Around The League continues our training camp preview with a look at the NFC East. (To hear our latest division previews in podcast form, just click into the sound file below or go right here.)
Dallas Cowboys: Is defensive line a serious concern?
The Cowboys have been criticized in recent years for their inability to build a roster with depth. Now they're getting a serious test along their defensive line. Reserve Tyrone Crawford is done for the year after tearing his Achilles. Defensive end Anthony Spencer could be gone one month after arthroscopic knee surgery. Defensive tackle Jay Ratliff could miss the same amount of time as he works his way back from a strained hamstring.
If each player heals up well, maybe the Cowboys will be fine. But it's not a great way to start camp.
New York Giants: Will Jason Pierre-Paul be ready?
Pierre-Paul is on the short list of defensive players who mean the most to their respective teams. Coming off back surgery, it's unclear if Pierre-Paul will be ready for the start of the season.
With Osi Umenyiora gone and Justin Tuck showing signs of regression in recent years, the Giants' defensive line -- typically known as a strength -- might end up being a weakness. It all goes back to JPP.
Philadelphia Eagles: Who wins the quarterback derby?
This here is a genuine quarterback competition. The veteran with a pedigree (Michael Vick) up against the young gun looking to establish himself (Nick Foles). Even Matt Barkley believes he's in on it, though he's probably just the guy with the best seat in the house.
With Chip Kelly now running things in Philly, Vick won't benefit from Andy Reid's fuzzy memories of his great 2010 comeback season. Vick enters camp as a slight favorite, but Foles is going to have every opportunity to prove he's the guy.
Washington Redskins: Will Robert Griffin III be ready?
After the avalanche of criticism the Redskins received for staying with Griffin in January's playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, it hardly can be considered a surprise RGIII won't play in the preseason. Mike Shanahan is going to take every precaution to ease his franchise star back into the mix.
That might carry into the regular season, similar to how the Minnesota Vikings handled Adrian Peterson in the first month of last season. The training wheels will eventually come off for Griffin, but it won't be in August.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
