Positional debates critical to each team's '07 success

NFC EAST

	Running back Marion Barber had 16 touchdowns for the Cowboys last season. Bob Rosato/SI
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DALLAS COWBOYS

Should Marion Barber replace Julius Jones as the feature back?

Barber's tough, physical running style makes him an ideal runner in the Cowboys' power offense and he should be better than Jones over the course of a 16-game season. After rushing for over 90 or more yards in five of the first seven contests, Jones only rushed for over 100 yards once and failed to gain over 75 yards in the remaining contests. His declining production over the course of the season is a concern and one of the reasons why changing their roles makes the most sense.

NEW YORK GIANTS

How do the Giants replace Tiki Barber's production?

Tiki Barber accounted for over 40 percent of the Giants total offense last season and had rushed for over 1,500 yards in three consecutive seasons. Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns will fill the void in the running game. Their running game shouldn't miss a beat, but replacing Barber in the passing game will be the biggest problem. He was the team's third-leading receiver last season and a major part of their passing attack throughout his career. New offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride favors a one-back set featuring three and four receivers, so expect Sinorice Moss and Steve Smith to see more balls head in their direction to ease the loss of Barber.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Can the Eagles continue to be a high-powered offense without a big-name receiver?

After Donovan McNabb was injured last season, they relied more on running back Brian Westbrook. His emergence as a runner forced defenses to put eight defenders in the box, which created big play opportunities in the passing game even though there was no classic No. 1 wideout. Reggie Brown and Hank Baskett quietly averaged over 17 yards per reception and combined for 29 receptions over 20 yards. Throw in tight end L.J. Smith and free-agent signee Kevin Curtis and the Eagles will be OK.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

How will the addition of LaRon Landry improve the Redskins weak pass rush?

Landry teams with Pro Bowler Sean Taylor to give the Skins arguably the best safety tandem in the NFL. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams loves to bring pressure from all angles and now has more options with Landry and Taylor possessing the same set of skills in the back end. Each can play in the deep middle of the field and both are skilled blitzers off the edge. Williams is a disciple of Buddy Ryan and Jeff Fisher, who both used the "46" defense extensively to pressure the quarterback. With the addition of Landry and the increased confidence in their corners -- Shawn Springs, Carlos Rogers and Fred Smoot -- the Redskins will increase their sack totals by relying on exotic blitzes instead of sitting back in conventional coverage.