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Sporting News, The, Nov 29, 2004

DALLAS COWBOYS

The team expected LT Flozell Adams, a Pro Bowl performer last year, to be dominant this season, but he hasn't produced. He has committed several penalties, been inconsistent against the run and struggled against speed rushers. ... The punt coverage unit has been solid. The outside coverage men, Keith Davis, Terrance Copper and Jacques Reeves, have done a terdfic job of beating blocks at the line of scrimmaga and making open-field tackles. ... FB Darian Barnes (6-2,250) has been an effective lead blocker, though he lacks the power to be a dominant force in the running game. He gets few opportunities to run the ball, except in short-yardaga situations, but occasionally can make defenders miss. He's a good receiver but just an average route runner. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Copper, an undrafted free agent, is making progress quickly. He was activated from the practice squad when WR Terry Glenn (foot) was hurt. Copper caught three passes, made four tackles and had a 39-yard kickoff return in Sunday's loss to Baltimore. Coach Bill Parcells appreciates a young player who can contribute on 18 to 20 plays on special teams and on another 10 to 20 on offense.--Jean-Jacques Taylor

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

With the exception of the Steelers game, QB Donovan McNabb has gotten excellent protection from his offensive line. LT Tra Thomas and RT Jon Runyan have been exceptional, and both could be considered for the Pro Bowl. ... FB Josh Parry, who was a street free agent when the Eagles signed him, has played as well as can be expected as a replacement for Jon Ritchie (knee). A converted linebacker, Parry continues to get better as a lead blocker and, more important, is efficient at picking up blitzes. After a rough start in the passing game, Parry has shown better hands and the ability to be a safety valve for McNabb. ... P Dirk Johnson has gone unnoticed because of the offense's strong play. But he is adept at placing punts inside the 20 and gets good distance (43.3 yards per punt). YOUTH MOVEMENT: Second-year WR Greg Lewis (6-0, 178) is the fastest player on the team. He also has good hands, runs precise routes and is fearless going over the middle and making plays in traffic. His size could cause durability problems, but he is a tough player.--Mark Eckel

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

No one on the team has more talent than WR Darnerien McCants. He has long arms and big hands, can adjust to balls on the move and has a knack for making big plays. His practice habits, however, have held him back this season. He must improve his concentration during the week. ... WR Rod Gardner (6-2,218) has good size and strength and is capable of having big games. But his inconsistency is a drawback. His lack of concentration leads him to drop passes he should catch. That happens to every receiver on occasion, but it happens to Gardner far too often. He's not a particularly fast receiver, and teams aren't afraid to cover him one-on-one. YOUTH MOVEMENT: FS Sean Taylor is making solid progress. He has a tendency to overrun plays at times, and his one-on-one coverage skills are a bit rough. Still, he makes big hits, is very athletic and can cover a lot of territory quickly. He has flashed his big-play ability on several occasions. But to have a long, successful career with the team, he needs to control his emotions on the field and stay out of trouble off the field.--Paul Woody

NEW YORK GIANTS

WR Ike Hilliard is only 28, but this is his eighth year in the league and his slim body has taken a beating. He appears to have lost a step and won't outrun many defenders, which is evident by his 8.9 yards per catch, a career low. But Hilliard knows how to find open areas over the middle, and he can be a slippery runner after the catch. He is adept at quickly cutting to the inside to escape would-be tacklers. He might have some life left in him, as long as the coaches use him as a possession receiver. But don't expect him to be a game-breaker. ... RB Tiki Barber has shown no signs of slowing down or falling back into bad habits with ball security, despite his heavy workload. One reason is a brutal offseason workout regimen that made Barber stronger than ever and increased his speed. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Curtis Deloatch, an undrafted rookie, has done a little bit of everything in the mix-and-match defense, including playing cornerback and safety in the dime package. Deloatch also works as a gunner in punt coverage. He has good size (6-3, 210) and speed and should be a valuable situational contributor in the future.--Neil Best