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NFC South

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

ATLANTA FALCONS

The defense has been giving up a lot of passing yards and playing soft coverage, but it 'also is creating a pass rush. Coordinator Ed Donatell is blitzing from all angles, primarily with WLB Keith Brooking and SS Bryan Scott.... The new staff is using WR Peerless Price on reverses and fake reverses to open up deep routes for others. Price is running more intermediate crossing routes to try to get him matched up with linebackers. He also isn't breaking off routes early as much as he did last season. PROBLEM SPOT: With Michael Moore (shoulder) out for the year, left guard is a question. Roberto Garza has gotten first crack at it. He has a lengthy injury history, but he communicates well with C Todd McClure and is effective on cut blocks. Still, LT Kevin Shaffer was to return this week, so line coach Alex Gibbs could slide Steve Herndon inside. He probably is better suited to be a backup, but Herndon benefits from also playing under Gibbs with Denver.--George Henry

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CAROLINA PANTHERS

With WR Steve Smith (broken leg) out for an extended period, the team has no deep threat. Rookie WR Keary Colbert has decent speed and good hands, but he's more of a possession receiver. He isn't as effective on quick slants because he's not as good as Smith at making things happen after the catch.... With the injuries to Smith and RB Stephen Davis (knee), QB Jake Delk0mme is getting a chance to make more plays. Defenses have been blitzing Delhomme frequently, but he rarely gets flustered. He has used his mobility to avoid pass rushers and has shown he knows when to throw the ball away. PROBLEM SPOT: The team might not have the luxury of rotating as many defensive linemen as it did last year. DE Al Wallace, the only proven substitute, will get a lot of playing time, and that will help keep DEs Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker fresh. But DTs Brentson Buckner and Kris Jenkins aren't getting much rest. Buckner is aging and needs some relief to stay at the top of his game.--Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

With RB Deuce McAllister (ankle) out as much as six weeks, the already-sputtering running game doesn't figure to get better. Aaron Stecker and KiJana Carter must carry the load, and neither has McAllister's skills. With the line getting whipped, ballcarriers have been dodging defenders in the backfield too often. The offense has struggled in the one-back, two-tight end set, so rookie FB Mike Karney will play more.... Teams are countering the team's pass rush with maximum protection schemes and screen passes. The team is vulnerable to screens because it commits so many defenders to blitzing and the defensive backs are average tacklers. PROBLEM SPOT: The team tried to fortify its run defense in the offseason, but the Saints already have allowed 349 rushing yards (4.5 average). Rookie MLB Courtney Watson is not physical at the point, and WLB Derrick Rodgers takes poor angles. SS Jay Bellamy and LE Charles Grant make plays but need help.--Jeff Duncan

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

With uncertainty at quarterback and little depth at receiver, a greater emphasis should be placed on the running game. RBs Charlie Garner, Mike Alstott and Jamel White all can be effective working behind a big offensive line, and RB Michael Pittman (suspended) will return in Week 4. In the first two games, the Buts had 74 passing attempts and only 39 running plays.... SS Dwight Smith's increased confidence is allowing him to recover more quickly from his mistakes in coverage and to take more chances. That can be risky, but the team believes Smith is a playmaker who excels when he lets his athleticism take over. Smith needs to improve his technique and work more in the film room to reach an elite level. PROBLEM SPOT: The run defense still has some issues, even though it contained Seattle RB Shaun Alexander. There are too many missed tackles and assignments. The defense's lack of size leaves it susceptible to power backs. It should consider rotating players more freely.--Roy Cummings

NFC South

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

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