[0] NFC West

Sporting News, The, Jan 14, 2002

Atlanta Falcons www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/falcons

DETERMINING FACTOR: This team was pegged to win seven or eight games. But at 6-4, it was in position to land a wild-card berth. A familiar weakness--a lack of production and consistency on the offensive line--sealed the club's fate. For a few weeks, it appeared the offensive front was improving. Although the middle of the line--Travis Claridge at right guard, Todd McClure at center and Bob Hallen at left guard--was young and was vulnerable at times, it seemed headed in the right direction. But coach Dan Reeves and line coach Pete Mangurian lost patience with Claridge and Hallen, forcing rookies Kynan Forney and then Roberto Garza into the starting lineup. When RB Maurice Smith became slowed by injuries, the lack of blocking became even more obvious.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The future belongs to QB Michael Vick. Rarely has a team found so much reason for optimism in a loss as in Vicks relief appearance behind Chris Chandler in the December 30 loss at Miami. Vick had three turnovers, but he showed much poise as he hurt the Dolphins with laser-like passes and scrambles. Vick still is learning the lengthy terminology of the offense, but he is confident he will be ready to start by the beginning of next season.

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: A shift in ownership to Arthur Blank will be the first change. Then Reeves' role will be determined. Next, decisions must be made on several veterans, beginning with Chandler, 36. He might be willing to rework his contract to lower his $8.5 million cap figure. Coming off one of his best seasons, Chandler could be a valuable, if costly, insurance policy for Vick. Another big decision must be made on RB Jamal Anderson, who is recovering from his second reconstructive knee surgery in three years. Smith will need offseason surgery to repair cartilage damage to his knee. Maybe the team will consider having him and Anderson share the starting job. Help for the offensive line is a top priority, but the search for a big-play receiver also must be high on the list. It's doubtful both WRs Terance Mathis and Shawn Jefferson will return because they fill the same role. If Don Blackmon returns as defensive coordinator, changes must be made on his unit. Cornerback will be a priority if the team decides to move Ray Buchanan to free safety. --Charles Odum

FINAL GRADES

Regular season

OFFENSE: C- There's hope, but the line needs a veteran.

DEFENSE: D A low ranking despite some breakout performances.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A A strength all season. K Jay Feely is a keeper.

COACHING: C- The offensive line and pass defense fell off.

PASSING    Att.   Comp.   Pct.   Yds.   Long

Chandler    365     223   61.1   2847    94t
Vick        113      50   44.2    785     52

PASSING    TD   Int.   Rating   Sacked

Chandler   16     14     84.1       41
Vick        2      3     62.7       23

RUSHING       Att.   Yds.   Avg.   TD

M. Smith       237    760    3.2    5
Vick            29    300   10.3    1
Christian       44    284    6.5    2

RECEIVING      No.   Yds.   Avg.   TD

Mathis          51    564   11.1    2
Christian       45    392    8.7    2
Jefferson       37    539   14.6    2

Scoring   XPM   XPA   FGM   FGA   Pts.

Feely      28    28    29    37    115

PUNTING        No.   Yds.   Avg.   Blk.

Mohr            69   2680   38.8      0

KO RETURNS     No.   Yds.   Avg.     TD

Vaughn          61   1491   24.4      1

PUNT RETURNS   No.   Yds.   Avg.     TD

Gordon          31    437   14.1      0

SACKS: Kerney 11.5, B. Smith 7.5,
Dronett 5.5.

INTERCEPTIONS: Ambrose 5,
Buchanan 5, Brooking 2.

Carolina Panthers www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/panthers

DETERMINING FACTOR: When the team opted for a youth movement, it was clear there would be some bumps. But the team expected some veterans to ease the transition. With TE Wesley Walls, WR Muhsin Muhammad, SS Mike Minter, DT Sean Gilbert, LT Todd Steussie and C Jeff Mitchell, there were some veterans with plenty of talent. But nobody stepped forward as a true leader, and it cost the team clearly. The young players made some mistakes, but it would be wrong to blame the dismal season on them. Such youngsters as QB Chris Weinke, OLB Dan Morgan and WR Steve Smith also had very good moments. Those three players must keep progressing next year because they have the leadership qualities veterans didn't provide.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Weinke and Morgan are the franchise's nucleus for the future, no matter who ends up coaching them. Weinke had a decent rookie year and with a year of experience will be much better from the start. He must improve his accuracy a bit, but the team also needs to structure the offense to include more deep passing to use his strengths. Morgan started to make big plays. But he only showed the tip of his potential. Assuming he's healthy, Morgan will be a much bigger contributor next year and will be the unquestioned leader of a defense that desperately needs an identity.

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: There will be a lot of changes in the aftermath of coach George Seifert's dismissal. The only certainty is that the youth movement will continue. The team wants to build through the draft and keep a core together for the long term. The offensive line is in good shape, and there's potential in the secondary and depth at receiver. But a lot of pieces remain missing. The team desperately needs help on the defensive line. It's very likely the first-round pick will be used there. It doesn't matter whether the top pick is an end or a tackle; the team needs a pass rusher and a run stopper. If the coaching change leads to an offensive philosophy that stresses the running game more, the need for a running back will be even greater. The team will need to create salary-cap room to pursue free agents, so several veterans may be waived or have to restructure their contracts. Gilbert, Walls, CB Doug Evans, WR Patrick Jeffers, CB Jimmy Hitchcock and DE Jason Peter have big salary-cap figures. --Pat Yasinskas