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Inside the NFC

Sporting News, The, August 12, 2005

The COWBOYS will monitor their running formations carefully during training camp to determine whether RB Julius Jones is more comfortable in one-back sets than two-back formations. Jones had several big runs on draw plays from the one-back last year and averaged 5.1 yards per carry from that set, nearly a full yard more than he averaged out of two-back formations.... Second-year player Will Allen has progressed nicely and could supplant Dexter Jackson as the BUCCANEERS' starting free safety. An instinctive player, Allen has the burst to make plays on balls in the air and is a sound tackler. He also has the speed and mobility to stay with receivers in man coverage.... Veteran Marcus Pollard knows how important the tight end is in the West Coast offense, and his goal is to show LIONS QB Joey Harrington that he's the ultimate safety valve. Pollard is very good at getting separation underneath. His greatest value comes from finding holes in zone defenses and eluding man coverage.... After struggling badly to catch the ball in early offseason practices, BEARS rookie WR Mark Bradley looked sharp and confident in the early days of training camp, although he was catching some passes with his body. A strong player with excellent speed, he should make an impact this year.... The REDSKINS signed C Casey Rabach in the offseason to solidify the middle of the line and stop teams from blitzing up the middle. Rabach (6-4, 301) has the size and speed to hold up physically, as well as the intelligence and experience to recognize blitzes and get the calls to his teammates.... Rookie David Baas, penciled in as the 49ERS' starting right guard, is an exceptional drive blocker, which is good news for a running game that struggled last season. A physical player, Baas is more than willing to deliver a blow, but his pass blocking will bear watching.... In a mild surprise, rookie Jerome Carter entered training camp as the RAMS' starting strong safety. The Rams will pair Carter with Adam Archuleta, who has been switched to free safety after starting at strong safety his first four years. Although the distinction between the two safety spots are blurred in the team's system, Carter (5-11, 219) will have more run-support responsibilities than Archuleta. Attacking the run wasn't a problem for Carter at Florida State, where he was an intense, aggressive player.... VIKINGS coaches still aren't sure whether rookie OL Marcus Johnson will play left guard or right tackle. He split time between guard and tackle at Mississippi, but Johnson's quick feet and ability to drive-block in the running game might make him a better fit at tackle.... The SAINTS were wise to sign RB Deuce McAllister to a long-term contract extension. McAllister, 26, is entering his prime and shows no signs of slowing down. He's a smart player who knows how to avoid big hits, which should help him extend his career. Most important, the classy McAllister isn't the type to reduce his intensity now that he has cashed in .... It didn't take long for GIANTS MLB Antonio Pierce to get everyone excited about his potential. He quickly took on a leadership role during the offseason program, and coaches rave about his speed, versatility and potential to have a big impact as the anchor of the team's best linebacker unit in years.... PACKERS coaches are eager to get rookie CB Micheal Hawkins a lot of work because he has legitimate 4.3 speed and the potential to be special if he can learn the game. Hawkins came to camp in reasonably good condition despite offseason knee surgery.... The SEAHAWKS like to use FB Mack Strong as a situational runner and receiver, but he tends to wear down as the season progresses, and his work as a runner and receiver hurts his effectiveness as a lead blocker for RB Shaun Alexander. The remedy is to give Strong an occasional series off; that puts the onus on rookies Tony Jackson and Leonard Weaver to step up in camp.... CARDINALS DE Calvin Pace won't contend for a starting job this season, but he should be a productive role player. Pace has gained some weight and strength and can be an effective situational pass rusher at either end position.

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Another stud in a loaded secondary

A devastating hitter, Eagles SS Michael Lewis is excellent playing near the line in run support. He also is an effective blitzer. In his first two years, Lewis had difficulty in coverage, but he improved dramatically in that area last season and now can take on tight ends when asked. Lewis emerged as a Pro Bowl player in 2004 and should get better.

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A matter of size

At worst, newly acquired Rod Gardner will give the Panthers a solid No. 3 wide receiver with starting experience; at best, he could move ahead of Keary Colbert and into a starting role. The coaching staff is very high on Colbert, but Colbert (5-10, 193) and Steve Smith (5-9, 185) are both small, so Gardner (6-2, 215) could be a better complement to Smith. To win a starting job, Gardner will have to convince the coaching staff he can avoid the drops that plagued him in Washington. With Smith, Colbert and Gardner forming a solid top three, Ricky Proehl can be used primarily as a situational receiver in the red zone and raw prospect Drew Carter can be brought along slowly.

Inside the NFC

Sporting News, The, August 12, 2005

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