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NFC north

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005

CHICAGO BEARS

Drafted by the previous coaching regime as a wide-bodied tackle who might develop into a run stuffer, OT Ian Scott has lost more than 35 pounds and improved his quickness in order to fit coach Lovie Smith's scheme. Scott went from a long shot to make the team last year to an established starter whom G.M. Jerry Angelo regards as the heart and soul of the defensive line. He is the team's most disciplined lineman in gap control.... If RB Thomas Jones keeps playing welt, rookie RB Cedric Benson could be a bit player all season. As it is, Benson plays only in obvious running situations, which tips off the team's intentions. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: CB Nathan Vasher leads the Bears with three interceptions in two games. A receiver in high school, he still runs routes in practice and puts in extra time catching the ball to keep his hands sharp. He says playing receiver in practice helps him anticipate, recognize and jump routes. Vasher doesn't have great speed or tackling ability, but his knack for getting to the ball assures him of playing time.--Mike Mulligan

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DETROIT LIONS

DT Shaun Rogers' quickness and burst off the ball allow him to overcome consistent double-teams. He either knifes between or overpowers blockers, so opponents cut block him more often because they have no other way to handle him.... The Lions lack consistency on offense. If their running game is shut down, their passing attack--despite all the talent at receiver--can't pick up the slack because WRs Roy Williams and Charles Rogers make mental mistakes.... During the open week, the team needs to concentrate on learning to pick up blitzes and helping its young receivers defeat press coverage. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: LBs Donte' Curry and Wall Rainer are among the best in the league at busting wedges on kickoff returns. They often sacrifice their bodies against bigger players charging upfield. The key is for either Curry or Rainer to hurl his body sideways--never headfirst--at about waist level of two of the players forming the wedge. The second wedge-buster does the same. If it works, the wedge collapses and the kick returner is forced into the open field without protection.--Torn Kowalski

GREEN BAY PACKERS

The running game has been average without Gs Marco Rivera (Cowboys) and Mike Wahle (Panthers). Making it worse, FB William Henderson looks to be fading as a blocker. Big-play WR Javon Walker (knee) is out, so the team needs the running game to add some explosiveness to the offense; RB Ahman Green doesn't have a run longer than 12 yards. In the past, the team could pound away and know it would break a big run at some point.... WLB Robert Thomas fits coordinator Jim Bates' system and could be a standout if he stays healthy. Thomas is fast and can find the ball quickly, but he often struggles in traffic. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: NT Grady Jackson's strength is getting upheld, even though his weight (350-plus) gives him a better chance to tie up two gaps. But the team's system relies on protecting the middle linebacker, so Jackson is being asked to try to hold up the middle and free MLB Nick Barnett to make tackles. Jackson would be an asset on passing downs, but his bad knees and poor conditioning limit the snaps he can play, so he'll be used mostly to stuff the run.--Tom Silverstein

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Because of the team's inadequate offensive play, coach Mike Tice might take over the play-calling, but that might not be enough. The team still must find a way to get receivers open and find running lanes for the backs-things it hasn't done so far. QB Daunte Culpepper has been trying to thread the needle to receivers who aren't open, and when running backs find holes, they sometimes fumble.... The team found out how important MLB Sam Cowart is when he missed the blowout loss to Cincinnati. On replacement Rod Davis' second play, he lined up wrong and was reminded of his position by FS barren Sharper-who, in turn, did not hear a coverage change called. The result: a 70-yard touchdown pass by the Bengals. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The team restructured training camp practice schedules to include shorter but more frequent special teams periods rather than putting them at the end of practices, when players were tired. By interspersing them throughout practice, the team simulated game situations. That change has been credited for the special teams' recent success.--Kevin Seifert

NFC north

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005

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