NFC East

DALLAS COWBOY

KEY ISSUES: The defense has struggled on first downs this season. The Cowboys want better production against the run from DTs Leo Carson and Chris Cooper, who plays nose guard in their scheme. Because of injuries to WRs Terry Glenn (foot) and Quincy Morgan (hamstring), Dallas must focus on its running game the rest of the season. The team is going to have to control the ball with RB Eddie George, WR Keyshawn Johnson and TE Jason Witten to ensure its defense stays off the field. PROJECTION: This will be the first team Bill Parcells has coached that didn't make the playoffs in its second season. Considering Dallas has two games against Philadelphia and road games against playoff contenders Baltimore, Seattle and the New York Giants in the second half, it's going to be extremely difficult for the Cowboys to make a late-season run. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: B-. Defense: D. Special teams: C+. Coaching: D. Overall D.--Jean-Jacques Taylor

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

KEY ISSUES: Two worries remain the same as they did heading into the season: running the ball and stopping the run. As good as RB Brian Westbrook is as a runner and receiver, he can't stay healthy. Stopping the run has not been as tough as expected, primarily because the team has not faced a great running team yet, and it has played with the lead most of the year. The Cleveland game exposed some flaws, but it also showed they could be corrected. The defensive linemen stayed in their gaps and were not overaggressive in the victory over the Ravens last week. PROJECTION: This season is all about making the Super Bowl, and the additions of LE Jevon Kearse and WR Terrell Owens could make the difference in the NFC championship game. Kearse (six sacks) should continue to provide the needed pass rush, and Owens (nine TDs) should continue to provide big plays on offense. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: A. Defense: B. Special teams: A. Coaching: A. Overall: A.--Mark Eckel

NEW YORK GIANTS

KEY ISSUES: In addition to red zone problems on offense, the right side of the line--rookie G Chris Snee and T David Diehl, a converted guard--still is learning on the job and needs time. The linebackers' play must be more consistent. The coaches are dissatisfied with WLB Barrett Green and have given his nickel play's to Nick Greisen. But Barrett's speed makes him valuable if he can get back into the coaches' favor. The special teams have produced few big plays. Speedy rookie return man Mark Jones has potential. PROJECTION: There are enough soft spots in the schedule for the Giants to make a playoff run. There is little chance the team will go into an extended slump, in part because coach Tom Coughlin won't ease up when the club is going well. QB Kurt Warner has been unspectacular but shows no signs of losing his grip on the starting job. Rookie QB Eli Manning might not play much until 2005. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: B+. Defense: A-. Special teams: B. Coaching: A-. Overall: A-.--Neil Best

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

KEY ISSUES: The passing game must improve. WR Laveranues Coles is bothered by a sore finger and toe. WR Rod Gardner has yet to overcome his inconsistency. Getting H-back Chris Cooley more involved in the passing game might give a boost to the offense. QB Mark Brunell throws too often with men in his face and rarely has a clear passing lane. A healthy LT Chris Samuels will help. The team needs to get something explosive out of its special teams, but Chad Morton's knee injury makes that difficult. The punt returners need more time and space from blockers so fair catches can be avoided. The kicking game also needs to be solidified. PROJECTION: The second half of the season will determine whether Brunell will be the 2005 starter. Forget a playoff run. It's too much to ask the defense to carry the load with the offense struggling. An 8-8 finish would be an accomplishment. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: D. Defense: A. Special teams: C. Coaching: B-. Overall: C-.--Paul Woody

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