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NFC east

Sporting News, The, Oct 7, 2005

DALLAS COWBOYS

DE Kenyon Coleman is well-suited to the 3-4 because it allows him to take advantage of his strength and power. When filling two gaps, Coleman can wait until the runner commits before shedding his blocker and making the play. ... RB Julius Jones hasn't rushed for fewer than 80 yards in a game but is averaging 3.6 yards per carry because opponents have been run blitzing more and the team's first two opponents, the Chargers and Redskins, are tough against the run. OVERACHIEVING/UNDERACHIEVING: QB Drew Bledsoe is off to a great start because he has bought into coach Bill Parcells' emphasis on limiting turnovers. Bledsoe hasn't forced passes into coverage and has thrown the ball away when necessary. ... RB Anthony Thomas was signed to be Jones' backup, out He has Slipped to fourth-string because Parcells has soured on him; Thomas' lack of experience on special teams also has contributed to his demotion.--Jean-Jacques Taylor

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NEW YORK GIANTS

The line has provided a strong push in the running game--especially up the middle. C Shaun O'Hara and RG Chris Snee are healthy, and LG David Diehl is back inside after a year at right tackle. The line has been maligned but mostly for its pass blocking. It was a solid run-blocking unit in 2004 and might be better now. ... DT William Joseph has the size and strength to get a strong push up the middle, and he's smart enough to know how to read the run. The knock on him was that he too often appeared uninterested in playing. Now he is excited about playing, and his energy has been infectious on a resurgent line. OVERACHIEVING/UNDERACHIEVING: LT Kendrick Clancy has been been strong enough to create an inside surge and athletic enough to allow coordinator Tim Lewis to vary the defensive fronts. He hasn't been spectacular, but he has been solid. ... WR AmaniToomer has been unable to get much separation in his role as the inside receiver and has become something of a forgotten man. He could end up battling Tim Carter for the No. 3 spot.--Ralph Vacchiano

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The defense needs to get more from its pass rush. Coordinator Jim Johnson didn't order many blitzes in Sunday's win over Oakland, and the front four failed to generate any pressure on immobile QB Kerry Collins. ... RE N.D. Kalu's strengths are his quick first step and ability to change directions. He uses a variety of pass-rushing moves that are effective against bigger, slower tackles. He is not stout against the run and wears down if he's not spelled. ... The offense is better if it runs at least 40 percent of the time. Save for the blowout win over the 49ers, the team hasn't approached that figure. OVERACHIEVING/UNDERACHIEVING: WR Greg Lewis wasn't a starter in college, but because Todd Pinkston (Achilles') is out for the season, he is now. So far Lewis has been a good No. 2 receiver to Terrell Owens, with 15 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown. ... The team wants LE Jevon Kearse to get more sacks. Kearse managed just 7 1/2 sacks in his first season with the team. Through three games this season, he doesn't have any.--Mark Eckel

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

WR Santana Moss has not just a second gear but a third and fourth gear as well. He gets on top of defensive backs quickly and has the speed to run by them. He has excellent concentration in pressure situations. He now has the confidence of QB Mark Brunell and the coaches and will hear his number called often. ... CB Walt Harris is a solid fundamental player. He understands the defense and his role in it and rarely gets caught out of position. He is not easy to beat deep because he gives receivers a cushion, then closes quickly to make the tackle. He eventually will give way to Carlos Rogers, who is younger, faster and more of a playmaker. But for now, Harris is a solid performer on an outstanding defense. OVERACHIEVING/UNDERACHIEVING: DT Joe Salave'a wrings every bit of talent and effort out of his body and never takes a play off. His rugged, physical play in the middle of the line disrupts running games. ... Derrick Dockery has every physical tool necessary to be an elite guard-size, good feet, long arms, decent speed. He is playing better than last season, but he still has occasional mental lapses that lead to false starts or missed blocks.--Paul Woody

NFC east

Sporting News, The, Oct 7, 2005

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