In NFC East, big changes at quarterback

Times NFL writer Sam Farmer poses the big questions as each team readies for training camp:

NFC EAST

On Oct. 3, the Washington Redskins play at Philadelphia.

It promises to be one of the most fascinating games of this NFL season.

The mere sight of Donovan McNabb in a Redskins uniform is strange enough, but to see him walk onto the field as a visitor in Philadelphia? That will be bizarre.

The Eagles can only hope they made the right move, trading McNabb to a division rival and entrusting the starting quarterback job to largely untested Kevin Kolb. A somewhat similar situation worked out for New England several years ago, when the Patriots sent Drew Bledsoe to Buffalo and kept Tom Brady (although Brady was coming off a Super Bowl victory.).

The Redskins have a long way to go to match the receiving targets McNabb had in Philadelphia, among them DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant and tight end Brent Celek. The Redskins have very average group that includes Santana Moss, Joey Galloway, Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly.

Still, McNabb has gotten the most out of so-so receivers in the past, and his move to Washington could make an always competitive division even more interesting.

Dallas

Is this the season the Cowboys realize their potential and reach the Super Bowl, one being played in their stadium? Is Doug Free ready to handle the load at left tackle? Will Felix Jones overtake Marion Barber as the No. 1 back? Is David Buehler, who seldom had to make a pressure kick at USC, prepared to handle all of the kicking duties?

Rookies and veterans: July 24 in San Antonio and Oxnard.

Philadelphia

Is the confidence in Kolb justified? Will Philadelphia’s receiving corps round into the NFL’s best? Can the team field a healthy, reliable center? The Eagles have been hurting at safety since letting Brian Dawkins go. Is rookie Nate Allen ready to make an impact? How will the return of Stewart Bradley help stabilize the defense at linebacker?

Rookies: July 26. Veterans: July 29 in Bethlehem, Pa.

New York Giants

With a new defensive coordinator, and a couple of key free-agent additions (safeties Deon Grant and Antrel Rolle), will the Giants return to the aggressive style they used so effectively two years ago? What happens at middle linebacker now that Antonio Pierce is gone? After a season of tentative running, can Brandon Jacobs return to his old form?

Rookies and veterans: Aug. 1 in Albany, NY.

Washington

Can McNabb make a six-win difference for the Redskins, or will this be another Dan Snyder experiment that fizzles? Can Mike Shanahan build an offense to complement a very promising defense? Those aren’t the Hogs on the offensive line; can Washington overcome its weaknesses/lack of depth in that vital department? Will Albert Haynesworth wind up playing this season?

Rookies and veterans: July 29 in Ashburn, Va.

Next: AFC East