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NFC south

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

ATLANTA FALCONS

The coaches decided LB Ike Reeso was too valuable on special teams to risk overusing him elsewhere, one of the reasons Demorrio Williams is starting on the strong side. Williams also has made fewer mistakes. ... Some thought DT Rod Coleman was a situational pass rusher when he signed with the team last year, but position coach Bill Johnson taught him to improve his leverage and beat run blocks with better footwork. Coleman used to rely too much on his upper-body strength. He has learned to distribute his weight property. ... Now that he's comfortable in the blocking system, RB Warrick Dunn is using fewer stutter steps and hitting holes fasten Another change he made that helped him improve his production was studying defensive fronts more. Previously, Dunn struggled with reads. YOUTH MOVEMENT: No. 3 WR Roddy White would have been a starter if he hadn't missed four weeks of practice (ankle, contract holdout). White is big and physical, allowing him to create separation, and he is a good blocker for a rookie. He needs to concentrate better when catching on the run, but experience should solve that problem.--George Henry

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CAROLINA PANTHERS

Rookie SS Thomas Davis' struggles against the Saints might force the team to consider lineup changes. Davis looked lost when trying to cover the tight end, and other teams will attack him until he improves. The Panthers could replace Davis with veteran Marion McCree or shift FS Mike Minter back to strong safety, where he spent the first eight years of his career. Idrees Bashlr then would take over at free safety. ... Rookie Adam Seward already is a special teams fixture because of his fiery style, but the team is hoping he quickly can learn a linebacker position because of the lack of depth there. Seward is quick and an excellent tackler. ... WR Steve Smith's speed and elusiveness make him a threat to score any time he touches the ball. The team tries to capitalize on his skills with occasional reverses and quick passes at the line of scrimmage.

YOUTH MOVEMENT: No Panther has improved more since last year than second-year DT Jordan Carstens, 24. He isn't great in any area, but he's smart and stays in his gap. That will help him get a lot of playing time as the top backup to 33-year-old Brentson Buckner.--Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

The regular use of TE Ernie Conwell against the Panthers is a good indication the offense under new coordinator Mike Sheppard will show more patience and deliver on the commitment to a ball-control attack. Conwell suffered a dislocated jaw but should be available against the Giants in Week 2. ... No. 3 WR Az-Zahir Hakim could be out a month after aggravating a hamstring injury, but the team has a capable replacement in second-year man Devery Henderson. Henderson has game-breaking speed and runs well after the catch. His hands aren't the best, though. ... The defense again is using a four-end front to get the most from the talents of Charles Grant, Darren Howard, Will Smith and Tony Bryant. The four rotate inside and out and left and right to confuse blockers. YOUTH MOVEMENT: The team has high hopes for rookie RT Jammal Brown. It worked him very hard in camp to get him ready to start, and he stood up to the challenge in his debut. He held his own against Pro Bowl LE Julius Peppers, gaining high praise from coach Jim Haslett. The athletic Brown (6-6,313) eventually could move to left tackle.--Mike Triplett

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The team hopes Mark Jones can solve its punt return problems, but Jones isn't an accomplished return man. He handled the role successfully in college, but he averaged 6.7 yards per punt return as a rookie with the Giants last season. Even so, Jones should allow the team to avoid using brittle Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard as return men. ... WR Michael Clayton said he was happy catching the ball and gaining the yardage defenses gave him during his rookie season. He plans to be more aggressive this season and has added about 10 pounds of muscle. ... The addition of RB Carnell Williams won't necessarily mean fewer touches for RB Michael Pittman, who is an accomplished receiver. Pittman likely will line up more wide and in the slot. YOUTH MOVEMENT: The team is starting 2005 fourth-round pick Dan Buenning (6-4,320) at left guard instead of Matt Stinchcomb (back). Buenning is healthier and possibly more athletic. He moves well laterally and has been quick at picking up stunts and blitzes. He has good feet and anchors well. He needs to be more physical at the point of attack, but the club believes that will come. Buenning has a body that should allow him to add bulk.--Roy Cummings

POWER POLL

1 Patriots

2 Colts

3 Eagles

4 Steelers

5 Chiefs

6 Bills

7 Falcons

8 Jaguars

9 Cowboys

10 Lions

DRAFT DISH

By War Room scouts

If Florida State FS Pat Watkins gets bigger, he'll likely lock up a spot near the top of the draft. Against Miami, Watkins racked up tackles, was always around the ball and did a good job of using his long arms to defend deep balls, though he got beat a couple times. At 6-4, 195, he has the frame to add bulk, something he must do to become more of a physical threat. He also needs to improve his ability to read coverages, but he reminds us of Redskins FS Sean Taylor. ... Miami WR Sinorice Moss has reliable hands, the speed to burn defenders and sharp route-running ability. But he isn't aggressive enough to beat the jam or fight off double coverage. He must become more productive if he wants to improve his stock. ... Florida State RB Leon Washington needs to develop into a slashing runner because his size (5-9, 202) will prevent him from overpowering bigger defenders. He can be deadly with the ball if given a seam, but to merit first-round consideration he needs to work on his moves in space and his ability to avoid hard hits. ... Miami LT Eric Winston's knee, which he injured in 2004, has looked strong, but he struggled to contain Florida State DE Kamerion Wimbley. As the Seminoles began blitzing linebackers and defensive ends, their power and speed overwhelmed Winston, whose footwork, hand placement and instincts need work. But his competitive spirit and athletic ability will help him get by as he learns. Wimbley (6-4, 234) has begun to overcome doubts that he's not bulky enough to handle bigger and more talented offensive tackles. He finished with two sacks against Miami, though at times he tried to anticipate too much and lost containment. ... Florida State OLB A.J. Nicholson may be one of the nation's toughest and most instinctive linebackers, but he needs to play faster to live up to early expectations that he'll be a high draft pick.

NFC south

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

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