Team report rundown: NFC East only
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 EAST team reports.
East Division
Dallas Cowboys
LT Flozell Adams already has seven penalties this season, which is too many for a player of his talent and pedigree. When focused, Adams can be a terrific run blocker and a good pass protector. He has good feet and a great physique for a tackle, although, like Colombo, he struggles with speed rushers because he's not a fluid, nimble lineman. If Adams can limit his procedure penalties and play with more focus and intensity, he can be a dominant lineman.
New York Giants
Determined to befuddle opposing offenses, the Giants have lined up DE Osi Umenyiora in different spots rather than leave him at right defensive end and have everyone know where he is. Gaining strength, Umenyiora is emerging as a multi-dimensional pass-rusher after arriving on the scene primarily as a speed rusher off the edge. Lined up inside, he has the ability to bull-rush opposing guards and centers despite a lack of bulk, and even when he's stationed at his regular end spot, he has taken to using an inside move along with his speed moves to the outside.
Philadelphia Eagles
It may not be his entire fault, but WR Reggie Brown is not putting up the numbers expected from him as the flanker in the West Coast offense. Brown, in his third season, was looking for a breakout season after a strong second half last season with Jeff Garcia at quarterback. That might be part of it as well. It appears Brown and Donovan McNabb lack the chemistry that the league's top quarterback-wideout combinations have. Brown does not look to be McNabb's first read on most plays.
Washington Redskins
Andre Carter is off to a Pro-Bowl type start at defensive end. He has four sacks, is getting good pressure on the quarterback and is playing the run better than anyone would expect from a pass rusher. Carter is in excellent shape, is playing with his pad level low and has shown a strong motor. He is thinking quickly on his feet and reacting well when his first move is stopped. He keeps his feet moving, which enables him to break contact with blockers and get on top of the quarterback. He is more comfortable in the defense and has gotten used to playing at end again after spending time at linebacker in San Francisco before joining Washington. If Carter can maintain his current pace, he'll force teams to account for him with two blockers, opening up things for everyone else on the line.
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 EAST team reports.
East Division
Dallas Cowboys
LT Flozell Adams already has seven penalties this season, which is too many for a player of his talent and pedigree. When focused, Adams can be a terrific run blocker and a good pass protector. He has good feet and a great physique for a tackle, although, like Colombo, he struggles with speed rushers because he's not a fluid, nimble lineman. If Adams can limit his procedure penalties and play with more focus and intensity, he can be a dominant lineman.
New York Giants
Determined to befuddle opposing offenses, the Giants have lined up DE Osi Umenyiora in different spots rather than leave him at right defensive end and have everyone know where he is. Gaining strength, Umenyiora is emerging as a multi-dimensional pass-rusher after arriving on the scene primarily as a speed rusher off the edge. Lined up inside, he has the ability to bull-rush opposing guards and centers despite a lack of bulk, and even when he's stationed at his regular end spot, he has taken to using an inside move along with his speed moves to the outside.
Philadelphia Eagles
It may not be his entire fault, but WR Reggie Brown is not putting up the numbers expected from him as the flanker in the West Coast offense. Brown, in his third season, was looking for a breakout season after a strong second half last season with Jeff Garcia at quarterback. That might be part of it as well. It appears Brown and Donovan McNabb lack the chemistry that the league's top quarterback-wideout combinations have. Brown does not look to be McNabb's first read on most plays.
Washington Redskins
Andre Carter is off to a Pro-Bowl type start at defensive end. He has four sacks, is getting good pressure on the quarterback and is playing the run better than anyone would expect from a pass rusher. Carter is in excellent shape, is playing with his pad level low and has shown a strong motor. He is thinking quickly on his feet and reacting well when his first move is stopped. He keeps his feet moving, which enables him to break contact with blockers and get on top of the quarterback. He is more comfortable in the defense and has gotten used to playing at end again after spending time at linebacker in San Francisco before joining Washington. If Carter can maintain his current pace, he'll force teams to account for him with two blockers, opening up things for everyone else on the line.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:45 PM
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