NFC

Sporting News, The, June 11, 2001

INSIDE LINEBACKERS ANALYSIS: Rookie Brian Urlacher became the starter at middle linebacker three games into last season. He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year, finishing with a team-high 165 tackles, eight sacks and two interceptions. He has the ability to chase down running plays, rush the passer and stay with most backs in coverage. The team would like him to put on 10 pounds and play in the 260-pound range without losing speed. That would make him more capable of taking on blockers at the point of attack. Khari Samuel, who has a superb physical blend, was expected to back up Urlacher, but he hasn't progressed as hoped. --John Mullin

Dallas

A GOOD SIGN: Coach Dave Campo was surprised by the participation of WRs Joey Galloway and Raghib Ismail, both of whom suffered season-ending knee injuries last season, in team drills during quarterback school. The training staff still is taking it slow with Galloway and Ismail because they don't want either to have a setback. But both are expected to be ready by training camp. The health of these two players is vital to the team's success because QB Tony Banks' strength is throwing the deep ball. The team wants Galloway and Ismail to threaten defenses, forcing them to play their safeties deep and giving RB Emmitt Smith more room to rum.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS ANALYSIS: The Cowboys drafted undersized MLB Dat Nguyen three years ago because they thought his instincts and savvy would make him a star. Nguyen has flashed some skills but has been injury-prone. Nguyen's inability to consistently play well against the run is one reason the team finished 31st in the NFL in run defense. The team's defensive tackles didn't play well and left Nguyen exposed to offensive linemen, whom he had to go through to reach the ball. He is much better when he can read the play, flow to the ball and make the tackle. The team has altered its scheme this season to protect Nguyen and allow him to chase the ball. Nguyen is terrific in pass coverage. The team doesn't have a young backup pushing Nguyen. Veteran Joe Bowden, who is the backup at all three linebacker spots, and OLB Dexter Coakley both can play in the middle. --Jean-Jacques Taylor

Detroit

SOLID STEWART: Coach Marty Mornhinweg is impressed with the performance of RB James Stewart. Entering the second minicamp, Mornhinweg admitted he wasn't sure Stewart had the receiving ability to excel in the West Coast offense, but Stewart has proved he's more than capable.... There won't be any final decisions until training camp, but it appears the Lions would like to start LT Jeff Backus, LG Stockar McDougle, C Eric Beverly, RG Branden Stai and RT Aaron Gibson along the offensive line. There still will be a lot of competition for starting positions, especially at tackle with veteran Ray Roberts (an eight-year starter) and center with second-round draft pick Dominic Raiola.... The team is in the process of increasing its depth at three areas: the offensive and defensive lines and the secondary. The biggest void is at safety, where the Lions have only one veteran, Kywin Supernaw, in a backup role.