NFC East

DALLAS COWBOYS

LOLB Scott Fujita takes over as the starter for Al Singleton (collarbone), who is out for the season. Fujita led the Chiefs in tackles the past two seasons, but this is the first time he has played in the 3-4.The Cowboys are pleased with his progress. Fujita can hold up against linemen at the point of attack and force running plays inside. He's serviceable in coverage because he does a good job of holding up tight ends at the line.... Rookie LE Marcus Spears has moved into the starting lineup after stringing together three good performances. He's an upgrade over Kenyon Coleman because he can be just as effective against the run and is a much better pass rusher. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: CB Terence Newman is a big reason the defense is among the NFL's best. He's small but physical, so Dallas uses him in the slot in the nickel defense. He has the quickness and footwork to blanket receivers, and he keeps teams from having success with three-receiver formations because he steps up at the point of attack and makes tackles.--Jean-Jacques Taylor

NEW YORK GIANTS

For weeks, coach Tom Coughlin had been lamenting the soft coverage of the club's secondary. Finally, it seems coordinator Tim Lewis has done something about it. For the past two games, the defensive backs have smothered opposing receivers, which in turn has helped the suddenly resurgent pass rush. The combination has resulted in two straight games in which the club hasn't given up a touchdown.... MLB Antonio Pierce (6-1, 240) has a quick burst and a nose for the bail, which makes it seem like he's in on every play and making every tackle. It also helps him in coverage, where he is a disruptive force on underneath passes. Off the field, Pierce is known for his leadership. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The consensus is the offensive line is vastly improved from last season. The addition of T Kareem McKenzie has solidified the right side and allowed David Diehl to shift to guard, where he looks more comfortable. But the truth is, the line always was good; the problem was QB Kurt Warner was holding the ball far too long last season. QB Eli Manning has a knack for escaping trouble and knowing when to throw the ball away, which helps make the line look good.--Ralph Vacchiano

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

WRs Greg Lewis and Reggie Brown will be counted on more with Terrell Owens suspended indefinitely. Lewis, a first-year starter, has good speed and runs sharp routes, but it's unclear whether he can be a No. 1 receiver. Brown, a rookie, has shown big-play flashes but still is learning coach Andy Reid's complex version of the West Coast offense.... Rod Hood won back the kickoff return job. Hood, who also is the nickel back, has good speed but needs to read blocks better and gain more yards after initial contact.... LE Jevon Kearse no longer can beat double-teams and has struggled getting to even immobile quarterbacks. Never known for being overly stout against the run, Kearse still excels at chasing down plays in pursuit. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: A big reason the defense is giving up more plays of 20 yards or more is the lack of a pass rush. There has been little pressure from the front four, and blitzes have not been effective. That twofold problem leaves even the best of secondaries vulnerable to big plays.--Mark Eckel

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

DT Cornelius Griffin is adept at keeping his shoulders square and his pad level low and jamming up running lanes. So it's no surprise the team has struggled in the middle while Griffin (hip) has been slowed.... Too many defensive players are finding themselves out of position as they rush to the line to try and make big hits. Part of the problem is the team is too conscious of its lack of forced turnovers. Tacklers are trying to knock the ball loose with jarring hits. They should focus on wrapping up, then trying to punch the ball free. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Because RT Jon Jansen (thumbs) has been unable to fully use his hands, his game has gone from one based on power to one of position and angles--making him a more complete player. He has to get his hands in specific positions, and he has to be almost perfect. Otherwise, he could lose his balance. He also relies on his feet to stay between the defensive player and the quarterback.--Paul Woody

POWER POLL

(1)  Colts

(2)  Steelers

(3)  Broncos

(4)  Bengals

(5)  Seahawks

(6)  Giants

(7)  Falcons

(8)  Patriots

(9)  Panthers

(10) Cowboys

DRAFT DISH by War Room scouts

Oregon WR Demetrius Williams is one of the best vertical threats in the draft. He might need to bulk up 10-15 pounds to compete against physical NFL defensive backs, but he'll make defenders miss with quick, elusive moves in the open field. Look for Williams to be a solid Round 3 selection.... Tennessee DT Jesse Mahelona is an absolute mauler. Although he needs more experience, Mahelona has become a more refined technician and has shown he can beat double-teams. With his size (6-2, 300) and speed, he should be chosen late in the second round or early in the third.... Pittsburgh CB Josh Lay's wide wingspan enables him to knock down passes and control the passing game on his side of the field. He has fine instincts and projects as a middle-rounder.... South Carolina OT Jabari Levey (6-5,310) is a massive prospect who moves well laterally. He's on the cusp of being a Day 1 pick.... Louisville OLB Brandon Johnson has the speed (4.48) to be a pass rusher in the NFL, but he'll need to bulk up 20-25 pounds to endure the physical play at the next level. A potential mid-round pick, Johnson might be able to contribute immediately on special teams and in pass-rush schemes, which could increase his value.