Antrel Rolle has never been one to shy away from a soundbite. This time around, the New York Giants safety is boasts the Philadelphia Eagles will not repeat as division champions—that will be Big Blue, of course—the Birds won't even come in second for that matter. While making an appearance on ESPN’s First Take (via DC Sports Bog), Rolle claimed the G-men and Washington will finish one and two in the NFC East.
“I think if you have the right defensive scheme against the Eagles, you can definitely shut them down,” he said. “I think we displayed that in the second game we played them. As far as Washington, I think Washington has more weapons, and I think they added more weapons, especially to the offensive system. I think RGIII will definitely bounce back and have a better season this year. And defensively, I think they’ve added a lot of veteran leadership to their defense that’s gonna help them out a whole lot.”
When Rolle talks about the right defensive scheme shutting down the Eagles’ vaunted No. 2 offense, he may be thinking of that time an injured Mike Vick was relieved by Matt Barkley in New York’s Week 8 win at the Linc. Philly’s offense failed to produce a single point that game. Of course, when it was a healthy Vick relieved by Nick Foles three weeks earlier, the Birds dumped 36 on the Giants. As for Washington, Rolle goes on to say the addition of DeSean Jackson will help them out a lot. There’s no denying that, but Washington’s defense did finish tied for 30th in points allowed last season—not something that “veteran leadership” alone can fix. And naturally, Rolle thinks the Giants can contain Jackson, so whatever. Hey, it’s Trash Talk Thursday, what do you expect? (h/t BGN) Oh, one last thing. You could probably figure this out on your own, but Rolle picked the Dallas Cowboys to finish last. >> Antrel Rolle picks Washington to finish ahead of Eagles [WaPo]