NFC east

DALLAS COWBOYS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The top priority is solving the quarterback puzzle, and that doesn't mean bringing back Vinny Testaverde, 41, as the starter. The club wants to go with either Drew Henson or Tony Romo, both 24, and is considering sending one or both to NFL Europe to get experience. The team wants Testaverde back only as a backup. Dallas will seek a pass-rushing defensive end and a cornerback in the draft or free-agent market. The club has two first-round picks and $20 million in cap room that will make it a big player with free agents. It has no interest in re-signing S Tony Dixon, its only notable unrestricted free agent besides RB Eddie George. Dixon was benched the second half of the season because of poor play. George likely won't be back because of a surplus of running backs. FINAL GRADES: Offense: C. A lack of big plays hurt. Defense: D. There was little pressure on the quarterback and few turnovers. Special teams: B+. The coverage units were outstanding. Coaching: D. There were too many questionable game-management decisions.--Jean-Jacques Taylor

NEW YORK GIANTS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: There likely will be three personnel priorities: 1) an elite offensive tackle, preferably a left tackle so LT Luke Petitgout can move to the right side; 2) a big, fast receiver who can scare defenses; 3) a linebacker with playmaking potential. The team might be able to get receiving help in the draft, though it will look closely at available veterans. It is clear the tackle situation must be addressed in the free-agent market because the team needs someone to step in immediately. That could be an expensive option, especially if Walter Jones or Orlando Pace becomes available. Other needs include a backup quarterback to replace Kurt Warner and a running back to ease Tiki Barber's burden. FINAL GRADES: Offense: D-. QB Eli Manning better ace his sophomore year. Defense: C-. Given the injuries, especially to LE Michael Strahan, this unit could have been worse. But it still must improve. Special teams: C+. Penalties and breakdowns remain an issue. Coaching: C-. Tom Coughlin knows football; does he know people?--Neil Best

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES PLAYOFF READINESS ****

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS: Coach Andy Reid has made sure his team is healthy and well rested going into the postseason. The starters barely played after the Eagles clinched home-field advantage. With WR Terrell Owens (ankle, leg) out, RB Brian Westbrook will get more work. He likely will be used as a receiver quite a bit. Expect him to line up in the slot and even out wide at times. That means RB Dorsey Levens could get as many as 10 carries per game. TEs L.J. Smith and Chad Lewis also will become more involved in the passing game. The defense should be ready to go. LE Jevon Kearse, the team's top pass rusher, has had time off to prepare. FINAL GRADES: Offense: A-. Westbrook, Levens and others will pick up the slack in Owens' absence. Defense: A. The run defense has been fixed, and no team is better in the red zone. Special teams: A, K David Akers is the best. The returners are solid. Coaching: A. Reid and his staff have done everything right so far.--Mark Eckel

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams achieved remarkable success with constant blitzing, but the team still needs a pass-rushing end. Phillip Daniels is coming off an injury-plagued season and is net much of a rusher. The team undoubtedly will sign a free agent, and Daniels perhaps will be a stopgap while a younger player develops. Inconsistent WR Rod Gardner is unlikely to return, but with no receivers in the pipeline to Lake over, the team will seek outside help. The middle of the offensive line needs bolstering. C Cory Raymer is a candidate to be replaced by a younger, bigger, quicker player, probably a free agent. The team also must determine whether LT Chris Samuels' cap number is justified. FINAL GRADES: Offense: D. The season was filled with mistakes and breakdowns. Defense: A. Each player performed to nearly maximum levels. Special teams: C-. The coverage must improve, and the returners must pose a legitimate scoring threat. Coaching: D. Joe Gibbs started to peel off the rust when Patrick Ramsey became the quarterback, but it was too late.--Paul Woody

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