Inside The Nfc West

Sporting News, The, Sept 11, 2000

GAME OF THE WEEK

Carolina at San Francisco. When the Panthers swept the 49ers in '99, Steve Beuerlein threw for eight TDs and 668 yards. Without Patrick Jeffers, Beuerlein won't be that potent, but he'll be potent enough. It comes down to this: Can the 49ers' CBs match up against Muhsin Muhammad? No.

MATCHUP TO WATCH

Rams WR Isaac Bruce vs. Seahawks CB Shawn Springs. No receiver in the NFL gets more separation out of breaks than Bruce, but Springs can run with the best. If Springs can get a standoff, the Seahawks have a shot at holding the Rams to the mid-20s in points and staging an upset.

ON THE SPOT

Jamal Anderson must win his duel with fellow rehabber Terrell Davis. If he can't pound for consistent yardage against Denver's front seven, it'll get ugly for the Falcons, who will struggle to pass-protect against DT Trevor Pryce.

KEEP AN EYE ON

The Saints' front four. If it can't disrupt passing games, the team's problem spot--corner--will be exposed, and the defense will be roasted. DE Joe Johnson, who has come back strong from knee surgery, must play at his '98 level.

ROOKIE REPORT

Saints RB-KR Chad Morton (5-8, 186) is a dangerous, Eric Metcalf-type weapon in the open field. Look for him to make plays on swing passes and screen passes out of the backfield and an impact on kick and punt returns.

FEARLESS FORECAST

The 49ers' wide receivers will be unhappy by the end of the month. Jeff Garcia is a solid quarterback, but he is not a gambler and doesn't push the ball downfield enough to suit his wideouts. Gentlemen, start your whining.

FANTASY SOURCE

Expect the Panthers, who were held to 124 net passing yards by the Redskins, to have an easier time throwing the ball this week when they test a young, revamped 49ers secondary. Steve Beuerlein, Muhsin Muhammad and Wesley Walls all could have big games in a high-scoring affair.

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Atlanta

1-0: 1st

A comfortable Jefferson gives the team a '98 look

After catching only three passes in the preseason, WR Shawn Jefferson proved in his regular-season debut that he has indeed found a comfort zone in the offense. In the preseason, it appeared QB Chris Chandler and Jefferson had not developed a chemistry, but in Sunday's win, Jefferson caught seven passes for a career-best 148 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown bomb from Chandler. With the emergence of Jefferson--the perfect complement to the underrated Terance Mathis--and the encouraging showing by RB Jamal Anderson, the Falcons appear to have a deep threat at receiver as well as a power running game, reminiscent of the 1998 team. That group had WR Tony Martin, who was highly effective at stretching defenses.... In his three preseason games, Anderson's totals were 18 carries for 35 yards, so his workhorse-type debut Sunday (24 carries, 77 yards) was a surprise as he returns from reconstructive surgery on his right knee. Backup Ron Rivers played only on special teams, and the No. 3 RB, Maurice Smith, was inactive.... OT Ephraim Salaam provided the line with a boost on his return to the active roster. He shared time with rookie Travis Claridge at right tackle and could compete for starting duty as early as Sunday against Denver.... OT Michael Thompson will be closely watched as he recovers from the physical and emotional shock of a temporary loss of feeling in his right arm last week in practice. Thompson had been the top backup to LT Bob Whitfield.

SCOUTING REPORT: RG Anthony Redmon has provided needed stability and experience on an offensive line in a state of transition during the preseason. Signed from Carolina to replace Gene Williams, Redmon immediately made an impression with his grasp of fundamentals. Solid and reliable if not flashy, Redmon brings a mean streak that also was sought by the Falcons. From his first day in camp, Redmon was the club's starting right guard; barring injury, that will not change.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: How many preseason lists of the game's top quarterbacks included Chandler? Too few. Even so, he continues to prove that with a semblance of balance in the offense and adequate blocking, he can throw one of the NFL's best deep balls. Jefferson called the touch Chandler showed on his perfectly thrown 48-yard touchdown "something you dream of as a receiver." --Charles Odum

GRADING OUT vs. San Francisco

OFFENSE B

Jefferson and Chandler appear to be clicking, but Anderson's health is the key.

DEFENSE B-

Ashley Ambrose showed early that he can be a big-play force in the secondary.

SPECIAL TEAMS A

Morten Andersen says hello to NFL life at 40 by going 5-for-5 on FG attempts.

COACHING B

Dan Reeves says he should have found a few carries for backup RB Ron Rivers.

FALCONS

PASSING    Att.   Comp.   Pct.   Yds.   Long

Chandler    31     16     51.6    264    48t

PASSING    TD   Int.    Rate   Sacks

Chandler    2    0     102.1     0

RUSHING     Att.   Yds.   Avg.   TD

Anderson     24     77     3.2    0
Chandler      4     12     3.0    0
Christian     3      5     1.7    0

RECEIVING    No.   Yds.   Avg.   TD

Jefferson     7     148   21.1    1
Mathis        3      72   24.0    1
R. Kelly      2      10    5.0    0

SCORING    XPM   XPA   FGM   FGA   Pts.

Andersen    3     3     5     5     18

PUNTING        No.   Yds.   Avg.   Blk.

Stryzinski      2     95    47.5    0

KO RETURNS     No.   Yds.   Avg.   TD

Dwight          3     74    24.7    0

PUNT RETURNS   No.   Yds.   Avg.   TD

Dwight          2     21    10.5    0