Offensive adjustments

Look for the Vikings to take better advantage of outside and off-tackle runs in 2005. A season-ending injury to TE Jim Kleinsasser in 2004 forced coaches to go away from those calls; in their preseason playbook, coaches had designed plays for Kleinsasser to block ends one-on-one. Without his unique talents, the team directed most of its runs behind C Matt Birk and Gs Chris Liwienski and David Dixon.

Kleinsasser is expected to be healthy by training camp, once again giving coaches the option to design unique outside run schemes. Such plays will benefit all of the team's running backs, especially speedy Michael Bennett. ... By re-signing WR Joey Galloway, the Buccaneers are indicating they will take more chances with the passing game next year. The team won't use Galloway simply as a deep decoy to open room for short and intermediate routes. The scheme relies heavily on short passes, but QB Brian Griese has the arm strength to get the ball deep, and the team wants to make more use of Galloway's speed. ... The Redskins want to get the most out of RB Clinton Portis, so they'll try to stretch out their blockers and give him more opportunities to pick his hole and cut back. That was one of the reasons for the signing of C Casey Rabach, who has the quickness and speed to get to the edge and provide blocks for Portis. ... New coordinator Keith Rowen's background as an offensive line coach should help the Cardinals focus on improving their anemic running game. He already has taken steps to eliminate the problems the team had last year with protection calls. Players say there's a single plan in place, which wasn't the case last year. ... Despite Rams coach Mike Martz's penchant for passing, there's no doubt he'd like to give RB Steven Jackson a steady load next season as the team's feature back. That's one reason the team opted to sign Roland Williams as its No. 2 tight end instead of bringing back Cam Cleeland. Williams is a better blocker at the point of attack than Cleeland. Now Martz will be able to use two mammoth tight ends--Williams (6-5, 265) and starter Brandon Manumaleuna (6-2, 288)--to move bodies on running plays.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning

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