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NFC East

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

DALLAS COWBOYS

Bill Parcells has a clear idea of how he wants to use his running backs. Eddie George likely will get the ball late in games and in goal-line situations because Parcells has confidence he won't fumble. Richie Anderson is the third-down back. Julius Jones will get at least one series a half and some nickel work, helping to keep Anderson flesh. ReShard Lee will get at least one series a game.... WR Keyshawn Johnson uses excellent routes and his large frame to create separation and get downfield. His best asset is terrific hands and a willingness to catch the ball in traffic, Johnson also is a terrific blocker who will help the running game. PROBLEM SPOT: The offensive line will he a problem if G Andre Gurode (knee) and C/G Tyson Walter (knee) have to miss extended time. G Matt Lehr, who started on the right side, is too small to consistently block the 330-pound tackles he often runs into. Lehr can manage in pass protection, where he gets help, but he's vulnerable on running plays.--Jean-Jacques Taylor

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NEW YORK GIANTS

The offensive line has been much better than expected. There have been too many false starts, but there are promising signs. Rookie RG Chris Snee is a potential star, and second-year RT David Diehl is settling in after switching from guard. LG Jason Whittle, a late pickup, is a solid veteran.... The emphasis RB Tiki Barber has placed on ball security is paying off. He has been wrapping the ball up with both arms when he senses a hit coming and hasn't come close to losing a fumble. SCOOTING REPORT: SS Shaun Williams struggled last year and often was out of position in pass coverage, but he showed what he could do in Week 2. He forced Redskins RB Clinton Portis to fumble on a blitz, which led to a Giants TD. Williams, a big hitter and solid run stopper, often will be used close to the line of scrimmage as an eighth man in the box. He has the speed to pursue plays across the field and the power to break up run plays up the middle.--Neil Best

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

In just 16 snaps in Week 1, backup RE Hugh Douglas recorded a sack, got decent pressure and held up well against the run. While his immediate role is as a situational pass rusher, Douglas eventually could get equal playing time with Derrick Burgess.... MLB Jeremiah Trotter played sparingly front scrimmage in the first game, but he still made an impact. Special teams coach John Harbaugh said Trotter graded out higher than anyone during his tenure. Trotter also figures to play more on defense on running downs. His size makes him a viable option for undersized starter Mark Simoneau. PROBLEM SPOT: The run defense, which was a problem in 2003, still needs to get better. Trotter could help things, and it appears WLB Nate Wayne is over a nagging injury. The key, however, is for starting DTs Coney Simon and Darwin Walker to allow the linebackers room to make plays. If they can't, DT Hollis Thomas' role could increase.--Mark Eckel

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

WR James Thrash's statistics will not be impressive this season, but he'll still have a lot of impact. Thrash is an excellent blocker and does a good job of clearing the way downfield for RB Clinton Portis. He also is an exceptional special teams player who excels at covering punts and wrapping up return men.... LT Chris Samuels has excellent footwork and is strong enough to handle power rushers. He has improved his technique and made better use of his leverage to neutralize speed rushers, who have given him trouble in the past. He has benefited greatly from working with assistant head coach Joe Bugel, who stresses technique but prefers results. PROBLEM SPOT: No one questions QB Mark Brunell's game management, but it is uncertain how much arm strength he still has. Brunell, who injured his hamstring last week, is fine on mid-range routes over the middle. But eventually a team will make him prove he can still throw the deep ball, and it's not clear that he can without putting an extra bit of air under the ball.--Paul Woody

NFC East

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

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