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NFC East

Sporting News, The, Oct 11, 2004

DALLAS COWBOYS

Already thin at cornerback, the Cowboys lost starter Pete Hunter for the season with a torn ACL. That leaves rookies--Nate Jones, Jacques Reeves and Bruce Thornton--as three of the top four cornerbacks. So the team signed free-agent CB Tyrone Williams, a technically sound veteran. He'll begin in the dime and work his way into the nickel but could end up starting.... With TE Dan Campbell out for the season with a severe foot sprain that will require surgery, the team signed Mikhael Ricks, a subpar blocker but speedy receiving threat who creates mismatches with safeties and linebackers. RRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: B. There have been plenty of passing yards, but the run game is nonexistent. Defense: B. Right cornerback is a trouble spot, but the unit can pressure offenses. Special teams: C+. The coverage units are outstanding; P Mat McBriar and K Billy Cundiff have been shaky. Coaching: B+. Bill Parcells has succeeded with a fake punt and halfback pass.--Jean-Jacques Taylor

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NEW YORK GIANTS

The best thing about RB Tiki Barber's game is his ability, to be productive even after changing his ball-carrying style. At coach Tom Coughlin's urging, he carries the bail high and against his chest rather than swinging his arms as he makes cuts. Barber was concerned that would affect his balance, but it hasn't mattered yet.... SS Shaun Williams (knee) is out for the season and has been replaced by rookie Gibril Wilson. Wilson has good ball instincts and is a big hitter. He also has excellent speed, which should help him recover from mistakes as he learns on the job. At 6-0, 197, he lacks ideal size. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: B+. QB Kurt Warner has been quietly efficient, and the line is better than anyone expected. Defense: A-. It looked like a disorganized mess in the opener; since then, it has been aggressive, smart and opportunistic. Special teams= B-. Not much excitement, but the units are solid. Coaching: A-. Coughlin went from lunatic coach to inspirational genius in three weeks.--Nell Best

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

FB Josh Parry replaces Jon Ritchie, who's out for the season because of a torn ACL. Parry has good size (6-2, 250) and is very athletic. He will be used primarily as a lead blocker. Because the offense often uses two tight ends or three wideouts, Parry will play about 30 percent of the time.... Slow starts were a problem in 2003 but haven't been this season. The team has scored 38 points in the first quarter through the first four games and has led at the end of the first period each time. Good game plans have been the key.... WLB Nate Wayne uses good speed to cover a lot of ground and often is used in man coverage against backs. He will make big plays in coverage and as a blitzer but needs to be more consistent. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: A. Terrell Owens has made the difference, but Donovan McNabb still is the man. Defense: B. Gives up some yards but not a lot of points. Special teams: A. Nobody has better schemes or a better kicker. Coaching: A. Andy Reid is pushing the right buttons.--Mark Eckel

WASHINGTON REDSKIN

WR Rod Gardner always has had the physical traits needed to succeed. He's tall, strong and makes contested catches. But he lacks consistency, bouncing between big games and disappearing from the offense.... When coach Joe Gibbs took over, costly mistakes were supposed to disappear. But turnovers and penalties remain. Until those problems are solved, the results are going to be the same.... RG Randy Thomas is durable and consistent and seldom makes the same mistake twice. He uses his arms well to gain leverage and rarely is pushed off balance. He has a chronic knee problem but has been able to play through it so far. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: D. Points are few, and a game plan has yet to run smoothly. Defense: A-. Players are put in position to make plays, and they're executing. Special teams: C. Tom Tupa's punting is exceptional; coverage and return teams are average. Coaching: C. Gibbs may be rusty, but the focus is in the right place.--Paul Woody

NFC East

Sporting News, The, Oct 11, 2004

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