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NFC west

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005

ARIZONA CARDINALS

OLB Karlos Dansby is a burgeoning star, and he'll excel in coordinator Clancy Pendergast's schemes. Because of his size (6-3, 243), Dansby plays the strong side, where he often is matched up against tight ends. He has speed, which makes him an asset in pass coverage. Dansby's long arms also help him rush the passer. In Week 1 he had a sack, which is a skill Pendergast is likely to use more as the season develops.... Rookie RG Elton Brown has been beaten at crucial times in both games this season. The club doesn't have a lot of alternatives, however, so it needs Brown to grow up quickly. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The lack of production in the red zone must be addressed. The club was in the red zone four times in the loss to the Rams and got three field goals. The biggest problems are mental, such as penalties and failures to recognize blitzes, And there are physical ones, such as dropping snaps. The club's lack of continuity on offense is showing. It has a new quarterback and its fourth coordinator in four years.--Kent Somers

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ST. LOUIS RAMS

RT Blaine Saipaia replaced injured Rex Tucker (calf) and might win the job outright. Saipaia occasionally will be beaten around the edge by speed rushers, but he is a tough, strong player who moves his feet well enough to be effective.... DT Ryan Pickett is facing more one-on-one blocks early this season. That has made him more effective against the run. He can tie up blockers when he's double-teamed, and he makes plays against one blocker. Pickett has added 20 pounds, which has helped him hold his ground. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Under new secondary coach Kurt Schottenheimer, the Rams are using more bump-and-run technique in man coverage. The Rams are confident that starting CBs Travis Fisher (5-10, 189) and DeJuan Groce (5-10, 192) can play this more aggressive style, though neither has ideal size for pressing receivers. The Rams are thin at cornerback, so they may have to revert to more conservative zone coverages if Fisher and Groce can't stay healthy. Both have a tendency to get nicked up.--Jim Thomas

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

FS Mike Rumph, a converted cornerback, has become a physical presence. He is a sure tackler and has shown good timing hitting receivers who try to make catches over the middle. But Rumph hasn't gotten back in time to help cornerbacks cover deep passes-he still is learning what angles to take.... RB Kevan Barlow has found few open running lanes and has not hit holes with authority consistently when there have been openings. He's not building a head of steam and using his power to break tackles. Barlow figures to improve if he can develop better timing with the line. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: OLB Julian Paterson, coming back from a season-ending Achilles' tendon injury in 2004, has been rushing the passer more in the team's 3-4 scheme. He has a tremendous initial burst off the line--no one on the team is faster over 10 yards--and knows how to use his speed and hands to get past blockers. Peterson's presence has improved the defense's ability to pressure the quarterback.--Dennis Georgatos

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Having participated in his first training camp since 2001, LT Walter Jones has ascended to status of best tackle in the game, removing the "one of" equivocation. So says Falcons Pro Bowl DE Patrick Kerney. Jones (6-5, 315) presents a total package of size, agility and fantastic fundamentals. His forte remains pass blocking, where he can neutralize larger ends and overpower smaller ones with a quick thrust of his long arms.... DJ. Hackett (6-2, 199) is the team's only receiver with good size and speed, but he has been hurt too often. There is a role for Hackett in the passing game in three- and four-receiver sets. But not until he gets, and stays, healthy. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: As the starting split end, Bobby Engram is drawing more attention from top cornerbacks. But that has not diminished his effectiveness or production. Whether working on the outside or at his customary spot as the slot receiver in the three- and four-receiver sets, Engram is using his savvy and quickness to get open. He had 13 catches in the first two games.--Clare Famsworth

Cardinals RE Bertrand Berry

Most wired teammate: (SS) Adrian Wilson. To see how he plays with such tenacity and the way he hits people, it's a joy to watch. I've seen him come up the middle and hit some guys dead on, and it's like a train wreck. I've never seen a guy who enjoys hitting as much as he does.

Worst ride: That would have to be J.D.'s (LB James Darling's). He has this Taurus, and he calls it his baby. It gets him from Point A to Point B, as he always says, but, man, that's a tough vehicle to look at. I'd have a hard time rolling with him in that vehicle.

FEARLESS FORECAST

Jacksonville at N.Y. Jets. Both teams want to throw deep more, but the former Marshall QB who wins this game will be the one who takes better advantage of a run-heavy game plan. Byron Leftwich has the stronger arm, but the Jaguars' ground game and receivers will be limited by a speedy Jets defense. Chad Pennington will execute efficiently. Prediction: Jets 20, Jaguars 16.

NFC west

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005

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