NFC east.(NFL)

DALLAS COWBOYS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The offensive line needs to be upgraded, and the team must decide whether to use a zone blocking of a man blocking scheme in the running game. It used both this season. A zone scheme would require smaller, quicker linemen; a man scheme would require more depth because Gs Larry Allen and Marco Rivera are on the decline. Ideally, the team would add a true free safety--Keith Davis is vulnerable to play-action passes. Another speed receiver is needed; Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn are in their 30s, and Patrick Crayton isn't enough of a threat. There's a good chance RE Greg Ellis and NT La'Roi Glover will leave--they don't appear to be good fits in the 3-4. FINAL GRADES: Offense: C+. More consistency would have meant a playoff berth. Defense: B+. Fifteen players put up sacks for a much-improved unit. Special teams: D. Missed field-goal tries proved costly. Coaching: B. By keeping this team on an even keel, Bill Parcells did one of his best jobs.--Jean-Jacques Taylor

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The team must address several areas to get back to an elite level. On defense, the front four needs to be revised. The team could look at E Kyle Vanden Bosch (Titans) and T Larry Tripplett (Colts) or T Rocky Bernard (Seahawks). Vanden Bosch would complement Jevon Kearse, and Tripplett or Bernard would provide a tackle who could pressure the quarterback. The team needs an outside linebacker who can blitz, but this staff has not been able to find one in the draft. Even if WR Todd Pinkston (Achilles') returns, the team needs a big veteran receiver. Eric Moulds (Bills) or Joe Jurevicius (Seahawks) might fit in. It also needs a reliable backup quarterback and to re-sign RT Jon Runyan. FINAL GRADES: Offense: D. As soon as WR Terrell Owens departed, so did yards and points. Defense: D. It gave up the most points in Jim Johnson's tenure. Special teams: C+. It was the only area that improved by season's end. ...