NFC East preview

The New York Giants will be out to defend their Super Bowl title but have to get past three familiar foes first.

Defending champions Giants headline highly-competitive division

The defending Super Bowl champions will be aiming to pick up where they left off at the end of last season, but as ever the New York Giants will have their work cut out in the NFL's marquee division. The Giants only needed a 9-7 record to top the division last year but caught fire in the play-offs and ended up taking the NFL title for a second time in five years. Despite their success the Giants have flown under the radar somewhat in the lead up to the new season, with much of the attention in the NFC East focused on the big names at the Philadelphia Eagles and new era at the Washington Redskins. And with Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett facing a pivotal second full year in charge, the NFC is once again set for an intriguing and dramatic campaign. New York Giants (9-7)
Star Man: Eli Manning No team has won back-to-back Super Bowls since the 2004 season, but the Giants will feel they are well equipped to end that run. Eli Manning continues to mould his reputation has one of the league's top 'clutch' quarterbacks and is supported by two stud receivers in the form of Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. The pass-rushing trio of Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora is probably the most feared in the NFL, while head coach Tom Coughlin and both of his highly-rated co-ordinators are both still on board. The Giants are a team with pedigree and stability and must be considered one of the favourites to win it all again. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
Star Man: DeMarcus Ware In his first full season as head coach, Jason Garrett missed out on the play-offs after two straight losses at the end of the regular season, including a 'win and in' clash with the Giants. Dallas have been viewed as an underachieving outfit in recent years and another failure to reach the post-season may bring the 46-year-old's high-pressure position under threat. It is also a pivotal year for quarterback Tony Romo, who will have the dangerous receiving duo of Dez Bryant and Miles Austin to throw to. DeMarco Murray will look to carry over the momentum from his spectacular rookie year, while star pass rusher DeMarcus Ware will once again lead the defence. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)
Star Man: LeSean McCoy The much-hyped 'Dream Team' proved ultimately to be a flop last season, with the Eagles only managing an 8-8 record and missing out on the play-offs. Another failure could spell the end for long-serving head coach Andy Reid. After a brilliant 2010 campaign, star quarterback Michael Vick struggled last year, with running back LeSean McCoy becoming the major producer on the Eagles' offense, a role he is set to assume again in 2012. With co-ordinator Juan Castillo heading into his second year in the job, the Eagles will hope their defence can step up and become the fearsome unit it was billed as after last summer's free-agent signings. Jason Babin and Trent Cole should generate an aggressive pass rush, while star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha will look to step up in his second year. Washington Redskins (5-11)
Star Man: Robert Griffin III The Redskins marked the start of an exciting new era when they traded up to ssecoond spot in this year's draft to select Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. Griffin's ability to make plays with his legs as well as his arm is sure to provide plenty of excitement for the fans at FedEx Field, who have not seen their team qualify for the play-offs since 2007. Although he is not expected to lead a post-season run as a rookie, Griffin will hope to show he has the tools to lead one of the NFL's most famous franchises. His main offensive weapon is likely to be wideout Pierre Garcon - signed from the Colts in free agency - while Brian Orakpo leads a sterling linebacking corps on defence.