Michael Strahan and the Giants will have to charge past stiffer competition this season
The upcoming NFC season is like a Gary Condit interview — there are more questions than answers.
How good is the Rams' defense this time around? Can the Giants match their performance from a year ago, let alone against a tougher schedule? Do the Eagles have enough to support Donovan McNabb? Can Brad Johnson stay healthy enough to make a difference in Tampa Bay? And how will the Vikings respond after the retirement of Robert Smith and the death of Korey Stringer?
Recent mastery over Eagles gives NFC champs edge in weak division. Schedule gets tougher in '01, so they have to improve over last year's unexpected success
2
Philadelphia
Donovan McNabb could join Allen Iverson as Philly phenoms who carried their teams to title contention. Defense is good enough to compete with anyone
3
Washington
What a difference a year of bloated contracts, underachievers and Jeff George makes. Hope renewed with Marty Schottenheimer as head coach
4
Arizona
Not much to get excited about, other than seeing rookie OT Leonard Davis (6-6, 370 pounds) act like pinball bumper to linemen
5
Dallas
Post-Aikman Era should begin the way it started ... in the cellar
NFC CENTRAL
Pos
Team
Skinny
1
Tampa Bay
Acquisition of Brad Johnson adds at least a bit of stability to perennially woeful Bucs QB spot. A definite sense of Super Bowl urgency surrounds this team
2
Minnesota
How Vikes respond after tragedy as impossible to predict as Korey Stringer's untimely death. Another team that's growing tired of falling just short of Super Bowl
3
Green Bay
A healthy Brett Favre gives Pack hope in every game. Still a dynamite team at home (6-2 last season) and certainly a threat for a playoff berth
4
Detroit
Coming off a surprising 9-7 season, the Lions are optimistic with Matt Millen running the show. Not sure they have enough to survive this division
5
Chicago
The Bears averaged five wins in last five seasons and will be lucky to hit that number in 2001
NFC WEST
Pos
Team
Skinny
1
St. Louis
New-look defense has to prove itself early, or it could spur media/fan blitz of criticism that could prove too much of a distraction — kinda like last season
2
New Orleans
Ever-improving offense, coupled with disruptive defense, makes for a solid, if not spectacular, team. A playoff spot is theirs to lose
3
San Francisco
If Garrison Hearts returns to form -- and Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens don't slip — the Niners could take a step back to the front of the pack
4
Atlanta
If you're targeting a date for Michale Vick's first start at QB, try one of these two home games — Week 9 vs. Dallas or Week 10 vs. New England
5
Carolina
Panthers have four quarterbacks with a total of zero NFL starts. Teams may consider a date with the Panthers a bye week
