1.   But a year of being double and sometimes triple teamed took its toll on his sack numbers.

2.   Defensive tackle Bryant Young, a pick last year, was passed over this season, probably because of injuries that have decreased his sack number to four.

3.   Nolan Harrison is at the other end while Anthony Smith, whose sack numbers dropped dramatically last season, will replace Ball in passing situations.

4.   Risky, because the likelihood is that Strahan will improve on those sack numbers and then enter the free-agent market on a roll.