NFC

Sporting News, The, July 28, 2003

ARIZONA CARDINALS

SOMETHING TO PROVE: At least two of the young defensive linemen must develop into playmakers if this team is even going to have a shot at .500. The best bets are second-year DT Wendell Bryant and rookie DE Calvin Pace, both first-round picks. Bryant seems intent on proving he's not a bust, and Pace is irritated that many people thought the team reached by taking him in the first round.... The offense must find an identity at training camp, but it won't be easy because there are so many new players. Although coordinator Jerry Sullivan loves the passing game, the team seems better suited to the running game. RBs Emmitt Smith and Marcel Shipp should be a potent combination, and the team has solid lead blockers in FB James Hodgins and TE Steve Bush.

QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: New starter Jeff Blake doesn't lack confidence, and if he can turn this offense around, he'll really have good reason to be confident. Blake is viewed by some as a bridge to the next generation, but this opportunity could develop into more than that. He is one of the best deep passers in the league. As a rookie last year, Josh McCown played only in mop-up situations. He hasn't proved he can play at this level, and the club is taking a risk by not bringing in an experienced backup. McCown has the tools: a decent arm, great mobility and confidence. But if he plays, it probably will be only if Blake is injured. No. 3 Preston Parsons made the team last year as an undrafted rookie. He's smart and has a good arm, though he's not as mobile as McCown. Because the team will need to give ample time to Blake and McCown, Parsons isn't likely to play much during the preseason.--Kent Somers

ATLANTA FALCONS

DECISIONS, DECISIONS: As projected starting NT Ellis Johnson considers retirement, the return of veterans Travis Hall (hernia) and Ed Jasper (back/neck surgery) becomes more crucial. Hall is a strong run stopper who provides more bulk than Jasper or Johnson. Hall and Jasper had been projected for swing roles between end and nose tackle this season. If Johnson does not return, Hall and Jasper likely will spend most of their time in the middle, along with rookie Floyd Black. Rookie Demetrin Veal was scheduled to play end, but he also could see time at nose tackle if Johnson retires.... OLB Sam Rogers' competition with Will Overstreet figures to be one of the highlights of training camp. Rogers missed the team's passing camp while recovering from a hernia, but in minicamp, he showed an ability to rush the passer and stuff the run.

QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: If the theory holds true that quarterbacks make their most improvement after their first full year, then Michael Vick is headed toward a huge season. As stunning as he was in his first year as a starter, Vick still showed a lack of experience, particularly in his footwork. So assistant Mike Johnson--who also was a lefthanded quarterback--was moved from receivers coach to quarterbacks coach. Johnson says Vick already has improved in his drops and ability to plant firmly in the pocket. That's important because Vick should spend more time there than on the run with the upgrades at receiver. Backup Doug Johnson is a more polished passer than Vick. He delivered big in his one start last year--a road win at the Giants. Kurt Kittner showed more arm strength than expected, but he's not very big or fast.--Charles Odum

CAROLINA PANTHERS

PATCHING THE SECONDARY: The re-signing of CB Emmanuel McDaniel gives the team some experienced depth in the secondary. Although second-year player Dante Wesley is expected to get the first shot at the nickel back spot, McDaniel provides some insurance. McDaniel doesn't have great size, but he has good speed and will fill the hole left by Rashard Anderson, who won't be reinstated anytime soon from a suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.... Reserve RBs Skip Hicks, Dee Brown and Nick Goings will get lots of carries in training camp and in exhibition games as the team avoids wearing out starter Stephen Davis, who will carry a heavy workload in the regular season. Also, DeShaun Foster won't be rushed into action after knee surgery.

QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: This position will feature the most interesting competition of the preseason. Rodney Peete enters camp as the incumbent. But at 37, he's a short-term answer at best. So Jake Delhomme will get a shot now at being the long-term solution. He signed as a free agent after being a backup in New Orleans. The coaches see Delhomme as a younger version of Peete and think he can prosper as a starter. Peete and Delhomme won't post huge numbers, but that isn't required in an offense that relies on the run. The emphasis will be on limiting mistakes, and Delhomme must show he can avoid turnovers to beat out Peete. Chris Weinke, who lost the starting job to Peete last preseason, remains a factor. Weinke may have the most physical skills of the three, but he makes too many mistakes. Second-year pro Randy Fasani may have a difficult time winning a roster spot.--Pat Yasinskas