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Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid delivered the sobering news Wednesday that King Dunlap would start in place of Jason Peters at left tackle against the Falcons on Sunday. Dunlap gave up three sacks against the 49ers while filling in for Peters, who has a torn meniscus and will undergo surgery Thursday. Reid thinks a full week of practice will put Dunlap in a better position to succeed.

"He had a couple plays that he would have liked to have back," Reid said of Dunlap's performance Sunday. "But the rest of it I thought he did a good job with. And I’m sure he’ll tell you the same thing -- there are some things that he’ll work on this week. It will be good for him to have some practice here. He didn’t have a chance to get out there and practice with the ones, so he’ll get in and have that opportunity and see how he does."

Reid also provided the following update on Michael Vick, who will not practice today.

"He had swelling on the right side, more so than the left where the actual crack was," Reid said of Vick's ribs. "That swelling has gone down. Right now I can’t tell you that he’s pain free and I’m not going to tell you that; he still has pain. He started lifting light weight. He hasn’t thrown, but he’s made big jumps, big strides over the few days."

Starting left guard Todd Herremans (knee) and running back LeSean McCoy will sit out Wednesday's practice, but Reid expects them back Thursday.

In other news, the Eagles traded Mike Bell for Browns running back Jerome Harrison, who was productive for Cleveland in '09 but has struggled this season. Harrison's believed to be quicker than Bell and have better hands out of the backfield.

The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired offensive lineman Reggie Wells from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for an undisclosed draft choice in 2011. The Eagles also got a head start by trimming 10 players from their roster.

Wells, 29, started all 16 regular-season games and both playoff games for the Cardinals in '09. A sixth-round draft pick of Arizona in '03, Wells (6-foot-4, 314 pounds) has started 70 consecutive games (64 in the regular season, plus six in the postseason). He has starting experience at left guard, right tackle and left tackle, according to the Eagles.

“We’re adding a player that has started several seasons in the National Football League and has played at a very high level during the course of his career,” said coach Andy Reid on Friday. “He has experience at several different positions along the offensive line and he will be a welcome addition to that group. You can never have enough depth at that position as you go through an NFL season.”

The Eagles also announced they have placed defensive end Victor Abiamiri on the reserve/PUP list and released the following 10 players: Running backJ.J. Arrington, receiverDobson Collins, defensive endPannel Egboh, tight endNate Lawrie, running back Martell Mallett, tackleJeraill McCuller, cornerbackDavid Pender, cornerbackGeoff Pope, defensive tackleBoo Robinson, and safety Anthony Scirrotto.

By being placed on the Reserve/PUP list, Abiamiri is not eligible to play in the team’s first six regular-season games. After the sixth game, the team has three weeks to decide whether to activate Abiamiri to the 53-man roster. If he is not activated during that time period, he is placed on the season-ending Injured Reserve list.

By releasing Arrington, the Eagles will now receive a sixth-round pick from the Broncos in 2012. No big surprises with this initial cut. Mallett had his moments early in the preseason, but the Eagles feel like they have enough depth at running back with LeSean McCoy, Mike Bell and Eldra Buckley. It helps that fullback Leonard Weaver can basically perform like a tailback in Reid's offense.

Right now, the Eagles have 65 players on the roster. Wells will likely compete for playing time at right guard with Stacy Andrews and Nick Cole.

Could the Eagles end up cutting Andrews? It's possible.

Let's go around the division to see what's happening this morning:

Cowboys

• Dez Bryant is getting closer to returning to the practice field, according to ESPNDallas.com's Tim MacMahon.
• Jerry Jones wants Bill Parcells to see Cowboys Stadium in person, writes DallasNews.com's Todd Archer.
• Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says Jay Ratliff has emerged as an off-the-field leader.
• Dallas Morning News sidebar specialist Gerry Fraley says the Cowboys will play it close to the vest Saturday night.

Eagles

• Paul Domowitch of the Daily News says the owners have the most to gain from an 18-game regular-season schedule, which may have something to do with them constantly pushing that agenda.
• Bob Ford of the Inquirer is trying to crunch the numbers at linebacker.
• Les Bowen says there are jobs at stake in tonight's preseason tilt with the Chiefs.
• Les will have his eye on Todd Herremans and Mike Bell this evening.
• Jonathan Tamari of the Inquirer offers this preview for tonight's game.

Giants

• Rhett Bomar has closed the gap on Jim Sorgi, according to the Daily News.
• Kevin Boss spoke to New York's 1050 ESPN about his training camp.
• Brian Lewis seems to indicate that Sinorice Moss is in denial about the possibility of losing his roster spot.
• Defensive tackle Jay Alford is pushing his surgically repaired knee to the limit, writes the Star-Ledgers' mad tweeter Mike Garafolo.

Redskins

• Lorenzo Alexander says that Clinton Portis is taking his job seriously under the Mike Shanahan regime.
• Safeties Reed Doughty and Chris Horton have been through a lot together during a relatively short period of time.
• Some interesting thoughts from Trevor Pryce on the Shanahan-Albert Haynesworth feud.

The Beast is currently operating out of our Albany, N.Y., bureau, but we're still keeping an eye on the rest of the division. The Philadelphia Eagles had two more players carted off the field Sunday, both due to hamstring injuries. Cornerback Asante Samuel and running back Mike Bell suffered hamstring injuries the day after Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson went down with a back injury.

By the time we make it to Lehigh on Tuesday, coach Andy Reid may have to shut things down. This is the second straight year the Eagles have battled injury problems early in camp. But I will say that Samuel provided one of his most memorable quotes when asked when he might return.

"I'm not a mad scientist," Samuel said after practice. "I might be out there tomorrow."

And for those of us who rushed to judgment about Samuel perhaps being a "mad scientist," I think an apology is in order. Samuel rarely addresses reporters, so it's helpful that he brought some clarity to the situation. In other injury news, guard Max Jean-Gilles (dehydration) and center A.Q. Shipley (ankle) also left practice with injuries. Without a mad scientist on hand, it's unclear how much time they will miss.

The Beast will continue to monitor this situation from Albany.

I know we haven't done a ton of fantasy stuff on the Beast, but I'm willing to change that if you guys are interested. ESPN.com's Matt Berry delivered his voluminous "Guys I Love, Guys I Hate" column on Tuesday and it's packed with helpful information about players from the NFC East.

The players in the "love" category are the ones Berry recommends drafting a round or two early. His "hate" list includes players whom he deems to be overvalued or have boring Twitter accounts. Redskins fans might be pleased to know that Berry's bullish on running back Clinton Portis:

People are gonna say this is me being a Redskins homer for this pick, but seriously, he's been a first- or second-round pick every year of his career and these days he's going in the eighth, writes Berry. People are concerned about the Russian roulette Mike Shanahan is known for playing with running backs, but Portis had his most productive years playing under Shanny.

People are worried about his health, but prior to last year, he had two straight years of playing all 16 games and had missed just 12 games in the seven years prior to '09. People are worried about all the other running backs there, but I'm not sure Willie Parker makes the team and I actually think Larry Johnson being there helps, as it will save a little wear and tear on Portis during the year. In short, I disagree with the people. One last thing and, this will shock you … he's only 29. Oh, it's an old 29. But still. Just 29 and a better-than-average chance to be the lead back on a decent offense. Eighth round. Come on.

In other Skins news, Berry thinks Santana Moss and Devin Thomas will have excellent value in the later rounds. He even makes an interesting comparison between Moss and the Eagles' DeSean Jackson. And it's not a favorable comparison for Jackson.

So which NFC East players does Berry "hate?" Well, he thinks some of you will draft Eagles running back LeSean McCoy a little too early. Here's what Berry did with McCoy's stats:

In each of the past three seasons, the Eagles have been in the bottom 10 in rush attempts. Offensive touches for the 2009 Eagles inside an opponent's 10-yard line:
LeSean McCoy 8
Leonard Weaver 8
Brian Westbrook 7
Brent Celek 6
Michael Vick 4
Eldra Buckley 3
Jason Avant 2
Donovan McNabb 2
Reggie Brown, Kevin Kolb, Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson -- 1 each.
Look, I think he'll be good. What I don't think is he's the reincarnation of Brian Westbrook. He's not the run-blocker or pass-catcher that Westbrook was in this offense. They have a lot of guys, including newly acquired Mike Bell, Leonard Weaver and Mike Vick around the goal line not to mention Jackson, Maclin and Celek.

And if you'd like to find out why Berry "hates" Donovan McNabb, read the full column.

Let's take a quick spin around the division during the NFL's so-called "dead" period:

Cowboys

• Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com thinks Dez Bryant could have a tough time surpassing Roy Williams.
• Drew Pearson has some Super thoughts about the Cowboys.
• Bradie James, DeMarcus Ware and Michael Hamlin all played in a celebrity baseball game Saturday.
• People Magazine pulls back the curtain on Miles Austin.

Eagles

• Roger Goodell wants to know why one of Michael Vick's co-defendants in the dogfighting case was hanging out near the quarterback.
• Mike Bell's hoping to open up his game with the Eagles.
• Will the Eagles return to the playoffs in 2010? Sheil Kapadia's looking into this question today.

Giants

• Mike Garafolo does a really nice job discussing rookie Chad Jones' contract situation with the Giants.
• Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese spoke to Jones via phone and the Giants sent a representative to the hospital.
• Paul Schwartz of the Post has more on the Giants' response.

Redskins

• Redskins blogger Rich Tandler has a point-counterpoint discussion with himself regarding Albert Haynesworth.
• DeAngelo Hall wants to make it clear he was not at Vick's 30th birthday party.

» NFC On the Radar: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

A player, coach or issue that should be on your radar as training camp approaches.

The NFC East teams have an embarrassment of riches at certain positions. The Eagles, Cowboys and Giants are remarkably deep at wide receiver and some of the league's elite pass-rushers reside here. But running back is sort of a mixed bag, so let's compare the different rotations in the Beast in this week's edition of "On the radar," which is now syndicated in more than 37 countries and East Texas.

In Washington, Mike Shanahan must be hoping for a magic time machine, preferably one that returns his backs to the '06 season. Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker were at the top of their games four seasons ago, but they've been in steady decline since. Actually, Portis had an excellent first half of the season in '08 before trailing off because of injuries. I think the Redskins have the weakest group of the four teams. There's not a home-run threat in that bunch, which makes life easier on opponents.

I think the Cowboys will have the best unit if Marion Barber and his leaner frame can stave off injuries. He's looked a lot quicker in practice sessions this offseason and there's a chance he regains his '07 form, which led to a lucrative contract extension. Felix Jones is the biggest home-run threat in the division because of his speed and quickness. Offensive linemen don't have to hold their blocks as long when Jones is in the backfield. And with Tashard Choice as the third back, the Cowboys could have something similar to what the Giants featured during their Super Bowl season ('07).

I have the Giants and Eagles neck and neck at running back. Ahmad Bradshaw's going to be the X factor because he has the potential to be a dominant back. But there are questions about his durability after watching him hobble around in protective boots last season. If Bradshaw's truly 100 percent, he's capable of being the best running back in the division. Seriously. I think some of us have forgotten those carries during the Giants' playoff run.

Brandon Jacobs will have a hard time holding on to his starting spot, but he's a proud enough player that he might find a way. He was too tentative last season. He gave the Giants their offensive identity in '07 and '08. Like Barber, he needs to somehow regain that form. I think Gartrell Johnson has a good shot to be the third running back. It just seems like Andre Brown has fallen too far behind in his developmental process following a ruptured Achilles tendon in last year's training camp. You don't hear about a lot of backs making full recoveries from that particular injury.

With the Eagles, I'm anxious to see how LeSean McCoy handles the feature role. He's obviously started games in the league, but he had Brian Westbrook around to point him in the right direction. McCoy needs to become more consistent catching the ball. If he's able to do that, he has the potential to be a Westbrook-type player. I watched Mike Bell a couple of weeks ago and he's a little quicker than I remembered. I think he could be one of the most underrated pickups of the offseason. And we all know what Leonard Weaver can do from the fullback spot.

With a new quarterback in place, the running game will be more important than ever for the Eagles. Now we'll see if Andy Reid changes his approach. I have my doubts.

» NFC Under-The-Radar: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)

Each week leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: Under the radar needs.

Dallas Cowboys

We've spent a lot of time talking about the needs at safety and placekicker. And as I explained Tuesday evening, owner Jerry Jones feels like the competition between Connor Hughes and David Buehler will produce a suitable placekicker. I think that's a poor plan, but Jones did not seek my counsel during our lengthy discussion. So what are the Cowboys' biggest needs that no one's talking about?

Well, let's start with outside linebacker. Wade Phillips, a champion of outside linebackers, told me that this draft is full of talent at that spot. The Cowboys need someone to emerge behind DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. Phillips mentioned that former Texas Tech star Brandon Williams was showing signs of being up to the task before suffering an injury last preseason. Both Phillips and Ware are excited about Williams' future. The Cowboys also have second-year player Victor Butler, who had his moments in '09. But I still think the Cowboys will look for help in next month's draft. They'll probably go with an offensive lineman at No. 27 overall, but it wouldn't surprise me if that next pick was an outside linebacker.

Everyone knows that replacing Ken Hamlin at safety is also a point of emphasis with the Cowboys. That's why I think Dallas will keep a close eye on which player starts to slip in the first round. If teams get fascinated with all this left tackle depth, a couple of safeties might start to slide in the first round. But I think the Cowboys also will look to draft another cornerback. As the Eagles found out last season, you can never have enough corners. The Cowboys were pretty fortunate with injuries in '09, but they can't count on Terence Newman, Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick to make it through the season without getting banged up. So yes, I think cornerback is certainly an under-the-radar need.

New York Giants

We all assume the Giants will take a defensive player with the No. 15 pick. And Tom Coughlin basically confirmed that during the recent owners meetings. But don't be surprised if the Giants look to take another running back this season. I don't know whether Andre Brown (Achilles' tendon) will make a full return, so it's important to keep developing young backs. Both Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw were banged up in '09. The Giants need to create more depth at that position.

I also think tight end is an under-the-radar need. Kevin Boss has developed into a consistent threat, but the Giants need to identify and draft another tight end. I think Travis Beckum has some talent as he heads into his second season, but he's more of an H-back than a true tight end. Don't be surprised if the Giants go for a tight end in the third or fourth round. And keep the offensive and defensive linemen coming. General manager Jerry Reese knows that his offensive line is starting to show some age, so look for him to add depth via the draft. So far, last season's free agency moves with defensive tackles Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard look pretty sketchy, so they'll have to address that position as well.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles have some rather glaring needs at linebacker and safety. If you think Marlin Jackson's the automatic answer at free safety, you're a pretty optimistic Eagles fan. I don't trust a man who's had an ACL tear on each knee the past two seasons. So you have to take a long look at rookies such as Nate Allen and Taylor Mays and decide what you want to do at No. 24.

The Eagles also have an under-the-radar need at tight end. Brent Celek has emerged as one of the best in the league, but the Eagles could use a blocking tight end to help the running game. Mike Bell gives them more power in the backfield. Now, they have to open a hole or two in short-yardage situations. The Eagles have an excellent fullback, but let's not act like Leonard Weaver's some type of battering ram at that position.

In other news, it's time to draft some more cornerbacks. Sheldon Brown's starting to break down and Asante Samuel didn't play well down the stretch. His interception totals are nice, but the guy makes way too many mistakes. Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott was very frustrated with him at times. The Eagles have to create more depth at cornerback -- and the draft's a good place to start.

Washington Redskins

We know where Washington stands at quarterback and left tackle. I think Jason Campbell could do a nice job for Mike Shanahan, but so far, the coach isn't really embracing the incumbent starter. But those are the obvious needs. Honestly, there are no under-the-radar needs because the Redskins need help at pretty much every position. Maybe with the presence of Albert Haynesworth and Maake Kemoeatu, folks have been lulled into thinking the Redskins are OK at defensive tackle. But I don't think that's the case. If you can find a nose tackle early in the draft, you have to think about selecting him. Haynesworth's going to line up at defensive end the majority of the time. He wants no part of playing nose tackle, although he'll be there some of the time.

The Redskins would also be wise to look for inside linebackers for their new 3-4 scheme. If you think London Fletcher's going to succeed in a 3-4, you haven't studied the league. Little guys like Fletcher simply don't function well in this type of defense. Ask the Cowboys' former mighty mites Dat Nguyen and Dexter Coakley. It just doesn't work for 5-10 guys to be taking on 340-pound guards who are light on their feet. So yes, inside linebacker might qualify as an under-the-radar need.

The Redskins still have questions at punter and placekicker as well. They have needs all over the roster, so this could rank as the most important draft in the last 20 years. Nothing's really under-the-radar when it comes to this team's draft needs.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The New Orleans Saints have until Tuesday night at 11:59 p.m. ET to match the Eagles' $1.7 million offer to restricted free-agent running back Mike Bell. There's been some confusion on the issue because the Eagles thought the deadline was tonight. Coach Andy Reid told reporters Monday that he didn't expect the Saints to match the offer.

And before he was nearly stampeded with reporters, Reid talked about why the club released so many players recently.

"We felt it was the right thing to do," said Reid. "We go through that every year. I guess it was more drastic this year."

We'll have an opportunity to sit down to breakfast with Reid at 7 a.m. ET on Wednesday and ask some follow-up questions. I've spotted new Eagles general manager Howie Roseman and president Joe Banner a couple of times, but they've shown the ability to separate from reporters in routes.

In other Eagles news, linebacker Akeem Jordan has signed his second-round tender, which will pay him roughly $1.6 million in 2010. Apparently restricted free agent offensive lineman Nick Cole has not signed his tender, as a previous report indicated.

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Falling

Marcus Spears, Cowboys defensive end: If he signs his tender, he'll make less money in 2010 than two backups at defensive end, Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher. The Cowboys only gave Spears a first-round tender and it doesn't look like they're interested in giving him a contract extension. If Spears had been an unrestricted free agent, I think he would've generated some interest on the open market. He actually played well for the Cowboys in 2010. But he's obviously discouraged at this point and I think the Cowboys would be willing to trade him for a third-round pick. Spears has been a solid presence in the locker room, but apparently Wade Phillips thinks that Bowen and Hatcher are about to surpass him. We'll continue to monitor Spears' situation throughout the offseason.

Rising

Howie Roseman, new Eagles' general manager: I think it was smart to lock up fullback Leonard Weaver and wide receiver Jason Avant early in free agency. Why take a chance on someone trying to sign them to an offer sheet. I also think that Saints restricted free agent Mike Bell could be an excellent change-of-pace back to LeSean McCoy. The Eagles need someone who can convert in goal-line situations. The Super Bowl aside, Bell has been a solid runner at the goal-line and he could help the Eagles in other short-yardage situations. I also think Marlin Jackson was a good risk at free safety. He's a 26-year-old player coming off an ACL injury. There's certainly a risk involved, but he'll end up being a steal if he can restore order to the position opposite Quintin Mikell. And no matter who made the decision, it was time to move on without former Pro Bowler Shawn Andrews. Now we'll continue the quarterback watch. If the right deal comes along, I think Roseman will want to take a long look. With Andy Reid having final say, it's hard to know who's pulling the trigger on these deals. But from what I'm hearing, Roseman's been very assertive in his new role.

» NFC Needs Revisited: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)

Each Wednesday leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: Biggest needs revisited.

Dallas Cowboys

Since the Cowboys haven't made a single move in free agency, nothing has changed. They certainly didn't feel a sense of urgency to outbid the Giants for safety Antrel Rolle or the Eagles for free safety Marlin Jackson. But it wouldn't surprise me if the Cowboys addressed their need at safety with a veteran such as the Rams' O.J. Atogwe. At the No. 27 spot in the draft, you might have a shot at either South Florida's Nate Allen or USC's Taylor Mays. But I don't think the Cowboys will go either direction.

In conversations with folks at Valley Ranch, the offensive line is what gets mentioned the most. If the Cowboys can identify a talented offensive tackle or guard late in the first round, that's the direction they'll go. There's also the possibility they'll try to trade down because this appears to be a relatively deep draft. Obviously, place-kicker continues to be a glaring need. But after that, it's still offensive line, safety, inside linebacker and then probably wide receiver. With the rise of Miles Austin and the intrigue of Kevin Ogletree, I could see the Cowboys waiting until later in the draft to grab a wide receiver. After all, both Austin and Ogletree were undrafted players.

New York Giants

The Giants addressed a major need with the signing of Rolle, although I'm not sure he's worth $15 million guaranteed. Now they can focus on shoring up their linebacker situation. Second-year player Clint Sintim is expected to start at strongside linebacker, but there's a gaping hole at middle linebacker with the release of Antonio Pierce. It doesn't look like Jonathan Goff is quite ready to fill the position from within, so the Giants will be hoping that Alabama's Rolando McClain slips to them at No. 15. Outside of the defensive tackles from Oklahoma and Nebraska, I think McClain may have been the best defensive player in the country. He's incredibly smart and has tremendous size and athleticism. This just seems like a Jerry Reese pick to me.

The Giants also need to figure out their situation at defensive tackle. You have to think Chris Canty will have an easier time after battling injuries in '09 and perhaps Rocky Bernard will finally show up. But you can't simply depend on those things. The Giants probably will take a defensive tackle in the draft and then they'll look at some offensive linemen. It's probably the end of the road for Kareem McKenzie at right tackle. The Giants need to continue drafting and developing young offensive linemen and I think that will be a priority for Reese. At running back, you have to wonder how Andre Brown will look returning from a ruptured Achilles tendon. It's hard to find a lot of running backs who've made successful comebacks from that particular injury.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles have a potential solution at safety with Marlin Jackson, but it's still a position of need. You can't depend on Jackson being able to recover from his second ACL surgery in as many years. But I don't expect the Eagles to take a safety at No. 24 because Allen and Mays aren't blowing anyone away. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see the Eagles select a cornerback in the first round. It's a huge position of need with Sheldon Brown starting to break down a little bit and Joselio Hanson taking a step back after his suspension. This secondary had no chance against Tony Romo and the Cowboys late in the season, and that has to be fixed.

The Eagles also need more help in the pass rush. I know they traded for Darryl Tapp on Tuesday, but he put up pedestrian numbers for the Seahawks. If a pass-rushing defensive end starts slipping next month, the Eagles will be ready to pounce. The Eagles also need to think about a long-term solution at center with Jamaal Jackson coming back from a torn ACL. I know that Baylor center J.D. Walton is projected to go in the second round and he's the type of athletic player Andy Reid likes. I also know that the Eagles think a lot of versatile guard/center Nick Cole, who filled in nicely at right guard last season.

And don't be surprised if the Eagles go after a running back in the later rounds. Mike Bell is a young player, but the Eagles could still use more juice at the position.

Washington Redskins

After a slow start to free agency, the Redskins are now sifting through a list of former stars -- and signing some of them. Larry Johnson was one of the best running backs in the league -- four years ago. He's an odd "complement" to Clinton Portis because both players sort of bang around between the tackles. There's simply not much change of pace. That's why I feel like running back is still a position of need in the draft.

A lot of Redskins believe that quarterback is the biggest position of need, but I tend to think left tackle should be the bigger priority. Washington didn't really give Jason Campbell any chance last season, but he still put up decent numbers. With Chris Samuels retiring, it's time to find a long-term solution at left tackle. I think you take Russell Okung at No. 4 and never look back. But Mike Shanahan will be tempted by Jimmy Clausen. He knows he played in a pro-style offense and he won't get caught up in all this talk about Clausen coming off as cocky during the combine. Don't you want your quarterbacks to have a little swagger?

The signing of nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu might be one of the most underrated signings of the offseason. If he can return to his form of '08 (pre Achilles tendon injury), then new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett can be more creative with Albert Haynesworth. You also have needs at linebacker, safety and cornerback. London Fletcher is an excellent player, but he wasn't made for the 3-4. He'll be eventually be phased out of the defense -- and it might happen sooner than some of you think. General manager Bruce Allen and Shanahan will be looking for bigger players at inside linebacker. I think Rocky McIntosh will be fine, but Fletcher will have a tough time taking on some of the enormous centers and guards in the NFC East.

It took a little while, but an NFL team has finally signed a restricted free agent to an offer sheet. On Tuesday afternoon, the Philadelphia Eagles and Saints running back Mike Bell agreed on a one-year, $1.7 million deal that includes $500,000 in guaranteed money, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Saints will have seven days to match the offer, but that's unlikely given the fact they didn't place a higher tender on Bell. My immediate thought is that Bell's a much better option than 30-year-old Justin Fargas, who visited the Eagles last week.

Bell was part of a pretty talented three-man rotation with the Saints and I think he'd be a good complement to LeSean McCoy. Bell, 26, is a bigger back than McCoy at 225 pounds and he's been a powerful rusher at times. During his rookie season with the Broncos, Bell had 677 yards and eight touchdowns. He gives Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg another option around the goal line.

Bell's the type of back who won't impede McCoy's progress at all. Of all the backs in free agency, I think Bell's probably one of the better fits for the Eagles. He can certainly eat up at least 150 carries and help the Eagles in third-and-short situations.

The Eagles need a tougher identity on offense. Bell will help in that regard.

In need of a complementary running back to LeSean McCoy, the Philadelphia Eagles will host Saints restricted free-agent Mike Bell on a visit this week, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Saints extended Bell the lowest-possible tender, so the Eagles wouldn't have to give up a draft pick to land him. New Orleans would have the right to match any offer, but I doubt it would do so if Philadelphia signs Bell to a decent offer sheet.

Bell rushed for 654 yards and five touchdowns for the Super Bowl champion Saints. I think Bell would be a better solution than Raiders running back Justin Fargas, who visited the Eagles last week. The Inquirer is reporting that a deal for Fargas is unlikely.

My apologies for the headline.

	Getty Images
	Will the Giants defenders be able to slow down Drew Brees and the Saints' passing attack?

Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

Let's admit it. The NFC East hasn't exactly provided us with great theater through five games of the '09 season. You could argue that Chiefs-Cowboys was an instant classic -- as long as you skip the first three quarters. But on Sunday, the Beast emerges from its five-week slumber with a matchup between two heavyweights in the NFC.

We pretty much assumed the Giants were going to be in the Super Bowl conversation heading into the season, but the Saints were a different story. For all their prolific offensive numbers, they had not been a good defensive team under coach Sean Payton. But after winning a bidding war for defensive coordinator Gregg Williams this offseason with some of his own money, Payton and the Saints appear to have as good a chance as anyone from the NFC.

Could this be a preview of the NFC Championship Game? It's hard to say at this point, but it should be an entertaining matchup. The Beast blog now presents my five favorite storylines heading into Sunday's game in New Orleans:

Manning

1. Eli Manning is going home to play in the Superdome for the first time. It's hard to believe that the youngest Manning boy grew up in New Orleans, hung out with his father at Saints games, but has never played in the Superdome. Brothers Peyton and Cooper played high school games in the famous stadium, but the one NFL game Eli was supposed to play in New Orleans was moved to Giants Stadium in 2005 because of Hurricane Katrina.

Manning hasn't lost his "aw, shucks" demeanor, so it's hard to tell how much this game means to him. I think he'll take a moment before the game to sort of soak everything in -- and then he'll go about his business like any other road game. The outcome of this game isn't going to determine whether the Giants make it back to the Super Bowl, but it will give them a great idea of how they stack up against a pretty impressive team. The Giants have devoured the dregs of the league (Bucs, Chiefs, Raiders, Redskins), and that's why it's hard to truly know how good they are at this point.

Manning has thrown 10 touchdowns against only two interceptions this season and he's kept his passer rating over 100 the past four weeks. He's certainly right in the middle of the MVP conversation and a big game in front of a hostile crowd would only enhance his chances. A lot of folks have him trailing big brother Peyton right now, but I think a win on Sunday would put Eli in front. Williams has done a tremendous job with the Saints' defense, but so far this season, Manning has been unflappable. I don't see that changing.

Shockey

2. The Giants will see an old friend in tight end Jeremy Shockey. I realize this storyline is getting a little tired, but we're not going to run from it. Earlier in the week, Shockey told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that he still had a "bitter taste" in his mouth about his very public split with the Giants. The reality is that Shockey acted like a baby when the Giants didn't coddle him leading up to Super Bowl XLII. Like many injured players, he felt estranged from his teammates down the stretch -- but a lot of that was his own doing. Payton has a good understanding of Shockey because he once served as offensive coordinator for the Giants. He knows how volatile Shockey can be and I think he'll do a good job of trying to prevent the tight end from going overboard Sunday.

Shockey's a very talented player. He's also incredibly childish. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the Giants' defenders try to bait him a little bit during the game. Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce has been very complimentary of Shockey this week, but I wouldn't be shocked if he changed his tune after kickoff.

3. Can the Giants' front four get to Drew Brees? Quick, name the Saints' starting left tackle. Unless you follow this team on a weekly basis, you'll have a hard time coming up with Jermon Bushrod and his understudy Zach Strief. The Saints lost Pro Bowl left tackle Jammal Brown for the season -- and it hasn't mattered. Brees is one of the best quarterbacks in the league at getting the ball out quickly. Payton has provided the perfect system for Brees' skills -- and he takes advantage of some tremendous weapons. NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas has even tried to make the argument in the past that Brees is the best quarterback in the league. I think this will be a fascinating cat-and-mouse game between Giants defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan and Payton. Here's where I think the Giants can hurt Brees: Players such as Osi Umenyiora and Mathias Kiwanuka have enormous wingspans. They're not always going to get to Brees, but I think you'll see them bat down some passes.

I think the Giants will move defensive end Justin Tuck inside even more than usual Sunday. The Giants want to bring pressure up the middle in an effort to force Brees out of the pocket. He can move around a little bit, but it's not as if he's great at throwing on the run. I also think you'll see the Giants bring some pressure from their cornerbacks and safeties. I like the way Pierce checks into different calls right before the snap. He did that against the Cowboys and it paid off with an interception return for a touchdown by Bruce Johnson. The Giants will do everything they can to make Brees uncomfortable.

4. With linebacker Michael Boley out with an injury, how will the Giants account for the Saints' RBs? This is the topic that's not getting enough play nationally. The Saints finally have all their running backs healthy. Mike Bell, Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush pose a serious threat to any defense -- but especially one that has had trouble covering running backs in space. That's what Boley was brought in to do after Brian Westbrook exposed Pierce last December. Just as he did in 2006, Payton uses Bush as his primary receiving back. He'll use him in a variety of ways in the passing game -- and occasionally he'll even hand him the ball.

Thomas and Bell probably will end up splitting the carries. Thomas may be the closest thing to a feature back that the Saints have -- and he's been excellent lately. Bell was really good early in the season and now he's ready to go again. I guarantee you that Sheridan's almost as concerned about the backs as he is about the Saints' wideouts. Chase Blackburn's a solid replacement for Boley against the run, but he could struggle trying to cover Bush. Someone should be spying on Bush at all times.

Sharper

5. Manning has to know where Darren Sharper is at all times. If Manning has a nemesis, it's this guy. Sharper's one of those crafty safeties who seems to constantly lure quarterbacks into mistakes. And he's driven Manning nuts in the Meadowlands. Sharper has picked off Manning four times, returning two of those for touchdowns. Manning joked this week that he has single-handedly kept Sharper going to Pro Bowls.

Like his brother, Manning does an excellent job of making pre-snap reads. He rarely checks into the wrong play. And he'll know where Sharper is at every moment Sunday. The crowd noise is going to be a factor and I think the Giants will be ready to go with a silent count if they need to. Manning's been superb on deep balls through five games. I'd look for him to try to hit Mario Manningham or Hakeem Nicks on a double move early in the game. He'll try to take advantage of Sharper's daring ways.

The Beast has reserved a seat in the Superdome press box Sunday, so make sure you join me for all the action.