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NFC east

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

DALLAS COWBOYS

DE Greg Ellis is a little light (271) to play end in the 3-4, but he is intelligent and has good enough fundamentals to compete against bigger players. The team thinks trimming his snaps by about 20 percent will make Ellis more productive, especially late in games. Coach Bill Parcells says Ellis can have his first 10-sack season. ... Rookie LB Kevin Burnett will miss two to three weeks with a knee sprain, so the team re-signed LB Eric Ogbogu. Ogbogu, a converted defensive end, is a situational pass rusher who struggles against the run, especially at the point of attack. Burnett called the signals for the punt team; his replacement, WR Patrick Crayton, is 40 pounds lighter, but Parcells says Crayton's toughness will compensate for his lack of size. YOUTH MOVEMENT: The team thinks third-year CB Terence Newman will be one of the league's most improved players this season. He has the speed, quickness and toughness to excel but struggled with his confidence in 2004. He will line up in the slot in the nickel and dime because the team likes his physical play against the run and his ability to handle smaller, faster receivers.--Jean-Jacques Taylor

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NEW YORK GIANTS

Rookie R8 Branden Jacobs (6-4, 266) has size that can complement the shiftiness of starter 111d Barber. Jacobs converted two third-and-1 plays in the win over Arizona and also had a 5-yard touchdown run. He's a load to bring down once he gets past the line. ... Look for QB Bi Manning to throw a lot of fade patterns in the red zone to WR Plaxico Burrers and TE Jeremy Sheckey, who both are 6-5. They'll be expected to outjump smaller defensive backs. ... The team has become concerned about CB Will Allen's ball awareness. He often turns too late on balls, missing interception chances. That has been a bigger reason for his poor interception total than his questionable hands. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Rookie CB Cerey Webster is a converted receiver who has good hands and excels at picking up the ball in the air. He has quickly picked up the defense and has had no problems adjusting to the speed of the NFL He is playing as the team's nickel back and could jump in as a starter if Allen or Will Peterson gets hurt. The only unknown with Webster (5-11, 204) is whether he's physical enough.--Ralph Vacchiano

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Newly signed WR Darnerien McCants and R8 Lamar Gordon are getting crash courses in coach Andy Reid's West Coast offense so they can contribute as soon as possible. McCants (6-3, 215) will be the team's No. 4 receiver and should provide a good red zone threat because of his size. Gordon (6-2, 228) has the best size of any of the team's backs and could be used in short-yardage situations, at the goal line or simply to eat the clock at the end of the game. ... Greg Lewis, the team's No. 2 receiver, has excellent straight-line speed. He might be the fastest player on the team. He also has very good hands and has become a good route runner. When opponents roll their coverage toward WR Terrell Owens, Lewis will need to employ all of those skills to make plays and keep defenses honest. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Steven Spach, an undrafted rookie, is the No. 2 tight end in an offense that likes to use two-tight end sets. Spach is a tough blocker who got better as a receiver as camp wore on. He also will be used on all of the special teams units.--Mark Eckel

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

In some situations, especially in the red zone, FS Sean Taylor will line up as a wide receiver. Taylor (6-2, 231) gives the team the big wideout it lacks. He has long arms and decent hands, which makes him a candidate for corner fade routes. ... The team signed S Pierson Prioleau to be a backup, but with Ss Matt Bowen and Ryan Clark battling knee injuries, Prioleau has moved into the starting lineup and done well. He gives the club experience and sure tackling. He's not as adept at blitzing as Bowen and isn't as aggressive against the run as Clark, but Prioleau doesn't make many mistakes. ... WR David Patten has good hands and speed, and quarterbacks have confidence he'll be where he is supposed to be. Patten is a good blocker and doesn't take plays off. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Andy Groom won the punting job with a nice preseason. He has a powerful leg, handles directional punting requests and is solid as a holder. He performed well in the first game. If he can perfect his "pooch" punting, he'll be just about everything the team wants.--Paul Woody

NFC east

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

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