NFC east

DALLAS COWBOYS

There's little doubt RB Eddie George's first season in Dallas will be his last. He was inactive for the first time in his career against the Saints. Coach Bill Parcells says it's difficult for him to take more than four running backs into a game, and George is the odd man out because of his limited role.... DE Marcellus Wiley, who struggled in the first half of the season, is starting to pressure quarterbacks more consistently. One reason is Wiley finally is getting used to playing right end again after spending the past three seasons on the left side. It might not sound like a big deal, but it has been difficult for Wiley to play with his fight hand on the ground because it feels uncomfortable to him.

PROBLEM SPOT: The Cowboys' touchdown efficiency in the red zone has improved from 47.6 percent (10 of 21 possessions) in the first nine games to 77.7 (seven of nine) in the three games rookie RB Julius Jones has started. Jones' presence as a runner opens up the play-action pass and forces at least one safety to pay attention to him, giving more room to WRs Keyshawn Johnson and Quincy Morgan.--Jean-Jacques Taylor

NEW YORK GIANTS

The complex schemes and aggressive approaches opponents are using seem to be getting to QB Eli Manning. Coach Tom Coughlin will stick with the rookie, preferring that he get game experience. Manning must learn not to rush throws despite heavy pressure; he has a strong arm when given time to throw. The hope is that with this year's experience and offseason help on the line and at receiver, he'll flourish in 2005.... Rookie LB Reggie Torbor is getting experience as a situational end in pass-rushing situations; against the Ravens, he forced a fumble the team returned for a touchdown. But Torbor needs to play regularly at linebacker next season. He's a natural strongside player, but Carlos Emmons figures to be back at that spot. PROBLEM SPOT: The team set a franchise record for penalties with 127 in 2003 and continues to kill itself with flags, with 101 for 812 yards in '04.There have been fewer false starts recently but too many of the 10- and 15-yard calls that do greater damage. Players must improve their concentration and attention to detail.--Neil Best

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

RE Derrick Burgess' sternum injury caused a line shuffle, but that setup was disrupted by injuries suffered in Sunday's victory over the Redskins. DT Hollis Thomas, the team's best run stopper, had been moved into the starting lineup, but he dislocated an elbow and likely is out for the season. DT Corey Simon suffered a back injury and didn't return. Burgess could be back for the team's first playoff game.... RB Brian Westbrook has become almost as integral to the offense as QB Donovan McNabb and WR Terrell Owens. Westbrook is as dangerous as a receiver as he is as a runner. He has good speed, not blazing, and has uncanny moves. PROBLEM SPOT: Depth on the offensive line appeared to be a problem when first-round pick Shawn Andrews suffered a broken leg in the opener and top backup Artis Hicks was inserted at left guard and then battled a knee injury. RG Jermane Mayberry has been bothered by a calf injury. But there are encouraging signs. For instance, backups Steve Sciullo and Alonzo Ephraim started against Green Bay, and the offense rolled for more than 500 yards and scored 47 points.--Mark Eckel

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

The receivers haven't hit their stride in the passing game but have been doing other things to help the offense, Laveranues Coles, Rod Gardner and James Thrash are excellent downfield blockers. They do a good job of locking up defensive backs and safeties to make way for RB Clinton Portis.... If RB Ladell Betts had been able to avoid injuries in his first two seasons, he might be a starter right now and Portis might never have been acquired. This season, Betts has been healthy and has earned the confidence of coach Joe Gibbs as a backup. Betts is a tough inside runner, hits holes quickly and has enough power to shake off tackles and get into the secondary. He also can return kickoffs; he brought back four kicks for 137 yards against the Eagles on Sunday. PROBLEM SPOT: The Redskins are missing a true pass-rushing defensive lineman. They have rotated several players at right end. All have stood their ground against the run, but none has provided an intense pass rush. That pressure has had to come from the linebackers and defensive backs on blitzes.--Paul Woody

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