Inside the NFC

Sporting News, The, July 8, 2005

Rookie Marcus Spears has been working at left defensive end, where the COWBOYS hope his 295-pound frame will allow him to play the run better than Greg Ellis, who has been moved to the right side. Spears has been working with DT La'Roi Glover on his hand movements to improve his pass-rush skills.

... The CARDINALS successfully used a defensive alignment featuring five linemen periodically last year, and given the club's defensive strength up front, the strategy could be used more often this year. The depth on the line provides the freedom to move around E Bertrand Berry in search of favorable matchups. ... With E Al Wallace and Ts Atiyyah Ellison and Kindal Moorehead providing quality depth, the PANTHERS will shuffle the defensive line frequently to keep the starters fresh and maximize their effectiveness. The team wants T Brentson Buckner playing 60 to 70 percent of the snaps and T Kris Jenkins and E Mike Rucker playing 70 to 80 percent of the time. ... If the SEAHAWKS are forced to forge ahead without unsigned RB Shaun Alexander for an extended period, they'll be best off using a combination of backups Maurice Morals and Kerry Carter. Morris has good quickness and would be best used on sweeps and as a receiver; Carter (6-1,238) has the size to pound the ball inside. ... If TE Richard Angulo finally can stay healthy, he could emerge as a surprise scorer and playmaker for the VIKINGS. The coaches love his physical tools, which make him a huge red zone target, and the mean streak he shows when blocking. ... At his best, RAMS DT Damione Lewis has the strength to hold up against the run and the quickness to penetrate and disrupt plays in the backfield. The trouble is, Lewis hasn't been at his best much, largely because of injuries. He gets knocked off-balance too easily and at times seems overly tentative when confronted with cut blocks. ... In his first year as a starter, the EAGLES' Sheldon Brawn showed he's an excellent cover cornerback who can shut down a receiver for an entire game. Brown (5-10, 200) makes up for a lack of ideal size with his toughness and physical play. He is the team's best run-support corner. ... BEARS DL Israel Idonije is a fast-improving player who might be in line for a regular spot in the rotation. He's not a pure speed rusher, but he has enough athletic ability to come off the edge and also holds up well against the run. Idonije could fit nicely as a wave lineman and might challenge No. 3 E Michael Haynes for playing time. ... The addition of veteran Az-Zahir Hakim bolsters the SAINTS' depth and experience at wide receiver. The team had planned to use Donte' Stallworth as the primary slot receiver before Hakim's acquisition, but that's likely to change because Hakim, 28, is more comfortable out of the slot than at the two outside receiver spots at this stage of his career. ... The PACKERS expect rookie FS Nick Collins to start at some point this season. His immediate future will hinge on his ability to overcome a history of being slow to pick up defensive systems. But the club might be willing to put up with mistakes just to get his athleticism on the field; Collins has 4.36 speed and a 40-inch vertical jump. ... The plan when training camp begins is for Anthony Davis, whom the BUCCANEERS have been touting as a future starter for nearly a year, to work almost exclusively at left tackle. He'll compete with Derrick Deese for the starter's job. Davis has been splitting time during offseason workouts between the two tackle spots but only because projected starting RT Kenyatta Walker still is recovering from knee surgery. ... 49ERS CB Shawntae Spencer had typical struggles as a rookie, especially in reading short slant routes, but he also proved capable of coveting deep downfield. His hands need some work, not just in jamming receivers at the line but also in securing interceptions. Coach Mike Nolan was among those who questioned whether Spencer was physical enough coming out of college, but Nolan says those concerns have faded. ... With FALCONS FS Bryan Scott's recovery from shoulder surgery taking longer than expected, Etric Pruitt has a chance to win a job. Coaches believe hard work in practice and attentive film study have given Pruitt better spatial awareness and understanding of zone coverage. But he'll miss out on a roster spot if he doesn't improve his tackling and earn a role on special teams. ... CB Curtis Deloatch and TE Visanthe Shiancoe were among the young players GIANTS coach Tom Coughlin singled out as having strong offseasons. Shiancoe came out of the offseason weight program showing added strength, and he has the ability to get downfield in the passing game. He could help take pressure off starter Jeremy Shockey. Deloatch will challenge for the No. 3 corner job. ... If LIONS CB Fernando Bryant, who was hampered by leg injuries last year, doesn't return to his original form, he'll be pushed for a starting job by recently signed R.W. McQuarters. Bryant is a good tackler and usually doesn't give up yardage after the catch, but he's vulnerable in run support and needs to regain his coverage abilities. ... The addition of Tony Dixon gives the REDSKINS another experienced safety, helping ease concerns over the uncertainty of Sean Taylor's situation and the recent injury to Andre Lott. Dixon is a role player who can be used to pressure quarterbacks, something coordinator Gregg Williams likes to do with safeties and cornerbacks.