Inside The Nfc West

Sporting News, The, Oct 2, 2000

GAME OF THE WEEK

Dallas at Carolina. Only the winner can continue to harbor real wild-card hopes. The Cowboys should be able to successfully launch WR Rocket Ismail against his old team and its less-than-blazing CBs. But Dallas' secondary will have even more trouble against Muhsin Muhammad and friends. Look for Carolina to stay alive.

MATCHUP TO WATCH

Chargers SS Rodney Harrison vs. the Rams' offense. In an exhibition game last year, Harrison used his body like a low-flying missile to blow out the knee of St. Louis QB Trent Green. The Rams contended this was a cheap shot--though the NFL did not fine or suspend Harrison--and are eager to show him how they feel.

ON THE SPOT

The Falcons' offensive line. The Eagles are capable of shutting down Atlanta, which has been poor at converting third downs. The Falcons' O-line needs to grind out some rushing first downs because Atlanta is unlikely to throw effectively against the Eagles' superior secondary.

KEEP AN EYE ON

The Rams' Babygate. Coach Mike Martz took a risk by coming down hard on DE Kevin Carter after an unexcused day off to celebrate the birth of his child. The Rams need to re-sign Carter, or they'll have a 6-5, 295-pound hole to fill. This won't help negotiations.

ROOKIE REPORT

The Saints' Terrelle Smith was the first fullback taken in the draft. and his blocking has been a big reason behind Ricky Williams' strong start. Smith isn't a runner, but he has shown good receiving skills and is gaining confidence every week.

FEARLESS FORECAST

The 49ers will make more and more use of the 3-4 scheme they have been calling for on a spot basis. The 34 allows them to get rookie OLB Julian Peterson and his pass-rushing ability on the field. No matter the scheme, Peterson will start by the end of the year.

FANTASY SOURCE Before the season, you could look at this game and figure the Chargers defense might give the Rams trouble. But San Diego is allowing nearly 25 points per game, and that's a scary average to bring into a matchup with the Rams. Kurt Warner won't be scared by Junior Seau. Neither should you.

For more fantasy football go to fantasy.sportingnews.com

Atlanta

2-2: 2nd

As changes on offensive line continue, frustration grows

With the offensive fine still a concern, the coaches are looking at both Travis Claridge and Ephraim Salaam at right tackle, alternating the players by quarters in each of the first four games. They also continue to give Claridge looks behind Anthony Redmon at right guard, and they are alternating Chris Banks with Bob Hallen at left guard. But the ongoing experimentation without progress develops frustration, signs of which surfaced after Falcons quarterbacks were sacked eight times by the Rams. RB Jamal Anderson complained about the lack of pass protection and running room and promised to personally challenge some players "and see if they're serious about playing this season." ... In the preseason, the coaching staff was impressed with the depth at wide receiver. But while Shawn Jefferson and Terance Mathis have been productive, questions remain in the third receiver slot. Brian Finneran emerged in the preseason, but he has just four catches through three games and jumped too soon for a key third-down penalty last week. TEs Reggie Kelly and Brian Kozlowski have two catches each. Once Tim Dwight, who underwent an emergency appendectomy September 12, and Jammi German (ankle) return, it will be interesting to see how the backups shake out.

SCOUTING REPORT: FB Bob Christian looks small (5-11, 232) for a fullback, but he is a dependable blocker and has progressed as a receiver and running back. Of the Falcons' nine rushing touchdowns in 1999, five were Christian's, and only Jefferson and Mathis have more catches for Atlanta this season. With the offensive line still in flux, Christian likely will be kept in the backfield more this season to protect QB Chris Chandler.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The team entered the season believing its could leave CBs Ashley Ambrose and Ray Buchanan in man coverage against most teams. That strategy has produced mixed results. Both players recorded interceptions in the win at Carolina but were burned for two touchdowns each in the loss to the Rams. With the corners in man coverage, the Falcons can blitz more freely and have shown an improved pass rush. But with the blitzing gambles come the big plays that burned the secondary against the Rams. If DE Brady Smith, DL Chuck Wiley and DE Patrick Kerney continue to improve on the pass rush, the team may find ways to help Ambrose and Buchanan in the secondary. --Charles Odum

GRADING OUT vs. St. Louis

OFFENSE C

The line is a concern. Good news is QB Chandler and RB Anderson have avoided injury

DEFENSE D

Rams QB Warner completed just 12 passes, but four were for touchdowns.

SPECIAL TEAMS B

Andersen kicking well in the dome; rookie Vaughn suffered his first fumble on a return.

COACHING C

Onside kick was gutsy move by Reeves, but he could not match the Rams' firepower.

FALCONS

PASSING    Att.   Comp.   Pct.   Yds.   Long

Chandler    115      67   58.3    821    48t
Johnson       7       3   42.9     43     25

PASSING    TD   Int.   Rate   Sacks

Chandler    4      2   84.7      13
Johnson     0      0   63.4       2

RUSHING     Att.   Yds.   Avg.   TD

Anderson      68    253    3.7    2
Rivers         8     27    3.4    0
Chandler      11     16    1.5    0
Christian      6     16    2.7    0

RECEIVING    No.   Yds.   Avg.   TD

Jefferson     19    313   16.5    1
Mathis        18    238   13.2    1
Christian     12     74    6.2    0

SCORING    XPM   XPA   FGM   FGA   Pts.

Andersen     8     8     9    11     35

PUNTING        No.   Yds.   Avg.   Blk.

Stryzinski      20    831   41.6      0

KO RETURNS     No.   Yds.   Avg.     TD

Vaughn           9    313   34.8      1
Dwight           9    223   24.8      0

PUNT RETURNS   No.   Yds.   Avg.     TD

Dwight           5     71   14.2      0