The NFL preview continues today with a look at the NFC East, a one-time NFL powerhouse that will look to return to prominence in 1999.

Dallas Cowboys

The boys from Valley Ranch may return to the top of the East in 1999, as they actually improved in the off-season for the first time since their last Super Bowl victory in 1995.

Leading Chan Gailey’s offense will again be veteran QB Troy Aikman. The 33-year old has not declined with age and will have a talented corps of receivers to throw to this season.

Michael Irvin returns and will be joined by speedy wideout Raghib Ismail. Throw Ernie Mills into the mix and you can see why Aikman is smiling this preseason.

Holding down the tailback spot will be crafty veteran Emmitt Smith who actually seems to get better with age. Chris Warren and Daryl Johnston will trade time at the fullback position.

Blocking for the offense will be a strong unit that features free agent Mark Stepnoski, Larry Adams and Flozell Adams.

On defense, the Cowboys aren’t quite as dominant.

Left by their linebacking unit, the Cowboys feature Quentin Coryatt, Randall Godfrey and rookie Dat Nguyen of Texas A&M.

The secondary could be a strength if injured Deion Sanders can return intact. Featuring pro bowler Darren Woodson and veteran George Teague, the backfield may be great, but without Sanders is merely average.

The D-Line will struggle without suspended tackle Leon Lett and the Cowboy special teams will be very solid as usual.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals will look to close the gap on Dallas in ’99, but will likely remain number two in the division.

The Cardinal offense should again be solid at the skill positions with Jake Plummer throwing the ball to receivers like Frank Sanders and David Boston and tight end Terry Hardy. If Rob Moore can end his holdout, the Arizona three-receiver sets should be a sight to behold.

Adrian Murrell returns after an average ’98 season and excellent postseason, but will struggle to find holes behind a banged up offensive line.

On defense, the Cardinals will look to Aeneas Williams for leadership and consistency. The five-time Pro Bowler is the superstar in an average backfield.

On the line, Arizona could be dominant if Eric Swann can get healthy, and Mark Smith can iron out his contract concerns. Ends Simeon Rice and Andre Wadsworth are solid, but can’t be consistent without their teammates on the inside.

Joe Nedney and Chris Jackey continue to battle for the kicking position on a merely average special teams unit.

New York Giants

New York returned from its 1997 NFC East title with a disappointing 8-8, third place finish in ’98. In ’99, they should end up around the same place.

Despite the loss of defensive end Chad Bratzke to the Indianapolis Colts, the D-Line should pace the Giants this year. With an anchor like Michael Strahan, the rest of the line merely needs to be average to be spectacular. Robert Harris and Keith Hamilton are above average and Cedric Jones has great potential.

At linebacker, New York doesn’t miss a beat, featuring Jessie Armstead and Corey Widmer.

Jason Sehorn, Phillippi Sparks and Conrad Hamilton provide the Giants with a trio of talented corners and Sam Garnes, Percy Ellsworth and Shaun Williams are strong at the safeties.

On offense, New Yorkers have less cause for optimism.

Quarterbacks Kent Graham and Kerry Collins are both big question marks, as is halfback Gary Brown, who is still recovering from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident and during a preseason game against the Jets.

Amani Toomer leads a mediocre receiving corps and center Brian Williams anchors an above-average line.

On special teams, the Giants are strong at each of the kicking positions but atrocious on returns.

Washington Redskins

Coach Norv Turner has to win this season to keep his job and the Redskins may just be able to do it.

Brad Johnson offers Washington a quick, accurate passer for the first time in year,s and with a trio of proven receivers in Michael Westbrook, Albert Connell and Irving Fryar, he should have some solid targets to throw at.

Stephen Davis has been strong, but not spectacular, as Terry Allen’s backup for the last several years, but will have to improve to be successful in his mentor’s absence.

The ‘Skins’ line features guard Tre Johnson, but isn’t particularly strong as you move from right to left.

On defense, Dana Stubblefield and Dan Wilkinson will again anchor the NFL’s most underachieving line. They made improvements last season and will need to do so again to compete in ’99.

Led by Derek Smith at linebacker and Darrell Green in the backfield, the rest of the Redskin defense has the potential to be very solid, but features a number of unproven players. Rookie Champ Bailey should help shore up the secondary.

The special teams should be solid once again, led by Pro Bowl punter Matt Turk.

Philadelphia Eagles

The City of Brotherly Love may improve on last season’s 3-13 finish, but not by much.

Despite a decent defense, the Eagles will struggle to overcome a number of weaknesses on the other side of the ball.

Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent combine to present a formidable corner tandem and anchor a tough secondary.

At linebacker, the Eagles are nearly as strong with James Darling and William Thomas, who proved to be two pleasant surprises in the preseason.

Hugh Douglas is the strength of an average front four.

On offense, the Eagles will look to quarterback Doug Pederson to lead the team, despite very, very little experience over the last six years. Donovan McNabb is the heir apparent, but will start the season on the sideline.

Duce Staley is a solid tailback, and Charles Johnson is an accomplished receiver, but the offense will be playing behind a line full of holes and question marks.

Steve Everitt will try to overcome the injuries and key losses to stabilize the unit from his center position.

The Eagle special teams are at least experienced, if not so special. Kicker Norm Johnson and punter Sean Landetta have been playing in the NFL since the early 1600s.