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NFC East: Biggest question for each team in 2021

By Russell S. Baxter

ASHBURN, VA - JUNE 10: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Washington Football Team looks to pass during mandatory minicamp at Inova Sports Performance Center on June 10, 2021 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
ASHBURN, VA - JUNE 10: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Washington Football Team looks to pass during mandatory minicamp at Inova Sports Performance Center on June 10, 2021 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 08: Jabrill Peppers #21 of the New York Giants celebrates with teammates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Washington Football Team at FedExField on November 08, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 08: Jabrill Peppers #21 of the New York Giants celebrates with teammates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Washington Football Team at FedExField on November 08, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Washington Football Team: Can the offense rebound from an off-year regardless of who the quarterback is?

It took three different starting quarterbacks for the Washington Football Team to win its first NFC East title since 2012, albeit with a 7-9 record. It took a fourth for the team to clash with the eventual Super Bowl champion Buccaneers in the wild card round. Now head coach Ron Rivera is hoping that scenario is behind the club as it prepares for 2021.

Veteran Alex Smith and 2019 first-round pick Dwayne Haskins are both gone. The current quarterback corps is spearheaded by well-traveled veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick (late of the Miami Dolphins). It also includes Kyle Allen (a four-game starter a year ago), Taylor Heinicke (who opened vs. Tampa Bay in the playoffs) and former undrafted Steven Montez.

The last time the franchise saw their quarterback start all 16 games was Kirk Cousins, who turned the trick three straight years from 2015-17.

New York Giants: Will the club’s defense take another step forward this season?

Back in 2016, Big Blue featured one of the best defenses in the league thanks to a bevy of free-agent signings. From cornerback Janoris Jenkins to defensive tackle Damon Harrison to edge rusher Olivier Vernon. Is. But that unit proved to be a one-hit-wonder and since ’17, the Giants are a combined 18-46 and this side of the ball has had its issues.

But take a closer look at this past season and dramatic improvement was shown. Free-agent additions such as cornerbacks James Bradberry and versatile Logan Ryan joined safety Jabrill Peppers to form one of the league’s best defensive backfields. Leonard Williams enjoyed a career year up front.

Joe Judge’s club finished 12th in the league in total defense and New York went 6-5 after a 0-5 start. This is a unit that bears watching in a big way, although the free-agent departure of defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson certainly stings.

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