NFC South

Sporting News, The, Oct 6, 2003

WHAT'S NEXT: If the team is to overcome a 1-3 start, the offense must start playing to its potential and the special teams need to contribute the big plays they did a year ago. Defensive coordinator Rick Venturi must continue to be creative with his game plans to cover the weaknesses in an injury-depleted lineup. The group should get better as injured players such as Carter and rookie DT Johnathan Sullivan heal and return to action.--Jeff Duncan

FIRST QUATER GRADES

OFFENSE: D- Has failed to meet expectations.

DEFENSE: C- Inconsistency injuries have depleted lineup.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B The kicking game has been great.

COACHING: D Must produce answers, not excuses.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

DOING IT ALL: DT Warren Sapp is making it difficult for the team to ignore his request for a contract extension. He has become a significant contributor as a short-yardage tight end while continuing to be an elite defensive player. As a pass rusher, he still has great instincts and anticipation and seldom is out of out of position. Because he constantly practices fundamentals, his technique is superb. He doesn't shed double-teams as consistently as he used to, but he still has the skill and power to put up big sack and tackle numbers.... MLB Shelton Quarles might return from his broken arm to play Monday against the Colts. The team is eager to get him back, but it doesn't need to rush. Nate Webster has done a very good job filling in. He leads the team in tackle and is making good calls.

BIGGEST SURPRISE: The offense has been excellent on third downs, converting 43.8 percent. Most of the credit goes to the line and backs because they are doing a great job of picking up blitzes, giving Brad Johnson time to find receivers.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Special teams cost the team a game by failing to plug a gap in protection for kicks. The kickoff return and coverage units also have been substandard, The team hopes the field-goal unit problems were resolved by replacing G Cosey Coleman with John Wade. If sloppy tackling continues, the team might have to resort to using regulars on special teams.

WHAT'S NEXT: The team might go with Michael Pittman as the feature back. He is back to fun strength after struggling with a sore ankle last year and is doing a much better job of breaking tackles and making extra yards after he's hit. He also has improved as a pass catcher and route runner. Plus, he's a solid blocker.--Roy Cummings

FIRST QUARTER GRADES

OFFENSE: B Drives are solid; must improve at finishing them.

DEFENSE: A Shifting personnel hasn't been a problem.

SPECIAL TEAMS: C- Return units are trying to find their way,

COACHING: B Play-calling, game-planning are sound.

Impact additions

Justin Griffith, FB, Falcons. A rookie, Griffith is versatile enough that he has made it hard to get RBs Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett on the field together. If Duckett can't improve his blocking and receiving, or if Dunn can't get a 100-yard game, Griffith's role will increase.

Stephen Davis, RB, Panthers. He has changed the face of the offense by giving the team a power running game--more than 100 yards in each of the first three games. After his role was cut with Washington last season, Davis is out to prove he still can handle more than 300 carries.