NFC team report rundown (NFC East only)
Posted: September 18, 2007
SN correspondents
Each week, Sporting News correspondents provide insight and analysis on every NFL team. Here's a sample of what you'll find in the latest NFC team reports.
East Division
Dallas Cowboys
Head coach Wade Phillips is supposed to be among the best at generating pressure on the quarterback, but the Cowboys haven't managed to do it yet. They sacked Dolphins QB Trent Green twice in Week 2, but one of the sacks came on the last play of the game. And Dallas also struggled to get consistent pressure on Giants QB Eli Manning in Week 1. The Cowboys are stunting and blitzing more than ever but still haven't had much success getting to the quarterback, which is a concern. With Phillips as their defensive coordinator last season, the Chargers led the NFL with 61 sacks. DeMarcus Ware, the Cowboys' best pass-rusher, is still looking for his first sack. He had 11 1/2 last year.
New York Giants
The pass defense was the Achilles' heel of the defense in 2006, and it appears the same is true this season. In Week 1, the Giants allowed Cowboys QB Tony Romo to throw for 345 yards and four touchdowns, and the secondary was shredded again in Week 2 by Packers QB Brett Favre. The unit has no gifted ballhawks and is hurt by a glaring lack of speed. It doesn't help that some of the defensive backs are either on the downside of their careers (Madison) or not yet ready for prime time (rookie first-rounder Aaron Ross). SS James Butler has been elevated into the starting lineup but doesn't appear to be the answer, and FS Gibril Wilson is a big hitter who often doesn't get to his target in time. The slow development of CB Corey Webster, a 2005 second-round pick, has dealt the unit a major setback. Webster has battled through injuries and major difficulties in picking up the schemes during his NFL career.
Philadelphia Eagles
It took center Jamaal Jackson three years to get on the field for the Eagles after one year on the practice squad and another on injured reserve. After starting the final eight games of the 2005 season, he emerged as a starter last year and now is developing into one of the team's top linemen. Jackson (6-4, 330) used his good size to overpower opponents in the run game and is also stout in pass protection. While still relatively new to the position, he was a tackle in college, Jackson has become adept at making all of the line calls.
Washington Redskins
Fred Smoot never will be able to play at a level equal to the level at which he talks. No player could. Smoot has returned to the team, and while his cover skills have not improved greatly, he is a better tackler now than when he left. He is doing a better job of keeping receivers in front of him, and he does a good job of playing the defense that is called. Smoot is quick enough and experienced enough to make sharp breaks on the ball. His next goal is to hold on to the balls that hit him in the hands and chest. The team needs turnovers and Smoot was brought back to help create those. Smoot still can be beaten deep and he's vulnerable on deep in-routes. But he has solid technique, uses his hands well to maintain contact with the receiver and covers well in space. He should be a solid starter for the team for several more seasons.
SN correspondents
Each week, Sporting News correspondents provide insight and analysis on every NFL team. Here's a sample of what you'll find in the latest NFC team reports.
East Division
Dallas Cowboys
Head coach Wade Phillips is supposed to be among the best at generating pressure on the quarterback, but the Cowboys haven't managed to do it yet. They sacked Dolphins QB Trent Green twice in Week 2, but one of the sacks came on the last play of the game. And Dallas also struggled to get consistent pressure on Giants QB Eli Manning in Week 1. The Cowboys are stunting and blitzing more than ever but still haven't had much success getting to the quarterback, which is a concern. With Phillips as their defensive coordinator last season, the Chargers led the NFL with 61 sacks. DeMarcus Ware, the Cowboys' best pass-rusher, is still looking for his first sack. He had 11 1/2 last year.
New York Giants
The pass defense was the Achilles' heel of the defense in 2006, and it appears the same is true this season. In Week 1, the Giants allowed Cowboys QB Tony Romo to throw for 345 yards and four touchdowns, and the secondary was shredded again in Week 2 by Packers QB Brett Favre. The unit has no gifted ballhawks and is hurt by a glaring lack of speed. It doesn't help that some of the defensive backs are either on the downside of their careers (Madison) or not yet ready for prime time (rookie first-rounder Aaron Ross). SS James Butler has been elevated into the starting lineup but doesn't appear to be the answer, and FS Gibril Wilson is a big hitter who often doesn't get to his target in time. The slow development of CB Corey Webster, a 2005 second-round pick, has dealt the unit a major setback. Webster has battled through injuries and major difficulties in picking up the schemes during his NFL career.
Philadelphia Eagles
It took center Jamaal Jackson three years to get on the field for the Eagles after one year on the practice squad and another on injured reserve. After starting the final eight games of the 2005 season, he emerged as a starter last year and now is developing into one of the team's top linemen. Jackson (6-4, 330) used his good size to overpower opponents in the run game and is also stout in pass protection. While still relatively new to the position, he was a tackle in college, Jackson has become adept at making all of the line calls.
Washington Redskins
Fred Smoot never will be able to play at a level equal to the level at which he talks. No player could. Smoot has returned to the team, and while his cover skills have not improved greatly, he is a better tackler now than when he left. He is doing a better job of keeping receivers in front of him, and he does a good job of playing the defense that is called. Smoot is quick enough and experienced enough to make sharp breaks on the ball. His next goal is to hold on to the balls that hit him in the hands and chest. The team needs turnovers and Smoot was brought back to help create those. Smoot still can be beaten deep and he's vulnerable on deep in-routes. But he has solid technique, uses his hands well to maintain contact with the receiver and covers well in space. He should be a solid starter for the team for several more seasons.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:48 PM
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