As the summer sun beats down on training camps across the country, the teams of the NFC East are gearing up for another season of hard-fought football. The Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Football Team are all looking to make their mark in the 2021 season. But before they can take to the gridiron in earnest, they must first navigate the trials and tribulations of summer training camp. The primary goal for these teams? Maintaining the line.
The offensive and defensive lines are the heart of any football team. They are the unsung heroes who fight in the trenches, creating opportunities for their skill position teammates while also protecting their own end zone. For the NFC East teams, maintaining the line is a crucial goal this summer.
Dallas Cowboys
For the Cowboys, maintaining the line means keeping their star-studded offensive line healthy. Last season saw key players like Tyron Smith, La’el Collins, and Zack Martin miss significant time due to injuries. The Cowboys will be hoping for better luck this year, as a healthy offensive line could be key to unlocking their potent offense.
Defensively, the Cowboys will be looking to improve on a unit that struggled last season. The addition of first-round pick Micah Parsons should help, but it will be up to the rest of the defensive line to step up their game.
New York Giants
The Giants have made significant investments in their offensive line in recent years, drafting players like Andrew Thomas and Will Hernandez. However, the unit has yet to live up to its potential. This summer will be crucial for the Giants’ offensive line to gel and improve.
On defense, the Giants boast one of the league’s best defensive lines. Led by Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence, the Giants will be looking to maintain their high level of play.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have long been known for their strong offensive lines, but injuries took a toll last season. With key players like Lane Johnson and Brandon Brooks returning from injury, the Eagles will be hoping to return to form.
Defensively, the Eagles have a solid line led by Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham. However, they will need to find a replacement for departed defensive end Malik Jackson.
Washington Football Team
Washington’s defensive line is arguably the best in the league, boasting stars like Chase Young and Montez Sweat. Maintaining this level of play will be key for Washington’s success.
Offensively, Washington has a solid line but could use improvement. The addition of Charles Leno Jr. should help, but the rest of the line will need to step up.
In conclusion, maintaining the line is a crucial goal for all four NFC East teams this summer. Whether it’s returning from injury, improving on last year’s performance, or simply maintaining a high level of play, the offensive and defensive lines will be key to each team’s success in the upcoming season. As the summer heat intensifies, so too will the battles in the trenches. And when the dust settles, it could be the team that best maintains their line that ends up on top of the NFC East.