Training camp battles: NFC East

AFC: East | South | North | West

Forget who wins the NFC East. Let's start with this: Who's the New York Giants' starting tight end?

Kevin Boss: A better tight end fit for Eli Manning? (US Presswire)

I'll cast my vote for Jeremy Shockey, too, but how much longer do the G-Men put up with his act? That's why they have training camp, people, and Shockey is one of many this summer who could feel the heat.

The others are listed below as part of our preview of training-camp hot spots -- a team-by-team look at position battles -- and I'll pick up where Pete Prisco left off by jumping into the NFC. We'll start with the East, and we'll start right now.

Dallas Cowboys

Adam "Pacman" Jones vs. Anthony Henry, cornerback

Henry has been the starter here for three years; Jones was hired in the offseason and hasn't been cleared to play. Granted, it looks like it will be Jones for several reasons -- one of which is Henry's history of injuries and inconsistent play -- but there's no guarantee here. Remember, the Cowboys sank a ton of money to bring Henry in from Cleveland, and Jones hasn't suited up since 2006. Still, it'll be hard for him to supplant Jones -- provided, of course, Jones is cleared by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to return to action. At last month's minicamp Jones took several reps with the first team, annoying a frustrated Henry. "I'm not blind to it," he told the team's website. "I knew what time it was when the transaction happened. It's just a matter of when. And maybe 'when' is happening now." It will be if the league cooperates.

Edge: Jones because he's an extraordinarily gifted player and not because he's an extraordinarily gifted cornerback. There is a difference. He struggled in his first season with Tennessee and had more of an impact there as a return specialist. Plus, he's been out of football for a season.

Opening day starter: Jones. Owner Jerry Jones made such a fuss over his "wow factor," it's impossible to think of Jones not starting -- that is, if the league reinstates him.

New York Giants

Jeremy Shockey vs. Kevin Boss, tight end

Shockey is the more talented player, but he's not happy with the Giants, and the Giants are losing patience with him. They tried to deal him during the draft but didn't. Now they're suffering the fallout, which includes an alleged tirade against general manager Jerry Reese at minicamp. Then there's this: The Giants won a Super Bowl not with Shockey in the lineup, but with Boss. The guy is a terrific blocker and a reliable receiver who produces big catches, like the 45-yarder against New England in Super Bowl XLII, and who meshes nicely with Eli Manning. Plus, he doesn't make waves. Some critics feel Shockey intimidates quarterback Eli Manning with his histrionics. If so, the Giants better make a correction here. Either that or start looking for another trading partner.

Edge: Shockey. If the Giants balked at trading him someone in the organization must think he can help. If he stays, he plays.

Opening day starter: Shockey, but only if he doesn't self-destruct first.

Philadelphia Eagles

Correll Buckhalter vs. Lorenzo Booker vs. Tony Hunt, backup running back

Tony Hunt's ability to run inside might be the key. (US Presswire)

No one pushes starter Brian Westbrook, but who joins him in the backfield in short-yardage situations or takes over when Westbrook needs a break? That's what the Eagles are about to find out. They've gotten more mileage out of Buckhalter than expected, but the acquisition of Booker is an indication they're looking to upgrade the position. Hunt is a third-round draft pick who barely played a year ago, but the Eagles have hopes for him as an inside runner. He's a different kind of back than Booker, who's a legitimate receiving threat, and it might be too early to bail on him. But the question is: Is it too early to bail on the never-say-die Buckhalter? Remember, he averaged 5 yards a carry and scored four times in limited duty. I believe it'll be Hunt and Buckhalter playing for one spot, with Booker a lock.

Edge: Buckhalter because he's been doing this for years and because he spent a lifetime overcoming the odds.

Opening day starter: Booker. He's younger than Buckhalter and can do more things -- including serve as a pass receiver.

Washington

Derrick Frost vs. Durant Brooks, punter

Frost should be worried, and here's why: The Redskins thought enough of Brooks to make him a sixth-round draft pick, and draft picks usually stick. I can't see Brooks bucking that trend. The Ray Guy Award recipient, he has a strong leg that could make a difference when you're playing the all-important game of field position. Frost was nothing more than so-so a year ago, ranking 13th in the NFC in gross average and 11th in net. Plus, he didn't help himself in the playoff loss to Seattle when, as special teams coach Danny Smith said, none of Frost's nine kicks qualified as "an NFL punt" -- meaning they didn't have a hang time of 4.5 seconds. Brooks had the highest career punting average in the history of the ACC and served as a holder on kicks. I don't see how he misses.

Edge: Brooks. If the Redskins weren't looking to make a change they wouldn't have spent a draft pick on the position.

Opening day starter: Brooks.