Philadelphia began last season with only one acceptable goal, reaching the Super Bowl after losing in the NFC title game the year before.

They fell a game short again and try once more with diminished odds. They have been weakened by free-agent defections, and the New York Giants are coming on strong.

The coaching glamour, however, is at the bottom of the division.

Andy Reid in Philly and Jim Fassel in the Meadowlands are well regarded but have nothing like the pizazz of the other two coaches: Steve Spurrier (Washington) and Bill Parcells (Dallas).

Still, it would be a major upset if either of the glamour boys finished ahead of Reid and Fassel in a division that plays the toughest schedule in the NFL, facing the AFC East and NFC South.

1. EAGLES

Coach: Andy Reid (43-28, fifth year)

2002 record: 12-4, first in division, lost to Tampa Bay in NFC Championship game.

Key newcomers: FB Jon Ritchie, LB Nate Wayne, rookie DE Jerome McDougle.

Key losses: DE Hugh Douglas (Jacksonville), KR Brian Mitchell (Giants), LB Shawn Barber (Kansas City), RB Dorsey Levens (NY Giants), P Sean Landeta (St. Louis).

Overview: QB Donovan McNabb shares the same boat with Tennessee's Steve McNair. If they ever get a top-flight receiver to work with, watch out. CB Troy Vincent is on a streak of four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. S Brian Dawkins may be the biggest hitter in any secondary.

Super stat: Douglas had 12 1/2 sacks last season.

2. GIANTS

Coach: Jim Fassel (56-44-1, seventh year)

2002 record: 10-6, second in division, lost to San Francisco in wild-card game.

Key newcomers: KR Brian Mitchell, DE Keith Washington, RB Dorsey Levens, P Jeff Feagles, K Mike Hollis, rookie DT William Joseph.

Key losses: CB Jason Sehorn (St. Louis).

Overview: QB Kerry Collins threw for more than 4,000 yards last season and had 13 touchdown passes and only two interceptions in the final six games. DE Michael Strahan can create more gaps in an offensive game plan than the one between his two front teeth. TE Jeremy Shockey sure talks a lot for a guy who had only two touchdown catches as a rookie.

Super stat: The Giants gave up 130 points in the fourth quarter last season.

3. REDSKINS

Coach: Steve Spurrier (7-9, second year)

2002 record: 7-9, third in division.

Key newcomers: WR Laveranues Coles, RB Trung Canidate, QB Rob Johnson, K John Hall, WR Patrick Johnson, CB Alex Molden, DE Regan Upshaw.

Key losses: RB Stephen Davis (Carolina), WR Derrius Thompson (Miami), DT Daryl Gardener (Denver), QB Shane Matthews (Cincinnati), DE Carl Powell (Cincinnati).

Overview: Coles is a star in the making. LB LaVar Arrington will drop more into pass coverage this season after wearing down as a pass rusher late last year. QB Patrick Ramsey is the starter for now, but he needs thick skin to deal with Spurrier. The linebacking corps is solid with Arrington, Jessie Armstead and Jeremiah Trotter.

Super stat: DE Bruce Smith, 40, needs three sacks to tie Reggie White's career record of 198.

4. COWBOYS

Coach: Bill Parcells (first year)

2002 record: 5-11, fourth in division.

Key newcomers: WR Terry Glenn, FB Richie Anderson, rookie CB Terence Newman, Parcells.

Key losses: RB Emmitt Smith (Arizona), LB Kevin Hardy (Cincinnati), DE Peppi Zellner (Washington).

Overview: RB Troy Hambrick will try to replace Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher. QBs Chad Hutchinson and Quincy Carter would have a hard time being the No. 3 guy on a good team. Second-year FS Roy Williams is a big hitter who continues to learn from Darren Woodson. DE Greg Ellis led the team with 71/2 sacks last season.

Super stat: Parcells has rebuilt three teams and taken two to Super Bowls, the other to the conference championship game.

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