Inside the NFC

Sporting News, The, July 15, 2005

The LIONS have the weapons to correct last year's problems converting on third-and-short. RB Kevin Jones will be a bigger factor in the short passing game, and TE Marcus Pollard will provide greater flexibility in short zones.... EAGLES SS Michael Lewis is poised to build on last year's breakout season. A ferocious hitter, he is excellent in run support and showed improved cover skills.... 49ERS ILB Jeff Ulbrich is arguably the defense's smartest player in terms of recognizing opponents' schemes. He's adept at covering running backs on passing routes out of the backfield.... The GIANTS will line up WR Plaxico Burress as the "X" receiver, or split end, and use WR Amani Toomer as the "Z," or flanker. Both players have enough experience to be used in a variety of ways, although there might be an adjustment period for Toomer, who has played split end for most of his career.... With Came, Williams in the backfield, look for BUCCANEERS RB Michael Pittman to line up more at wide receiver to bolster the unit. Pittman has soft hands and can turn upfield quickly after he makes the catch.... Clifton Smith is making a run at earning significant playing time at middle linebacker for the REDSKINS. Smith has something the other candidates lack: size. At 267 pounds, he can jam gaps and shut down the run.... The FALCONS would be smart to give Michael Jenkins the nod as the starting "Z" receiver over Peerless Price going into camp. Jenkins deserves a chance to justify his status as a first-round pick, and putting Price with the second team might make him work harder. ... Problems on the offensive line last year forced the PANTHERS to keep FB Brad Hoover in to block. But the line likely will be improved, which should allow the team to better use Hoover's good hands and ability after the catch.... Though PACKERS coordinator Jim Bates uses a four-across philosophy in the secondary, he doesn't require his corners to play off the receiver. That means CB Al Harris still will be allowed to play his favored bump-and-run coverage.... Early in the season COWBOYS rookie OLB Demarcus Ware likely will rely on his speed to attack quarterbacks. But he must improve his hand techniques so he can disengage bigger, more physical blockers quickly when rushing the passer.... At 6-2,290, SAINTS DT Brian Young can be overpowered at the point of attack, but he compensates with a nonstop motor and smarts. An injured wrist hampered his ability to shed blockers last season, but now that he's healthy and more familiar with the defensive system, his production should increase.... The BEARS' John Tait has good enough feet to play left tackle and should be a huge upgrade at the position after playing on the right side last year. But he must show he's mentally tough enough to handle the left side.... Robbie Tobeck, 35, remains the SEAHAWKS' starting center entering camp, but rookie Chris Spencer displayed the instincts and athletic ability in minicamps to push--and eventually replace--Tobeck.... RAMS FB Joey Goodspeed shows good initial pop as a blocker and is better on the move, though he still could improve his blocking in space. He has hit the weight room this offseason to stave off a possible challenge from rookie Madison Hedgecock.

FINALLY CORNERING THE MARKET

The Vikings will head to training camp with their best trio of cornerbacks in recent memory, which will allow coordinator Ted Cottrell to vary his calls and not work so hard to protect the secondary's deficiencies. Already the NFL's best tackler among cornerbacks, Antoine Winfield proved in 2004 that his coverage skills are almost as good. Fred Smoot's smooth coverage skills sometimes mask his tough on-field approach. Nickel back Brian Williams has ample starting experience and is more than equipped to step in as an injury replacement.

UNIT ANALYSIS: Running backs

A Warrick Dunn and TJ. Duckett provide a 1-2 punch of speed and power.

A- Shaun Alexander and his personal protector, FB Mack Strong, are a productive duo.

B Julius Jones showed star potential last season. Anthony Thomas is a quality backup.

B Kevin Jones is on the verge of becoming a top all-around back. Depth is strong.

B The Ahman Green-Najeh Davenport combo could be dominant if both stay healthy.

B Deuce McAllister carries the load. Aaron Stecker and Antowain Smith are solid.

B Tiki Barber keeps geeing better with age, but the backup situation is muddled. B DeShaun Foster is the No. 1 back, but power runner Eric Shelton might be a better fit.

B Cedric Benson is a tough interior runner. Thomas Jones provides a change of pace.

B Michael Bennett and Mewelde Moore are solid, but losing Onterrio Smith hurts.

B The three-headed attack is back, with playmaker Brian Westbrook as the headliner.

B Steven Jackson blends speed with power. Marshall Faulk still will contribute.

B Carnell Williams and the ever-improving Michael Pittman make this a strength.

B Clinton Portis can be a big-play threat. Ladell Betts is a solid backup.

C If Kevan Barlow flounders, rookie Frank Gore might run behind stud FB Fred Beasley.