NFC south

Sporting News, The, Jan 14, 2005

ATLANTA FALCONS PLAYOFF READINESS ****

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS: The defense continues to prevent big plays with zone coverages, consistent pressure and an insistence on stuffing the run. RB Warrick Dunn's recent emergence makes the league's best rushing attack even better, and the return of RB T.J. Duckett improves the team's ability to convert short-yardage runs. But, of the wide receivers, only Brian Finneran runs consistently effective routes, and Vick alternates between forcing passes to struggling WR Peerless Price and ignoring him altogether. Vick usually struggles to find targets unless he rolls out. When he stays too long in the pocket, he tends to fumble or make poor throws. Because he moves around so much, Vick is hard to protect and is prone to getting sacked, He must settle down and give his receivers time to get open. FINAL GRADES: Offense: B. A weak passing attack could make the team too one-dimensional. Defense: B-. If healthy, the team is stronger against the run. Special teams: C . K Jay Feely was hot early but is too cold now to inspire confidence. Coaching: A-, Jim Mora is a strength.--George Henry

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: Coach Jim Haslett is expected to make a power play for more control. He could lose that battle-and his job. G.M Mickey Loomis has gained owner Tom Benson's trust and might choose to go in another direction. The club has cap room available and will need it to sign RB Deuce McAllister and WR Joe Hum to contract extensions. The Saints can't afford to lose either player. WR Jerome Pathon might be released to make room for promising speedster Devery Henderson. The Saints must decide whether to re-sign DE Darren Howard, With Will Smith considered a future star, the best option might be to sign Howard, then trade him. FINAL GRADES: Offense: C. Horn and McAllister were steady, but the rest of the unit was too up-and-down. Defense: D. The late-season improvement wasn't enough to overcome a horrendous start. Special teams: A. The kicking units were amazingly consistent; the return teams sparked the late-season surge. Coaching: B. Haslett deserves credit for keeping the team together.--Jeff Duncan

CAROLINA PANTHERS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The team needs to address the offensive line, its biggest weakness. An upgrade must be made at right tackle, where Matt Willig and Todd Fordham struggled most of the season. With Bruce Nelson coming off hip surgery, the team also needs to add depth at guard. Pro Bowl WR Muhsin Muhammad has a $12.5 million cap figure for 2005, so the team likely will try to sign him to a cap-friendly extension, but Muhammad might want to test the market. OLB Mark Fields is the most significant potential free agent on defense, and the team will make an attempt to re-sign him. Improving the depth in the defensive line and secondary also will be key. FINAL GRADES: Offense: B-. Jake Delhomme and Muhammad might have been the NFEs hottest passing combo in the second half of the season. Defense: C . LE Julius Peppers had a breakout season, and CB Chris Gamble became a playmaker. Special teams: D . The return game was a disappointment, and P Todd Sauerbrun's numbers dropped. Coaching: A-. John Fox and his staff did a masterful job of holding the team together.--Pat Yasinskas

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: Improving the offensive line should be a priority. In particular, the unit needs to become much better at run blocking; the team often had to abandon the run because it couldn't produce the yardage necessary to stay out of third-and-long situations. Adding a guard or tackle who weighs 320 pounds or more is a must. QB Brian Griese will go into training camp as the projected starter but must improve his vision and decision-making to keep that spot. The biggest need on defense is a big run-stopping tackle who will keep opponents from targeting the middle of the fine. FINAL GRADES: Offense: D. Gdese, WR Michael Clayton, RB Michael Pittman and RT Kenyatta Walker were the only bright spots. Defense: C, The pass defense remained strong, but injuries at defensive tackle led to struggles against the run. Special teams: B. There were vast improvements in every facet--except the kicking game. Coaching: D, The team fell into a hole early, and Jon Gruden never pulled it all the way out.--Roy Cummings