Two coaching legends at two different levels of the game, Bill Parcells of the Dallas Cowboys and Steve Spurrier of the Washington Redskins, have a lot of catching up to do.

The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants posted 5-1 records in the NFC East in 2002, while the Redskins and the Cowboys were 1-5, marks that graphically illustrate the gulf that exists between the top and bottom of the division. But look for the division -- which not all that long ago produced seven Super Bowl champions in a 10-year span -- to get more competitive again in 2003.

Spurrier found out the hard way that coaches must adjust sometimes to the NFL, because it does not typically adjust to coaches, and that his mediocre former Gators players are not good enough to win at the highest level of football. He'll be far better in his second campaign. The addition of Parcells to the division raises the bar for everyone. Taking control of a team that ranked 30th on offense and 18th on defense doesn't bode well for Parcells' first season. But if history is an indication, he'll turn things around by 2004, and make clubs prepare a lot harder for the Cowboys this year as well.

The Eagles remain the team to beat. Philly is a franchise that believes it is destined to win a Super Bowl title, and one that is nicely positioned to do so soon. But the Giants are a threat, a rival not to be underestimated (as the Eagles discovered in the season finale), and the division should be tighter this time around.

Here's a look at each NFC East team (in order of finish in 2002):

	Head coach Andy Reid
	2002 record 12-4
	2002 finish NFC runners up

Philadelphia Eagles
Overview: For the second consecutive season, the Eagles' Super Bowl pursuit fell one game short, with Philadelphia inexplicably pummeled by the Tampa Bay Bucs for the NFC championship. The loss was even more deflating than the five-point defeat at St. Louis a year earlier because, with home-field advantage and the elements in their favor, the Eagles expected to advance this year. They had, after all, defeated the Bucs three straight times at Veterans Stadium. But this one was far different. That said, the window of opportunity remains open for Philadelphia, which has most of its significant pieces in place.

Andy Reid, the league's coach of the year for 2002, heads into 2003 with both coordinators back for the long-term thanks to contract extensions and with a still-young squad that figures to be even hungrier. The staff was clearly out-coached in the conference title game, and that should stir its juices in the offseason. But it's the leader of the pack, quarterback Donovan McNabb, who must also help nudge the Eagles to the next level. McNabb wasn't sharp in either of his postseason performances, and shouldn't have been expected to be, given that he missed six games with a broken ankle. There are games, though, in which McNabb doesn't live up to his reputation, and he needs to get over that hurdle.

Look for a few changes on defense, where the Eagles will almost certainly lose end Hugh Douglas, and where strong safety Blaine Bishop might be dumped.

Biggest Needs: Wide receiver Todd Pinkston took a step forward in '02 but the Eagles still lack a big-time, go-to guy on the outside who can put fear into secondaries. Even after choosing Freddie Mitchell in the first round two years ago, Philly might go for another wide receiver with its top pick this year. The defensive unit, ranked No. 4 last season, forced enough turnovers to give the club a plus-14 differential in that key category, but needs help at linebacker. It might be time to start phasing new blood, such as safety Michael Lewis, into an aging secondary.

Biggest Decisions: There has been so little discussion with Douglas or his agent that it almost seems as if Eagles officials have decided not to bring him back. That would be a big mistake, since he represents the only real outside pass rush threat and is a guy who stokes everyone around him. Team president Joe Banner hopes to re-sign weak-side linebacker Shawn Barber, and the youngster has said he wants to stay. Despite a solid season, tailback Duce Staley is viewed with a dubious eye by some in the organization, and Correll Buckhalter, who missed the entire season with a knee injury, could push for significant playing time in '03.

Cap Room: There is no better salary-cap manager in the league than Banner. The Eagles are about $5 million under the limit, actually a little tight by their standards, but Banner will find room if necessary. McNabb is the big-ticket item, with a cap value of $7.87 million. If the Eagles want to dive into the free-agent pool for a key player, he could always restructure.

	Head coach Jim Fassell
	2002 record 10-6
	2002 finish Wild-card loser

New York Giants
Overview: Maybe someone will listen now when coach Jim Fassel issues one of his playoff guarantees. Fassel assumed play-calling chores from departed offensive coordinator Sean Payton around midseason and the New York attack came to life. The team improved its scoring, from an average of 12.7 to 25.7 points per game, and streak-shooter quarterback Kerry Collins gained consistency. With the Giants at 6-6 entering the stretch run, Fassel boldly predicted that his team would run the table and earn a postseason berth, and that is precisely what occurred.

This isn't an abundantly talented team, but it reflects the grittiness of its coaches and, while in the midst of a makeover that eventually will enhance its overall speed, it figures to get better in 2003. There is a nice offensive arsenal, with versatile tailback Tiki Barber, wideout Amani Toomer and tight end Jeremy Shockey surrounding the sometimes unpredictable Collins. Age and injury, though, might dictate changes on the defensive side.

It remains to be seen if hard-nosed tackle Keith Hamilton can recover from an Achilles injury that cut short his season. Cornerback Jason Sehorn has slowed and might have to move inside to safety. End Kenny Holmes is overpaid for his production. There are emerging youngsters, however, in cornerbacks Will Peterson and Will Allen, and linebacker Dhani Jones.

Biggest Needs: Perhaps the top priority is keeping together an offensive line whose sum was far better than its individual parts in '02. Both of the tackles and one guard, a group that includes emerging left tackle Luke Petitgout, are eligible for unrestricted free agency. Keeping Petitgout is a must for general manager Ernie Accorsi. The Giants need better play at the safety position and, as the playoffs indicated, an updgrade on the special-teams units. The real speed guys are young, such as wideout Tim Carter, but should start to make contributions this year.

Biggest Decisions: Sehorn carries a whopping $7.3 million cap value, is due a $1 million roster bonus next month and is hardly the player he was. There are those, including some in the organization, who doubt that he can make the transition to safety because he might not be physical enough. It's a tough call because the team could go in the red, by $1 million, if it releases Sehorn this spring. The team must also decide if it wants to make a run at re-signing wide receiver Ike Hilliard and at what price. The first few draft picks will be critical, since New York needs to add depth to its defensive front four.

Cap Room: The red flags are Sehorn and Holmes ($5.35 million), both of whom haven't lived up to their contracts of late. Hamilton is also a question mark, since he is recovering from a major injury and has a cap value of $4.78 million. The Giants have about $67.5 million committed to the 2003 cap, and that's not much room with which to work.

	Head coach Steve Spurrier
	2002 record 7-9
	2002 finish 3rd in NFC East

Washington Redskins
Overview: It was ego that eventually mandated Spurrier find out about life at the highest level of the game. After an ego-deflating 7-9 debut in which his "Fun 'n' Gun" offense kept shooting itself in the foot, it will be the same self-esteem that drives the Redskins coach to succeed. Last year represented a comedown for Spurrier, a brilliant offensive strategist who apparently didn't realize it takes players, not just a brainy blueprint, to win in the NFL. About halfway through the season, it occurred to Spurrier that he simply didn't have the horses. That's why he will be dramatically more involved in personnel decisions this spring and summer.

A hands-on coach who was his own offensive coordinator in his baptismal campaign, Spurrier will delegate more in 2003 (he has already named Hue Jackson as his coordinator) and will actually pay some attention to the defensive side of the ball. That might not be enough to catapult the Redskins into the playoffs, because it will take more than one offseason to fill all the holes and get the salary cap more manageable, but Washington will be better.

There will be some growing pains, as second-year pro Patrick Ramsey takes over as the starting quarterback, but exposing the 2002 first-round choice to the rigors of a full-time job will pay dividends in the not-too-distant future.

Biggest Needs: A lot of teams downplay the guard positions, especially in this age of the salary cap, but the Redskins nearly ignored the spot in 2002. Washington, which must get at least one big-time guard, might pursue Randy Thomas of the Jets or Oakland's Mo Collins, and then build the interior of the line around that acquisition. Spurrier also needs outside speed at wide receiver, since his best pass-catcher, Rod Gardner, isn't a "lead" guy at the position. Assuming the team releases Stephen Davis, a new tailback has to be identified. On defense, Washington could use another tackle, especially if Daryl Gardener exits in free agency.

Biggest Decision: Most of the tough calls appear to have already been made in terms of personnel who won't be back. Because he has a salary-cap value of $11.42 million and doesn't fit into the Spurrier offensive style, it's all but a given that Davis will be released. The team felt it was close to a deal with Gardener two weeks ago, but negotiations fell apart and now it looks like he'll walk. Owner Dan Snyder will have to decide if he wants defensive end Bruce Smith back for one more year. And Spurrier needs to find at least one proven backup to caddy for Ramsey.

Salary Cap: The Redskins are already about $3 million over the projected cap. If they want to really be players in the free-agent market (trust us, Snyder wants to be), they will have to do some trimming. Linebacker LaVar Arrington has a cap value of $9.77 million, and offensive tackle Chris Samuels is at $7.212 million, so both of the team's 2000 first-round picks' contracts will have to be reworked. Defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson, whose cap number is $5.22 million, has already indicated he'll restructure his contract.

	Head coach Bill Parcells
	2002 record 5-11
	2002 finish 4th in NFC East

Dallas Cowboys
Overview: By his second season with each of the three other NFL franchises he has served as head coach, Bill Parcells had improved a team's fortunes by an average of eight games. So if history is an indicator, the Cowboys should have 13 victories by 2004. If they do, "The Tuna" should be canonized in the Hall of Fame, even if he is still coaching.

The team he has taken on in his fourth head coaching tenure might not require a complete overhaul, but it definitely is in need of a makeover. The offense, which was statistically the third most anemic in the NFL in 2002, turned the ball over too often and never got into consistent rhythm. Parcells, who wants his quarterbacks to get the ball into the end zone, might be munching Zocor by the time he's halfway through evaluating film of that position.

Even on defense, where Dallas ranked 18th and got nice seasons from tackle La'Roi Glover, end Greg Ellis and weakside linebacker Kevin Hardy, the Cowboys aren't exactly a good fit for Parcells. He prefers big, physical defenses, with 300-pounders up front. Dallas is a defense built for speed, especially on the edges, but it will be difficult to change the personnel and the scheme in quick fashion.

Biggest needs: Look for Parcells to import a veteran quarterback, either by way of free agency or a trade, to at least serve as a "bridge" of sorts until a younger guy can be developed. Both of the players who started in '02, Chad Hutchinson and Quincy Carter, lack the ball security Parcells demands. The grapevine has Dallas interested in pending free agent Jake Plummer, but no one has substantiated that. Dallas probably will have to replace at least one of the starting offensive tackles, and the line in general must be rebuilt. An ugly spate of injuries means the Cowboys used nine different combinations as starters in 2002. On defense, Dallas desperately needs a true, shut-down cornerback. That would ease a lot of the problems in the secondary, where safety Roy Williams is a rising star, even if he wasn't as good in his rookie season as he thinks he was.

Biggest Decision: At some point in the next couple of weeks, owner Jerry Jones will sit down with Emmitt Smith and the two will determine the fate of the leading rusher in NFL history. Odds are that Smith, who has a salary cap value of $9.8 million, won't be back. The Cowboys have to decide if they want to designate left offensive tackle Flozell Adams as a "franchise" player for a second straight spring, provided they don't reach an accord on a long-term contract before Feb. 20. Parcells has to figure out if he can play his style of defense with smallish linebackers Dat Nguyen and Dexter Coakley and, if he can't, who to replace them with.

Salary Cap: With approximately $66.9 million committed for '03, Dallas is in far better shape than in past seasons. But it must still carve out some room and address veterans who no longer play up to gaudy contracts. Jones has already decided he won't pick up an option on linebacker Kevin Hardy ($3.78 million) and let him become a free agent, then attempt to re-sign him at a cheaper number. Veteran wide receivers Joey Galloway ($6.64 million) and Raghib Ismail ($4.938 million) are overpaid. Ismail is coming off a neck injury and might have to accept a very big cut.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.