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NFC east

Sporting News, The, Dec 2, 2005

DALLAS COWBOYS

Coach Bill Parcells has made it clear he's going to split the running load among three players. Julius Jones will be the feature back, getting 18 to 20 carries per game, but Marion Barber will get at least one series per half and some third-down plays. Barber has gained Parcells' respect and trust because he's a willing blocker, a punishing runner and a good receiver. The Cowboys would love to get Barber 10 carries per game and Tyson Thompson five. ... ILB Bradie James is having a breakout season. He is an explosive hitter and leads the team in tackles. In the past, he was robotic in pass coverage because he didn't understand the nuances of route combinations and how to function within the defense. But he has spent more time studying this season, and it has paid off. PROBLEM SPOT. The Cowboys have to get better production from their red zone offense. They like to give the ball to Barber inside the 20 because he's a more physical runner than Jones, who couldn't score on three straight runs from the 1 against the guns. Barber had two touchdowns against Detroit and has five in the past three games.--Jean-Jacques Taylor

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PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

QB Mike McMahon started in place of Donovan McNabb (sports hernia) against the Giants and played a strong second half after two rough quarters. McMahon has excellent mobility and has played in several versions of the West Coast offense--both in college and with the Lions. He would get more opportunities if McNabb decided to have surgery and end his season. ... LB Justin Ena has taken LB Zeke Moreno's roster spot Ena can fill in better as a backup in the middle and is just as good, if not better, on special teams. ... WR Billy McMullen has been promoted to slot receiver. His size (6-4, 210) is perfect for the position, and his confidence--which had been waning--has increased as he has made plays downfield. PROBLEM SPOT: The offseason losses of DE Derrick Burgess and DT Corey Simon hurt the team's pass rush, and there has been no pressure from the inside--the defensive tackles haven't recorded a sack in six straight games. The play of rookie DE Trent Cole gives the team hope, but his speed off the edge does nothing to help in the middle.--Mark Eckel

NEW YORK GIANTS

RT Kareem McKenzie is a powerful run blocker and has been solid in pass protection, though his size (6-6, 327) makes him vulnerable against speed rushers coming off the edge. McKenzie has been called for too many penalties; the book on him when he signed in the offseason was he didn't often get called for penalties. ... CBs Curtis Deloatch and Corey Webster are showing their inexperience at times. Deloatch, whose play has slipped, had two pass-interference penalties in Sunday's win over the Eagles. Webster has been solid as the nickel back, but he allowed a long reception because he bit hard on a pump fake. PROBLEM SPOT: QB Eli Manning's inaccuracy is keeping a good passing game from being great. Before going 17-for-26 against the Eagles, he had completed 49.2 percent of his passes in the previous five games. Teams are doubling WR Plaxico Burress and TE Jeremy Shockey, and Manning hasn't checked down enough to other targets such as RB Tiki Barber and WR Amani Toomer. The passing game needs to move the chains and create big plays.--Ralph Vacchiano

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

With David Patten (knee) on injured reserve and James Thrash hobbled with a hamstring problem, Taylor Jacobs has a chance to step into the No. 2 wide receiver spot opposite Santana Moss. Jacobs has talent but lacks experience and confidence. The team might be forced to go with Rich Parson, recently activated from the practice squad, as the No. 3 receiver. That might keep the offense from using a lot of three-wideout sets. ... FS Sean Taylor needs to make better decisions on deep routes. Too often, he focuses on big-name receivers, leaving the middle open for other capable receivers. When the team is in a two-deep zone and Taylor shifts toward a premier receiver, it often leaves MLB Lemar Marshall covering a wide receiver--not a favorable matchup. PROBLEM SPOT: The once solid defense is faltering. Fundamental breakdowns in tackling have been an issue against the running game, and the secondary has been vulnerable against the passing game because the team's blitz packages are being neutralized. If the blitzers don't get to the quarterback, it leaves the other defensive backs and linebackers exposed. This has resulted in big plays and long drives late in games.--Paul Woody

NFC east

Sporting News, The, Dec 2, 2005

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