Inside the NFC

Sporting News, The, April 1, 2005

The addition of former Steelers WR Plaxico Burress will create tough matchups for GIANTS opponents, especially in the red zone. The team's starting receivers, Burress and Amani Toomer, are 6-5 and 6-3, respectively, and TE Jeremy Shockey also is 6-5. Burress has inconsistent hands and did not have many yards after the catch last season.

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But he knows how to position himself to take advantage of his height on high throws and could thrive in an offense that is more pass-oriented than Pittsburgh's. ... Continuing their defensive overhaul, the VIKINGS traded for Jets MLB Sam Cowart and immediately installed him as a starter. Cowart isn't the playmaker he once was, but he played for coordinator Ted Cottrell with the Jets and Bills and will provide much-needed stability. The team preferred Cowart, 30, over the unreliable E.J. Henderson, who in 2004 couldn't get himself lined up correctly--let alone his teammates--and too often covered the wrong man on pass plays. Cowart is the fifth new defensive starter the Vikings have acquired this offseason. ... With a year of experience in the system, BUCCANEERS QB Brian Griese will be expected to make more plays with his feet. He won't be involved in a lot of designed runs; he doesn't have the speed for that. But coach Jon Gruden wants him to roll out more and make more plays outside the pocket. ... New SEAHAWKS LE Bryce Fisher is a good fit as a replacement for Chike Okeafor. A smart, high-effort player, Fisher will provide a good complement to RE Grant Wistrom's relentless style of play. Fisher produced a career-high 8 1/2 sacks in 2004, his first season as a starter, but the Rams were interested in bringing him back only as a backup. ... The addition of LG Rick DeMulling, who isn't a powerful blocker, won't fix the LIONS' problems in short-yardage situations. But DeMulling provides an upgrade in pass protection and moves well in space. He'll help the Lions be versatile in traps and in pulling in both directions. ... The battle for the CARDINALS' middle linebacker job appears to be a tossup between new acquisition Orlando Huff and Gerald Hayes. Huff (6-2, 250) has good size, and the coaches like his ability to run and bit. But in the past he has made too many mental errors. Hayes (6-1, 242) loves to hit and is best suited to play inside, though he also can play outside. ... Keith Adams, re-signed by the EAGLES, will get the chance to compete with Mark Simoneau for the weakside linebacker job. The concern is whether the undersized Adams (5-11, 223) can hold up over an entire season, something that also is a concern with Simoneau. Look for coordinator Jim Johnson to devise a system that uses the strengths of both players-Adams' hard-hitting style and Simoneau's speed. ... If the COWBOYS can't find a ballhawking free safety in the draft, there's a good chance Lynn Scott will be the starter. Scott is considered more of a strong safety because he has average speed and is better near the line. But he's an intelligent player who will ensure the rest of the secondary is lined up properly. ... The PANTHERS have high hopes for WR Keary Colbert, whose strengths are his route running and attention to detail. If he reduces his drops, he will be a very effective possession receiver. ... The acquisitions of Ss Ronnie Heard and Rich Coady provide depth, but upgrading both safety positions remains a priority for the FALCONS. Don't be surprised if the team uses an early draft pick on a safety to work one season behind Keion Carpenter, a savvy veteran who's expected to be re-signed to a one-year deal. ... The 49ERS don't have a solid in-house candidate to replace Heard at free safety Keith Lewis showed spark and hard-hitting ability as a rookie in 2004 but needs to improve his play in the open field. ... PACKERS coaches remain committed to TE David Martin, even though he has been a disappointment for the most part. Ideally, Martin, who has good speed, would become the downfield threat the club has lacked at the position in recent years. ... Having LT Orlando Pace in the offseason program for the first time since 2002 is a major plus for the RAMS because he will be able to hone his technique and develop chemistry with the other linemen. At 29, Pace should be in his prime. Signing Pace to a long-term deal also opens up the Rams' draft options. They have a couple of sleepers in mind at safety but aren't tipping their hand. ... The signing of former Falcon G Roberto Garza is the BEARS' latest move to upgrade their offensive line, following the addition of RT Fred Miller and the switch of John Tait to left tackle. Though a past knee injury is a concern, Garza is the projected starter at right guard and has experience at center, where the team is dangerously thin behind Olin Kreutz. Garza (6-2, 296) shows good technique as a run and pass blocker but lacks ideal size. ... Ladell Betts has many of the traits REDSKINS coach Joe Gibbs values in a running back. Betts has power between the tackles, hits holes quickly and has a good burst. He has continued to progress and has become a valuable backup to Clinton Portis. ... LB Levar Fisher was a low-risk, high-reward addition for the SAINTS. Fisher missed all of 2004 because of a severe knee injury, but he started 15 games in 2003 and displayed excellent range and athletic ability. He will provide depth at weakside linebacker and could compete for a starting spot if healthy.

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Inside the NFC

Sporting News, The, April 1, 2005

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