NFC South

Sporting News, The, July 19, 2004

Metairie, La.

REPORTING DATE: July 29

TRACKING THE CAMPS This will be the second season the Saints have trained at their home facility in suburban Metairie, La. It's also the seventh site the team has used in its 38-year history. The team moved home last year primarily because of a new $6.5 million indoor practice facility, With triple-digit temperatures and rain almost daily fixtures in August in Louisiana, the indoor facility was critical to coach Jim Haslett's practice regimen. He says the facility was one of the reasons for the team's strong play in the second half of 2003. Without the indoor facility the previous two years, the team seemed to wear down, losing the final four games in 2001 and the final three in 2002.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

CAMP PRIORITY: Chemistry and hunger were strengths in last season's run to the Super Bowl. Coach John Fox is making it clear those two elements must remain strong. Fox will preach that last year doesn't matter and that the Super Bowl loss left unfinished business.

POSITION BATTLE: There is uncertainty at one of the cornerback spots, but that's not necessarily bad. Ricky Manning is set to start on the left side, but any one of four players could start at right corner. Rookie Chris Gamble is the most physically talented candidate, but he's raw. It may take time for him to learn the mental part of the game. Veterans Artrell Hawkins and Terrance Shaw could hold down the position for the short term. Third-year pro Dante Wesley has shown some promise and will get a long look in camp.

ON THE SPOT: Second-year FS Colin Branch will replace Deon Grant. He has decent physical skills but little experience. Having a strong pass rush up front might limit Branch's exposure, but he must prove he can avoid mistakes.

HONING THEIR GAMES: QB Jake Delhomme must continue to find secondary receivers. This offense doesn't rely on big plays, and Delhomme is best when he isn't forcing things. If he can be patient, WR Steve Smith and RB DeShaun Foster can turn short passes into big plays.... MLB Dan Morgan is a high-energy player, but when he's too aggressive he suffers injuries. He must pick his spots more wisely.... The adjustment from right to left offensive tackle shouldn't be difficult for Jordan Gross. He played the right side as a rookie last season but played the left side in college.

CAMP CONFIDENTIAL: The team will use the shotgun formation more frequently. Delhomme likes the formation, but it wasn't used much last year. That was because Rodney Peete, who went through last year's camp as the starter, didn't like it. The offense should get comfortable with the shotgun with a whole training camp to work on it .... Chris Weinke will have a chance to move ahead of Peete as the backup quarterback. Weinke has superior physical skills, and Delhomme's emergence last year means Peete's leadership skills and calming influence aren't as crucial.... TE Mike Seidman has made a full recovery from a serious knee injury. The team views Seidman as its most complete tight end. Veteran Kris Mangum is a solid starter, but Seidman will get a chance to compete for the starting job.--Pat Yasinskas