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DALLAS COWBOYS
WR Peerless Price will replace Patrick Crayton (ankle), who is out for the season. Crayton was a key part of the nickel offense. Price did most of his damage out of the slot during a standout 2002 season, but he has been a disappointment since then. He's not a physical blocker, so look for the club to move Keyshawn Johnson into the slot and let him handle much of the blocking. ... ILB Scott Shanle has become one of coach Bill Parcells' favorite players. Shanle is OK in run defense, but he gets pushed around because he's not always physical at the point of attack. He's excellent in pass coverage because he has good instincts, makes sure tackles in the open field and is rarely out of position. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The defense has been excellent for much of the season--except when it comes to defending the deep ball. Most of the problems have occurred because Ss Keith Davis and Roy Williams are instinctive run defenders but only adequate pass defenders. Parcells expects them to give up fewer big plays as they learn more about coverages.--Jean-Jacques Taylor
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
FS Brian Dawkins continues to be among the best at his position. Dawkins, a 10-year veteran, has not lost any of his intensity and plays with fierce, reckless abandon. Dawkins can be used in a variety of ways. So far he has roamed center field more than usual, breaking up potential touchdowns in the end zone on three occasions and delivering big hits in almost every game. He can blitz when asked and already has 2 1/2 sacks. ... The team signed Zeke Moreno to back up MLB Jeremiah Trotter but more important, to boost its special teams. Moreno was released by Houston because of a shoulder injury but could be a good addition if he's healthy. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: Coordinator Jim Johnson prefers an aggressive style that attacks the quarterback and causes turnovers. But Johnson has not been able to get the kind of pass rush he needs from his front four. DEs Jevon Kearse and N.D. Kalu have not generated enough pressure, and OLBs Keith Adams and Dhani Jones have been ineffective on blitzes. And when blitzes fail, coverage can be in trouble.--Mark Eckel
NEW YORK GIANTS
Tim Carter has ...