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Inside the NFC

Sporting News, The, June 10, 2005

One reason the BEARS released CB R.W. McQuarters was to get Nathan Vasher on the field more. Vasher (5-10, 177) is undersized but has excellent speed, leaping ability and ball skills. ... BUCCANEERS coach Jon Gruden likes to use two-tight end sets, so rookie TE Alex Smith figures to play a lot. Smith is a a speedy pass catcher but must add upper-body strength to be a competent blocker. ... 49ERS TE Eric Johnson hasn't let a minor knee injury limit his training methods. He's catching 200 balls from a machine four times a week. He's wearing gloves as a precaution after a serious thumb injury last summer and to compensate for the hazards that come with blocking and grabbing defenders. ... C LeCharles Bentley is the anchor of the SAINTS' line. Bentley (6-2,317) Is an anomaly in an era of smaller, more athletic centers. He dominates at the point of attack and plays with a nasty streak. He needs to improve his deep snaps. ... The VIKINGS hope K Paul Edinger quickly beats out Aaron Elling. Edinger, who struggled last season with the Bears but has a big leg, would be the team's first veteran kicker in a decade who can handle field-goal attempts and kickoffs. ... LT Walter Jones should show improvement after participating in the SEAHAWKS' conditioning program and minicamps for the first time since 2001. Jones already is one of the best players at his position, even without the benefit of extra conditioning and practices. ... Will Witherspoon is the PANTHERS' most versatile linebacker. He has the quickness to go sideline to sideline and also can drop in coverage. He excels on the weak side but could move to the strong side if the team plays Thomas Davis at linebacker instead of safety. Witherspoon is extremely intelligent and wouldn't have much trouble making the switch. ... Ray Brown will go into the season as a backup at guard, but chances are he'll be on the field more than the REDSKINS expect or want. Brown, 32, isn't nearly as physically talented as LG Derrick Dockery, but Brown's consistency and work ethic more than make up for that. So if Dockery doesn't play up to expectations, Brown could get the call. ... EAGLES C Hank Fraley is a brawler who makes the right line calls and excels at sliding over to provide help to the guard who needs it. ... The LIONS' projected starting right tackle is Kelly Butler, who has yet to play a down. Butler gets the edge over Victor Rogers because he's more physical and has a mean streak. Rogers is a more polished pass blocker, but the Lions believe Butler has much more upside. ... Don't be surprised if Madison Hedgecock challenges Joey Goodspeed to be the RAMS' starting fullback. At 266 pounds, Hedgecock is about 20 pounds heavier than Goodspeed. Even at that size, Hedgecock was very effective blocking in space in college. ... FALCONS defensive coordinator Ed Donatell favors zone coverage, which gives Keion Carpenter a chance to excel as he changes from free to strong safety. He has deficient speed, but he gets his hands on a lot of balls. Carpenter, however, has a history of health problems. ... The biggest challenge for S Nick Collins once PACKERS' training camp opens will be to keep up mentally. Collins has plenty of athletic ability, but in coordinator Jim Bates' defense, the safeties must quickly decipher where help is needed and communicate with the cornerbacks. ... CB Frank Walker has skills the GIANTS desperately need: He has a nose for the ball and knows how to catch it. Walker has the size and speed to play regularly. He must harness his energy and aggressiveness.

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Written in pencil

When coach Dennis Green announced that Kurt Warner will be the Cardinals' starting quarterback, he was backing away from earlier promises that Josh McCown would get a shot at the job. Green thinks installing Warner as the starter will speed up the offense's development and establish Warner as a team leader. But Green made similar comments last offseason about McCown being the starter, then ended up going through three quarterbacks. If Warner falters early, McCown will get to play.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE LATELY?

There is no guarantee that DT La'Roi Glover, a Pro Bowl player the past five seasons, will start this season. Coach Bill Parcells seems determined to make the the consummate nose tackle. Glover (6-2,280) is undersized for the position. He is confident he will make a significant contribution, but his body will take a beating because the nose tackle is double-teamed on nearly every play.

UNIT ANALYSIS: Cornerbacks

A Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot should shut down passing games.

A Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly form as solid a duo as there is in the NFL

B+ DeAngelo Hall could become an elite player; Jason Webster has health issues.

B+ Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas have good size and cover skills.

B+ Terence Newman, Aaron Glenn and Anthony Henry all are starter-quality corners.

B+ Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown are a solid combo; depth is good.

B Starters Dre Bly and Fernando Bryant must improve on subpar 2004 seasons.

Inside the NFC

Sporting News, The, June 10, 2005

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