NFC reports

Sporting News, The, July 12, 2004

ARIZONA CARDINALS WEB Raynoch Thompson has been the team's best defender the past two seasons, and he will hold a key position in the Cardinals' new system. The defense is designed to let him roam the field, and he should be able to use his speed to make plays.... SLB Levar Fisher was supposed to give the team the athleticism it lacked on the outside, but knee problems have pushed him behind Gerald Hayes, a converted middle linebacker. Also figuring in the mix is rookie Karlos Dansby, who has good speed and potential as a pass rusher. QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: Coach Dennis Green is one of the few people who isn't worried about this position. He anointed Josh McCown the starter months ago, even though McCown has just three career starts. He doesn't have a big arm, but it's strong enough. McCown is an exceptional athlete who provides an added weapon with his running ability. The team seemed to rally around him last season. Free-agent signee Shaun King is the backup. He barely has played the past three seasons with the Buccaneers and hasn't stood out in the offseason, but he's bright and has played in big games. Rookie John Navarre has a nice arm and good pocket presence, but he lacks mobility.--Kent Somers

POSITION GRADE C-

ATLANTA FALCONS Offensive line coach Alex Gibbs is renowned for teaching cut blocks. In Denver, he angered opponents who claimed the technique, which calls for blocks below the knees, threatens careers. The earliest the Falcons will practice cut blocks is August 7, when they scrimmage against the Titans. Gibbs won't let his players use cut blocks against teammates.... SS Bryan Scott is poised to have a great season. As a rookie, he didn't start until midseason and was miscast as a cornerback. In minicamps, Scott has shown a knack for disrupting passes in zone coverage and has a faster first step than most strong safeties. QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: Michael Vick has tremendous skill and potential; no one in the NFL can make something out of nothing like Vick. But this season, his arm strength could surpass his speed as his best weapon. Vick only has begun to learn the nuances of passing. He simply needs to cut down on fumbles and stay healthy. Rookie Matt Schaub, who can throw on the run but needs to improve his setup and release on dropbacks, lacks experience but will take a big percentage of the preseason snaps. No. 3 Ty Detmer has deficient arm strength and could lose his job to David Rivers, who needs to limit his mistakes.--George Henry

POSITION GRADE B

CAROLINA PANTHERS Gs Doug Brzezinski and Tutan Reyes worked with the first team during June workouts and have chances to win starting jobs. Bruce Nelson could move ahead of them if he recovers from a hip injury that should be healed by the start of training camp. Free-agent pickup Travis Claridge will get a long look in camp. His experience could help on a line that is going through a major transition.... The coaches were pleased with the performance of FS Colin Branch in workouts. Branch is unproven, but he has good physical and mental skills. If he can show in camp that he can play smart, he'll win the starting job. QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: Jake Delhomme showed last season that he has the ability to make big plays even though the offense relies heavily on the running game. His arm and quickness are average, but he has great intangibles and can lead comebacks and improvise. Rodney Peete is a smart veteran, but he doesn't have much left physically. He could slide to third on the depth chart if Chris Weinke has a good camp and preseason. Weinke has the strongest arm among the team's quarterbacks, but he needs to show he can consistently make good decisions. Rookie Rod Rutherford has some potential.--Pat Yasinskas

POSITION GRADE B-

CHICAGO BEARS MLB Brian Urlacher wasn't involved in a single turnover last year despite leading the team in tackles, but the coaching staff is convinced the drought was an aberration. New coach Lovie Smith emphasizes turnovers, and the team needs Urlacher's numbers to rebound this season.... Colin Kreutz is as good at his position as anyone in the league. He keeps his pads at a good level, which helps him move defensive tackles, and has the quickness and athletic ability to make blocks beyond the line of scrimmage.... Speedy WR Jamin Elliott looks like a seasoned professional after spending most of last season on the Patriots' practice squad. QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: The organization believes Rex Grossman is going to be a special player. He is an accurate passer with a strong arm and great release and has all the intangibles. He showed glimpses of greatness in victories against the Vikings and Redskins. He might be considered an injury risk if he had been hurt earlier in the season; the broken finger he suffered in the season finale would have cost him six games. The Bears don't have an experienced backup. The top reserve is Jonathan Quinn, who spent the last two seasons as the Chiefs' No. 3 quarterback. Quinn hasn't thrown a pass in an NFL game in three years, but he knows the system. Rookie Craig Krenzel is a streaky passer, but the team loves his footwork, mobility and intelligence.--Mike Mulligan