NFC reports

Sporting News, The, Sept 13, 2004

ARIZONA CARDINALS The coaches believe Leonard Davis can be one of the best left tackles in the league, but moving him there from guard is a risk. At guard, Davis could use his size (370 pounds) and strength to overpower opponents. At tackle, his quickness and agility will be tested. He'll be facing defensive ends who are about 100 pounds lighter. If Davis can get his hands on them, they're done. Davis also struggled against stunts and twists in the preseason.... The hope is that rookie WR Larry Fitzgerald's diligent offseason work will help him compensate for missing three weeks of training camp because of a sprained ankle. Fitzgerald insists he'll be ready for the opener.... The acquisition of DE Peppi Zellner allows rookie Darnell Dockett to return to tackle, for which he is better suited. Zellner is expected to start on the left side ahead of Kyle Vanden Bosch, who is gradually working his way back in after a second knee surgery in three years. PROBLEM SPOT: The Cardinals are living on the edge at cornerback. LCB Duane Starks (groin) missed the final two exhibition games, forcing Renaldo Hill into the starting lineup and Robert Tare into the nickel corner spot. Hill is a decent cornerback, but the club needs Starks, who's often injured, on the field because of his speed.--Kent Somers

ATLANTA FALCONS The loss of rookie CB DeAngelo Hall (hip fracture) for two months puts a cloud of doubt over the team's pass defense, which ranked last in the NFL in 2003. Hall provided speed and jumping ability to a secondary that badly needed his athleticism in the lineup. With his size, speed and stamina, replacement Kevin Mathis (5-9, 185) is better suited to play the slot in nickel schemes and won't be an adequate replacement for Hall. The other starting corner, free-agent pickup Jason Webster (5-9, 187), lacks size and is bothered by a strained groin. Aaron Beasley is another possible starter.... The team cut CB Tod McBride after he missed lots of time because of knee tendinitis. It also was unhappy with his attitude.... Though he has improved as a receiver, RB T.J. Duckett remains a liability in protection, failing to pick up blitzes and protect QB Michael Vick. As long as Duckett has this glaring deficiency, he has no chance of unseating Warrick Dunn. PROBLEM SPOT: Can Vick excel in the West Coast offense? His lack of experience with the scheme's formations and his shaky preseason performance have fueled skepticism. Vick makes good reads in practice, but that hasn't translated into games. Vick also is suffering from inadequate protection, and until that improves, he will be susceptible to mistakes.--George Henry

CAROLINA PANTHERS The team made a late trade in an attempt to solidify the offensive line. Todd Fordham, who can play guard and tackle, was brought in from Pittsburgh for a conditional draft pick in 2005. He could end up starting at right tackle because RT Matt Willig is 35 and has a history of knee problems. Fordham also gives the team flexibility because he can shift to guard if something happens to C Jeff Mitchell and LGs Rich Tylski or Doug Brzezinski must move to center.... Rookie TE Michael Gaines will get significant playing time in two-tight end sets. Gaines has the size and potential to be a more effective blocker than Kris Mangum or Mike Seidman. Gaines isn't much of a receiving threat; he will be used as a short-yardage blocker.... WR Stave Smith won't rest on his laurels after signing a big contract extension. He came to camp with the same attitude he has always had. Smith is best when he has a point to prove, and he's out to prove he belongs in the Pro Bowl. ROOKIE REPORT: WR Keary Colbert has earned some playing time. Colbert and Ricky Proehl will share time as the third receiver; Proehl will play more in the red zone. Colbert can be a deep threat and a possession receiver. The team hopes he can be a starter next year, when Muhsin Muhammad's contract is up.--Pat Yasinskas

CHICAGO BEARS Discipline is a major concern. The team committed a whopping 58 penalties in four preseason games and failed to reduce the problems from week to week. The Bears weren't merely bumping receivers beyond 5 yards, they were jumping offside repeatedly along the offensive line and committing dumb penalties on special teams, which weakened field position.... There are chemistry concerns on defense. MLB Brian Urlacher (hamstring) did not play in a preseason game, and LE Adewale Ogunleye made just a cameo appearance after he was acquired from Miami. Those two will begin regular-season play with heavy expectations and little preparation.... Right cornerback is up for grabs because of injuries to Jerry Azumah (neck) and H.W. McQuarters (hamstring), who were supposed to battle for the starting job, opposite LCB Charles Tillman. Teams already were throwing away from Tillman, and now they will do so even more against CB Todd McMillon or rookie CB Nathan Vasher. SCOUTING REPORT: Ready or not, Qasim Mitchell will open the season at left tackle. A large man with a powerful initial punch and excellent hand placement, Mitchell does not have quick feet and probably will need help against pure speed rushers. He's a solid run blocker who can overpower smaller players but is of no value in pass blocking unless he gets locked on early. He responds well to inside counter moves but can be run around on the outside.--Mike Mulligan