NFC South

Sporting News, The, Oct 6, 2003

ATLANTA FALCONS

ONE GOOD MAN: TE Alge Crumpler continues to make acrobatic catches every week and run for yards after the catch. Crumpler still isn't a solid blocker--a goal that he set before training camp but has yet to meet. He needs to make better use of his size when taking on ends and his speed when facing incoming linebackers and safeties.

BIGGEST SURPRISE: LCB Ray Buchanan has enjoyed a decent comeback from a 2002 drug suspension and injuries. His offseason conditioning let him regain the step or two he lost last year. Equally important has been a change in assignment that no longer asks him to play the slot in nickel and dime schemes.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: QB Doug Johnson bears no resemblance to the backup quarterback who last season led a victory at New York. No one foresaw this kind of collapse in confidence. Many of Johnson's problems are tied to an inconsistent running game and coach Dan Reeves' bizarre insistence on inserting RB Woodrow Dantzler on option plays. Johnson looks lost.

WHAT'S NEXT: If the Falcons don't correct their poor effort against the run, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has no hope of fixing the pass defense. NTs Ed Jasper and Ellis Johnson haven't played poorly, and off injured Travis Hall has shown a revival of sorts, but opponents are double-teaming the interior linemen so effectively and frequently that play-action gaps are open long enough to slip backs past the line of scrimmage. ILBs Keith Brooking and Chris Draft have underperformed because they're often neutralized and led astray by receivers, tight ends and running backs deployed on crossing routes and slants.--George Henry

FIRST QUARTER GRADES

OFFENSE: D Inconsistent rush, no deep passing attack.

DEFENSE: D Terrible against the run, no interceptions.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B P Mohr has been solid; coverages OK.

COACHING: D- The player aren't in position to win.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT: W R Steve Smith has erased all doubt that he's a legitimate starter. Smith is small but physical. He always has had great speed, but now he's running crisp patterns. He's the only deep threat on the offense and be also is a running threat on reverses.... LB Will Witherspon is becoming an impact player in his second season. A natural weakside linebacker, Witherspoon has been playing some in the middle because of injuries to Dan Morgan. Witherspoon isn't as big as the typical middle linebacker, but he compensates with speed and intelligence.

BIGGEST SURPRISE: Rookie RT Jordan Gross' pass blocking has developed more quickly than expected, and he's had instant success as a run blocker. He isn't overpowering, but he's efficient. Gross should be able to make a smooth transition to the left side in a year or two to replace veteran Todd Steussie.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: The team still should be able to get a lot out of WR Muhsin Muhammad's abilities, but that hasn't happened. Muhammad doesn't have great speed, but he's a smart receiver and should be able to get open against single coverage. The team needs to make more of a concentrated effort to throw to him.

WHAT'S NEXT: The team needs to use the passing game to keep defenses from focusing on RB Stephen Davis. QB Jake Delhomme doesn't need to put up huge numbers, but he needs to be accurate enough to keep defensive backs from cheating. Delhomme has decent arm strength and a deep threat in Smith. Look for rookie TE Mike Seidman to get more playing time. The team views him as its most complete tight end because he can be a solid blocker and receiver.--Pat Yasinkas

FIRST QUARTER GRADES

OFFENSE: C+ Davis has been a workhorse runner.

DEFENSE: A The front tour may be the NFL's best.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A They have excelled in every area.

COACHING: A Fox's defense-and-running plan has worked.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

WHERE'S THE DESIRE? When motivated, DT Grady Jackson can be one of the best interior defenders in the league. However, he rarely is motivated. Jackson has been a major disappointment since signing with the Saints last year. He is habitually out of shape, which causes him to take plays off and sets a poor example for young players. When on his game, though, Jackson almost is unblockable because of his quick feet and natural strength. An unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, Jackson isn't likely to return.... CB Dale Carter has made significant progress from surgery on his orbital socket and wants to play Sunday at Carolina. Coaches will be patient with Carter's recovery, but they also know the embattled defense--which allowed six TD passes against the Colts Sunday--needs him back. He's the team's best cover man and most physical corner.

BIGGEST SURPRISE: In the defense's dismal start, the only playmaker has been LE Charles Grant, who is among the league leaders with four sacks and has been a force against the run. In his second year, he should only get better.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: The team's talented receivers have started slowly. They dropped at least 13 passes in the first four games, an inexcusable number for a group with such experience and talent.