NFC east.(NFL)(National Football Conference)

DALLAS COWBOYS

QB Vinny Testaverde was sacked only four times in the first four games, in part because the team devotes a lot of practice time to protecting against the blitz. Coach Bill Parcells has used the same protections for years. So the longer players are with him, the more efficiently they run his protections. ... Parcells wasn't patient with the running game in the first three games--and Dallas had only 70 attempts. In the loss to the Giants, the Cowboys ran 30 times and averaged 5.5 yards per carry. Parcells wants to run 50 percent of the time. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: DE Grey Ellis is the Cowboys' most versatile pass rusher, and they try to take advantage of that by lining him up against the most favorable matchup in the opposing line. He rushes from both end spots and also moves inside in some nickel packages. When he rushes from the tackle position, the Cowboys hope his superior pass-rush skills will allow him to collapse the pocket and make it difficult for the quarterback to step up and deliver the ball.--Jean-Jacques Taylor

NEW YORK GIANTS

Amani Toomer bristles when he isn't mentioned among the league's elite receivers, believing his modest stats have more to do with the team's style than his ability. No matter the numbers, he is a good fit for the Giants. He is not a burner but has enough speed to get separation downfield. His size (6-3, 208) and hands make him effective on slants and out patterns that require him to get position against smaller defenders. ... The team continues to give more of the load on offense to RB Tiki Barber because of his consistency. The trick will be to keep Barber from wearing down. So far, he has shown no signs of fatigue and has not lost a fumble. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The team has been hurt in the past by a lack of depth on both lines. But the backups have improved dramatically, especially on defense. Now there is a legitimate seven-man rotation that allows everyone to stay fresh. LE Michael Strahan rarely leaves the game, but everyone else does.--Neil Best

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

LE Renaldo Wynn is more active, ...