The beat goes on

THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS reached uncharted territory this season, winning their record 21st game. The streak ended against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 1, but it was truly amazing that they racked up that many consecutive victories.

New England's streak may be dead, but another one is very much alive: FOOTBALL DIGEST's. Once again, we've put together a special issue for all the fans out there who like to get their information from football's definitive source.

Besides our story on New England's march into the history book, we have an interview with Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dat Nguyen, an undersized player with oversized dreams. Regular contributor Charean Williams sat down with Nguyen and asked him about football and beyond.

We also have a story on the San Francisco 49ers, who once were the gold standard of NFL teams but now are one of the most lackluster franchises in the game. The 49ers have been hit with management changes, salary cap problems, roster turnover, and injuries, and it is all evident in the extremely difficult season they've had in 2004.

We also have a profile on Clinton Portis, who has problems of his own. The running back signed with the Washington Redskins in the offseason, but so far the alliance hasn't been all he thought it would be. Not only are the Redskins struggling to win, Portis is trying to find a way to fit into coach Joe Gibbs' offensive system.

One system that has proved to be a winner is the one that makes the NFL tick. The NFL is the most popular league in sports, the envy of every other league. Still, that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. We outline 10 ways in which the NFL can get even better.

Speaking of getting better, the defensive line for the Tennessee Titans is trying to do just that every week. It was rebuilt in the offseason and has gone through some growing pains, especially since Jevon Kearse, the team's defensive playmaker, is gone. But better days are ahead for Tennessee's defensive line, as we examine in a story in these pages.

Our cover boy, Curtis Martin, is at the top of his game. He powered the New York Jets to a surprisingly successful start this season, but football isn't what drives him. Instead, the veteran uses the game to draw attention to some of his other causes. He is a true role model for the sport.

Our other big feature story centers on the tight end position, which has come back to life in recent years. Tight end now has become a vital part of most offenses, partially because there are so many good one now.

Anyway, hopefully you'll agree that the winning streak continues at FOOTBALL DIGEST. Quality is the name of the game here. Enjoy.