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NFC team reports: Camp work intensifies
SN correspondents
Magazine Exclusive
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
Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is trying to get tight end Jason Witten even more involved in the offense, especially by having him stretch the defense down the middle of the field. Witten has too much speed for linebackers and too much size for safeties, so Garrett wants to take advantage by making him a big-play threat -- not just a possession receiver. Garrett knows how valuable Jay Novacek was to the offense and wants Witten to have a similar impact.
New York Giants
Kicker Lawrence Tynes will compete for a job with first-year pro Josh Huston. Tynes is the favorite because of his experience. He has decent leg strength and good accuracy, though he was erratic at times last season. Coaches probably don't want to leave kicking duties to the untested Huston, especially in Tom Coughlin's make-or-break season. But they are enamored with Huston's leg strength and accuracy in spring drills. Huston is recovering from an appendectomy, but when he returns he will face increased pressure. Tynes would likely have to struggle all summer for Huston to win the job.
Philadelphia Eagles
Look for the team to continue to emphasize the run. It did so last season after coach Andy Reid turned over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and had better run-pass balance. That helped the team's division title run. The offense will always lean toward the pass, especially with Donovan McNabb healthy, but more running plays are likely. Third-round pick Tony Hunt adds backfield depth behind starter Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter.
Washington Commanders Outside linebacker Marcus Washington is rounding into shape after left hip surgery. He is lifting to strengthen his hip and leg and probably will not go full speed until training camp. Just having Washington on the mend is a plus. Washington is the team's best all-around linebacker. He is a sure tackler, is capable in coverage and has speed and explosion to rush the passer. The bum hip hampered Washington last season but he never used it as an excuse. Washington gives the team more than physical ability, though. When healthy, he goes non-stop at all times. The defense missed his intensity last season.
__________________
for more updates visit http://gryphononcowboys.blogspot.com/
SN correspondents
Magazine Exclusive
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
Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is trying to get tight end Jason Witten even more involved in the offense, especially by having him stretch the defense down the middle of the field. Witten has too much speed for linebackers and too much size for safeties, so Garrett wants to take advantage by making him a big-play threat -- not just a possession receiver. Garrett knows how valuable Jay Novacek was to the offense and wants Witten to have a similar impact.
New York Giants
Kicker Lawrence Tynes will compete for a job with first-year pro Josh Huston. Tynes is the favorite because of his experience. He has decent leg strength and good accuracy, though he was erratic at times last season. Coaches probably don't want to leave kicking duties to the untested Huston, especially in Tom Coughlin's make-or-break season. But they are enamored with Huston's leg strength and accuracy in spring drills. Huston is recovering from an appendectomy, but when he returns he will face increased pressure. Tynes would likely have to struggle all summer for Huston to win the job.
Philadelphia Eagles
Look for the team to continue to emphasize the run. It did so last season after coach Andy Reid turned over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and had better run-pass balance. That helped the team's division title run. The offense will always lean toward the pass, especially with Donovan McNabb healthy, but more running plays are likely. Third-round pick Tony Hunt adds backfield depth behind starter Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter.
Washington Commanders Outside linebacker Marcus Washington is rounding into shape after left hip surgery. He is lifting to strengthen his hip and leg and probably will not go full speed until training camp. Just having Washington on the mend is a plus. Washington is the team's best all-around linebacker. He is a sure tackler, is capable in coverage and has speed and explosion to rush the passer. The bum hip hampered Washington last season but he never used it as an excuse. Washington gives the team more than physical ability, though. When healthy, he goes non-stop at all times. The defense missed his intensity last season.
__________________
for more updates visit http://gryphononcowboys.blogspot.com/
