Defense wins championships… right?  I think the Giants proved that last season.  By pulling off a “what in the wide world of sports is going on here” title run last season the G Men have provided us the measuring stick with which to hold our NFC East teams to.  They’ve lost several corner pieces to last years championship puzzle however giving the Cowboys the numero uno spoto.

1.  Dallas Cowboys

- Strengths: The Cowboys may be the most talented defense in the NFC.  With four drafts poured into the defense this season we will reap the benefits.  The strength of this unit is their linebackers.  If you’re going to run the 3-4 you better have the linebackers to do it.  With the addition of veteran LB Zach Thomas this group is as deep as they come. OLBs Demarcus Ware and Greg Ellis keep offensive coordinators up at night with their versatility and pass rushing ability.  Add second year backer Anthony Spencer to these two and you have a very deep edge.  On the inside Thomas will join Bradie James, who showed a liking to the Philips 3-4 by have a much better 2007 than 2006.  Kevin Burnett is the perfect Nickel backer (and blogger) and will come in on passing downs.

- Weakness: Guess who?  No, I’m not going to pick on Roy.  I’m anxious to see how Campo coaches him up this season.  But Campos secondary is still the glaring weakness on this talented defense.  It’s time that the talent begins to make plays on third down.  Jenkins looks like he can play but “Pac” didn’t look ready for the game on Saturday.  I’ll give him some time to get the rust off but for the Cowboys to be successful this season a third corner is going to need to emerge as a stud.

- The X-Factor: This could be a number of guys.  But the award goes to… trying to open the envelope… Adam Jones?  Is it Adam or “pac man” or “pac?”  No one knows and I don’t care.  His talent is undisputed.  If he can give this defense someone who will make plays, not only on defense but on special teams, he could change games.

2.  New York Giants

- Strengths: While the loss of Michael Strahan will undoubtedly create a hole impossible to fill, the defensive line is still loaded.  DE Justin Tuck proved last season that when given the opportunity he can be more than the third defensive end; and this year he’ll have his chance to prove it.  Tuck is lucky to be teamed with one of the leagues best pass rushers on the other side in Osi Umenyiora.  Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive schemes often call for pressure to come from the middle of the line however and DTs Fred Robbins and Jay Alford give him that flexibility.

- Weakness: Safety.  The Giants tried to address this concern in the draft by reaching for the underwhelming S Kenny Philips out of the University of Miami with their first round pick.  He has already been penciled in as their starting free safety.  And along side average at best SS James Butler, the two of them are the biggest question mark on this defense.  Will Philips live up to the pedigree set before him by Miami safeties such as Ed Reed and the late Sean Taylor?  We will see.

- The X-Factor: The Giants have to thrilled to have LB Mathias Kiwanuka healthy entering 2008.  After making a successful transition from defensive end to linebacker last season Kiwanuka was placed on injured reserve after suffering a broken leg in week 10 against Detroit.  Kiwanuka must learn his new role in Spagnulo’s defense once again and if he can his second year at linebacker should be even better.

3.  Washington Redskins

- Strengths: This may be one of the best secondaries (on paper) in the league.  The corner combination of Carlos Rodgers and Fred Smoot are the second best duo in the NFL; second to Oakland’s Hall and Asomugha.  S LaRon Landry is as billed and Reed Doughty came in last season following the tragic death of Sean Taylor and played very well in Washington’s aggressive scheme.

- Weakness: I’m going to list the last names that play this position and you tell me if you know what position I’m listing: Sinclair, Wallace, Washington, McIntosh, Blades, Campbell, Gatewood, Fincher, and Fletcher.  London Fletcher is the only recognisable linebacker on the a Redskins 8/11/08 roster filled with unproven linebackers.  Marcus Washington is a very underrated linebacker but doesn’t strike fear into opposing offenses.

- The X-Factor: He does more than dance.  The acquisition of DE Jason Taylor gave me a “crap, we have to face him twice now” feeling in my stomach.  Taylor now has a new focus and a team that wants him, that’s scary.  He will give Andre Carter the partner he needs to be explosive on both edges.

4.  Philadelphia Eagles

- Strengths: Can Jim Johnson be their strength?  One of the better defensive coordinators in the league is definitely a strength in my book.  And in Johnson’s blitz happy scheme newly acquired CB Asante Samuel is a perfect fit.  Johnson’s defense needs speedy corners on the outside that he can bring in on blitzes or trust to hold up in man coverage for a majority of the game, and Samuel is getting paid to bring that this season.

- Weakness: Where most of the NFC East have excellent defensive lines the Eagles have a very average unit.  DE Trent Cole can play at a high level but his linemates have yet to prove that they can consistently impact the game.  DT Mike Patterson is as talented as they come, and had his best season in 2007, but occasionally shows a disinterest that the coaching staff have worked on getting out of him.

- The X-Factor: DE Jerome McDougle was a top 15 pick by the Eagles five years ago.  Injuries have thus far defined his career, keeping him off the field without the ability to make any type of impact.  He appears to be healthy for the first time in a long time which is why coaches are excited and hoping they can utilize this talent this season.