NFC east.(NFL)

DALLAS COWBOYS

Torrin Tucker is starting at left tackle in place of Flozell Adams (knee), who's out for the season. Tucker is a physical player who can be solid, but he's sometimes confused by teams that use multiple fronts. When that happens, Tucker is tentative and becomes a marginal player. The team also signed OT Ethan Brooks, a smart veteran who struggles in space, as insurance.... One flaw in rookie OLB DeMarcus Ware's game: He doesn't always take the proper angle against the run, putting himself out of position when he tries to force outside runs inside. OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: Despite Drew Bledsoe's passing success, coach Bill Parcells doesn't want to make him the focal point of the offense. Parcells wants to pound the opposition with the running game and take pressure off Bledsoe and a line that's inexperienced at both tackle spots. When opponents have to respect the run, the play-action passing game tends to open up--something WR Terry Glenn has taken advantage of this season.--Jean-Jacques Taylor

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

CB Sheldon Brown didn't make many big plays last season, but he has scored on fumble and interception returns this season, and he forced the fumble that sealed the win over the Chargers. Brown already has two interceptions, which matches his 2004 total.... RB Brian Westbrook, a free agent after the season, has complained about his lack of use. He has averaged 11 carries per game and might be worried his low rushing production will hurt him in the free-agent market..., F8 Josh Parry, a linebacker in college, has become a good lead blocker and can pick up the blitz. He occasionally will be used as a receiver, but he needs to improve his receiving skills. OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The Eagles always have been a pass-first team, but this year coach Andy Reid has taken it to a higher level, Calling pass plays about 75 percent of the time. Reid believes a short pass is as effective as a running play, and each game he relies more on short throws. QB Donovan McNabb has weapons around him, and the line has protected him well. The team, though, still must find more balance.--Mark Eckel

NEW YORK GIANTS

Shaun Williams is playing better than any of the Giants' safeties, but he's not starting. He could replace Brent Alexander at the free safety spot. SS Gibril Wilson's job appears safe; the Giants think he is a rising star.... CB Curtis Deloatch's height (6-2) and long arms convinced the Giants to sign him last year as an undrafted free agent, but he has quickly shown he has more than height and reach. He has been solid in coverage and usually is in position to at least deflect incoming passes. As with all of the Giants' corners, he lacks big-play ability. He breaks up but doesn't intercept passes. OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The offense has been the best part of the Giants' game, thanks to the quick development of QB Eli Manning. The tear, bragged over the summer that ...