The New York Giants are still in a euphoric state, and the New England Patriots are still swimming in their collective tears, and alcohol.
But everyone else in the NFL has already started looking forward to 2012 and what needs to be done to get to that next level that the Patriots and Giants enjoyed this season.
Looking ahead at the 2012 season and the NFC East gaggle, one thing appears to be pretty clear: The Dallas Cowboys will not be the favorites to win the division. Now let's be real, that doesn't mean a thing. Last season, the Eagles were basically handed the Lombardi Trophy and they didn't even make the playoffs, finishing third in the NFC East behind the Giants and Cowboys.
The NFC has proven to be a year-to-year thing over the past decade with different teams emerging every year. This year's main surprise was the San Francisco 49ers, who were a few breaks away from playing the Patriots on Sunday in Indianapolis.
Some folks, including ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck has already gone on record as saying the Cowboys are the most likely non-playoff team to play in next year's Super Bowl. So there is a chance, but right now it's not looking too promising.
The Giants seem poised to have another successful year, and even if they don't start off great they're unbeatable in December and are always a threat to find their way into the postseason. The Eagles, after starting last season 1-4, reeled off four straight wins to end the season, which is always a good sign for the following year. If Michael Vick is healthy all season, they'll be a different team.
The Cowboys, like always, floundered in December and now are looking to replace about four or five starters in one offseason, which is a gargantuan task and probably an unreasonable one to expect. But they do have some good pieces in place ... Tony Romo ... DeMarco Murray ... Demarcus Ware ... Sean Lee ... Miles Austin ... Dez Bryant? ... Tyron Smith. It's not out of the question, Cowboys fans, don't give up hope yet. But it might be an uphill climb.
