Scouts views: observations and opinions from two NFL pro scouts, one from each conference

I don't think there's a blueprint for defending Peyton Manning. What you've got to do is jam the receivers at the line because it disrupts their timing. In that Indy offense, there's tremendous timing between Peyton and those receivers. You still have to try to get some pressure on Peyton, but, more important, I think you have to disrupt the receivers.

... What L.J. Smith is doing now is what he was doing last year. He's just starting to get more notoriety for it. Of course, he's had to wait in line to get notoriety behind Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook and T.O. But any time the Eagles need a play to be made, he's always going to be on the field. ... Losing Donovin Darius is huge for Jacksonville. He was a physical presence. He's an adequate pass defender, but receivers are aware he's back there because he can take their heads off. He was very effective as a run defender--he's a solid tackler--and they're going to miss that. ... Donte' Stallworth has improved, but I don't know if you would put him in the category of a top-notch receiver. He still drops a lot of passes, and he's not the most crisp route runner. ... Carson Palmer obviously is an immensely talented kid. What I'm seeing from him now is a guy who's very comfortable in the system and confident in the people around him. It takes a while for quarterbacks in this league to develop that confidence and comfort. ... They say Michael Strahan has lost 20 pounds. The real test will be whether that affects his play at the end of the season. Right now, he looks just as strong as ever. When you look at those arms popping out of that jersey, it doesn't look like they lost 20 pounds. ... I don't think the Chiefs are suited to play a 3-4 defense. In order to run that scheme, you've got to have a monster at nose tackle. I don't think they have the dominant nose to run it. ... Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher is instinctive, especially in zone defenses. He can see the quarterback throw and make plays on the ball. But he's not a real physical guy, and he struggles against physical receivers. ... I don't think you can talk about a defense right now without talking about Colts coordinator Ron Meeks. Over the years, they've been a traditional cover 2 team. But he's got them mixing it up with some zone blitzes and regular blitzes as well as playing zone. More important, they're playing at a high level and making plays.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning

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