Jevon Kearse's success isn't measured only by statistics.
In his first two games with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kearse has just six tackles and no sacks. Meanwhile, Terrell Owens, the Eagles' other high-profile offseason addition, already has four touchdowns and 12 catches.
But Kearse's impact on the defense has nearly equaled Owens' effect on the offense. The three-time Pro Bowl defensive end has been a disruptive presence on the field, helping the Eagles get nine sacks, tied for the most in the NFL.
In Philadelphia's 27-16 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night, Kearse was all over the field. He pressured, harassed and frustrated Daunte Culpepper, preventing the Pro Bowl quarterback from making any big plays.
Though he finished the game with just two tackles, Kearse was the most dominant defensive player on either team.
So far, Kearse has lived up to the big contract he got from the Eagles — $66 million, eight years. A few weeks later, Philadelphia acquired Owens, the perennial Pro Bowl wide receiver, filling the team's two biggest needs.
Last season, the Eagles' starting defensive ends, N.D. Kalu and Brandon Whiting, had 7 1/2 sacks combined. Kalu is out for the season with a knee injury, and Whiting was sent to San Francisco as part of the trade for Owens.
Kearse, Douglas and Burgess have significantly upgraded Philadelphia's pass rush, helping the defense shut down the Giants in Week 1, and Culpepper and Randy Moss last week. While the defense has allowed the second-most yardage in the league, most of those yards have come after the outcome has already been decided.
"When it comes down to it, if teams don't get points, they can't win," Kearse said. "You can have a lot of yards, but if you don't have any points on the scoreboard, then we win."
ARRINGTON DOUBTFUL: Washington Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington will likely miss Monday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys after a flare-up of a knee injury. Arrington missed practice Thursday to fly to Birmingham, Ala., to meet with a doctor who was to determine whether the three-time Pro Bowl linebacker needed surgery. Surgery would sideline Arrington two to four weeks. Even without surgery, coach Joe Gibbs said it would take a "miracle" for Arrington to play Monday.
BENGALS MOVES: Cincinnati signed defensive end Elton Patterson to a two-year contract Thursday and waived fullback James Lynch. Patterson played in all four preseason games and has been on the Bengals' practice squad after being cut on Sept. 5.
JAMES PRACTICES: Running back Edgerrin James, sidelined two days with a strained hamstring, returned to practice Thursday and could be ready to play when the Indianapolis Colts host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
James, who strained his left hamstring on a late touchdown run last week against Tennessee, took part in individual and team drills but skipped the final half-hour of Thursday's practice.
"Edgerrin actually did well, surprisingly well," coach Tony Dungy said. "Based on what I saw today, he could probably play. So if he comes back (Friday) and doesn't have any side effects and is able to do just what he did today, then I would think he'd probably play."
If he does play, however, his carries probably will be limited, Dungy said.