Training camps: NFC East position battles

Dallas Cowboys

Julius Jones vs. Marion Barber, running back

Some in Dallas view this season as a make-or-break year for running back Julius Jones. (Getty Images)

Once, I thought Jones was a cinch to be All-Pro under Bill Parcells, but that never materialized. Now it looks as if Barber might be the better player. Parcells must've agreed because he relied on him in critical situations, including goal-line carries, and trusted him to finish games.

But Parcells is gone, and there's a new coaching staff that offers everyone a clean slate. So Julius Jones can prove himself all over again, this time to new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. Only one problem: Barber is a more physical runner, a better pass catcher and a better blocker. In short, he's a well-rounded player who will be tough to beat out. Still, this is a golden opportunity for Jones, with some persons viewing the season as his make-or-break year.

Edge: Barber. He can do more things.

Opening-day starter: Jones, only because I think he does whatever he can to make an impression. And because he benefits from the fresh start.

New York Giants

David Diehl vs. Guy Whimper, left tackle

This is an area to watch because it's a potential danger zone. The Giants had an eight-year veteran here in Luke Petitgout, but they cut him in February. That left the position to Diehl, who finished the season as an emergency stand-in, and Whimper, a fourth-round pick in 2006.

The hope was that Whimper would seize the moment, but Diehl is the front-runner based on his limited experience. Whoever it is, he better be good. Not only does the left tackle protect Eli Manning's back; he has to open the holes Tiki Barber navigated for zillions of yards the past few years.

Edge: Diehl because he was the team's emergency left tackle for the last two games in 2006, including its playoff loss to Philadelphia.

Opening-day starter: Diehl.

Philadelphia Eagles

Kevin Curtis vs. Hank Baskett, wide receiver

With Donte' Stallworth gone, the Eagles are back where they started at this position -- looking for a go-to receiver. You figure Reggie Brown is the top dog here, but who's No. 2? It should be Curtis, who was coveted by other suitors and who picked up starter's pay. But don't rule out Baskett. He was something of a surprise last season and has a year's head-start in this system. Baskett didn’t make a lot of catches, but he made some big ones -- with eight of his 22 receptions for 20 or more yards, and 17 of his 22 for first downs.

Edge: Curtis, because the Eagles invested so heavily in him.

Opening-day starter: Curtis.

Washington Redskins

Todd Wade vs. Will Whitticker, left guard

Wade re-signed with the team, and has plenty of experience. But it's as a tackle, not a guard. Now he's trying to make the move to a position vacated by Derrick Dockery. Wade is expected to win the job, but not without a fight from Whitticker, who was impressive in minicamp.

Whitticker didn't play a game last season, but the Redskins think enough of him that they had him manning Randy Thomas' position at right guard this summer while Thomas recovered from knee surgery.

Offensive linemen are crucial to Washington's success because of Joe Gibbs' -- OK, Al Saunders' -- fondness for running the football. The Redskins will need one of these two to make an impact and solidify the position.

Edge: Wade because of his experience. Gibbs trusts players with experience.

Opening-day starter: Wade.