Marcus Coleman, rookie Pat Watkins or last year's starter, Keith Davis, who should have a firmer grasp on the position. On paper Dallas seems primed to make a Super Bowl run. In fact, Sports Illustrated's Peter King even picked the Cowboys to win it all just last month. The key to Dallas' success will be the offensive line. Strong-as-an-ox veteran Larry Allen is gone, taking his immobility to San Francisco, while last season's most glaring problem, right tackle, should find an answer between veteran Jason Fabini, a more athletic and knowledgeable Rob Pettitti or former first-round pick Marc Colombo. Make no mistake, give time and protection Bledsoe has one of the best arms in football. Just look at his stats through six games last season.

In conclusion, the NFC East looks to be the most heated and exciting division in football in 2006. Every divisional matchup will be a slugfest and the NFC East victor may just be the team that can stay healthier than the rest.

Thoughts?