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NFC south

Sporting News, The, Oct 7, 2005

ATLANTA FALCONS

So much for QB Michael Vick's tweaked left hamstring. At Buffalo, Vick ran less and concentrated on his progressions and putting the ball in receivers' hands. More important, he trusted protections and didn't panic. These are critically important developments for Vick, who can't afford to try to do too much on his own. That approach subjects his body to injury and builds resentment among teammates who want a piece of the action. ... CB Chris Cash provides important depth to an injury-riddled position. Cash does a decent job of jamming receivers at the line and playing right coverage. OVERACHIEVING/UNDERACHIEVING: WR Brian Finneran runs excellent routes and accommodates Vick's improvisations. Finneran has outplayed Roddy White and DezWhite to emerge as a dependable starter. ... Coordinator Ed Donatell's preference for nickel and dime coverages made MLB Ed Hartwell obsolete in the first two weeks. Last week, Hartwell did a poor job of getting off fullback blocks.--George Henry

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CAROLINA PANTHERS

The team needs to get TEs Kris Mangum and Mike Seldman more involved as receivers. The offensive line is improved from last season, so Mangum and Seidman no longer need to help out the tackles in passing situations. Both have decent receiving skills and would create more options for the offense. ... The Panthers' base defense is the 4-3, but they will mix in some 3-4 looks. With DT Kris Jenkins out for the season, the team wants to keep DT Brentson Buckner fresh and get backup LB Chris Draft some playing time. OVERACHIEVING/UNDERACHIEVING: LT Travelle Wharton was the team's biggest question mark entering the season as he made the move from guard, but he has blocked well against strong pass rushers and has been solid as a run blocker. ... WR Keary Colbert has only two catches. He needs to run better routes and cut down on his drops, but the team also needs to get him the ball. QB Jake Delhomme is too dependent on WR Steve Smith, who will face double coverage until Colbert starts producing.--Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Aaron Brooks is among the top 10 to 15 quarterbacks in the NFL and has one of the league's most dangerous arms. But he has been unable to shake the reputation that he can't lift the team to an elite level. Brooks is talented enough to lead the team when it is playing well, but he has not shown an ability to lead it when it is sinking. ... With a combined 10 turnovers and 27 penalties in the past two losses, the Saints have continually been playing at least two touchdowns behind their opponents, which has rendered the running game moot. That's especially unfortunate because Deuce McAllister seemed poised for a big year. OVERACHIEVING/UNDERACHIEVING: TE Ernie Conwell has played a more significant role, becoming a frequent target of Brooks. ... The biggest area of disappointment is the linebacking unit--MLB Courtney Watson, in particular. Watson was expected to make the second-year leap that many players make when they finally catch up to the speed of the NFL. But he has not been any more consistent as a run tackler or as a pass defender.--Mike Triplett

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

It's early, but RB Cadillac Williams is erasing concerns about his durability. He has proved he can be productive when playing through an injury. Williams' running style makes direct hits from tacklers rare. In addition, the team doesn't run him into the line on a regular basis, and that should allow him to avoid major injuries. ... The team must become more disciplined, especially on special teams. Personal fouls and other penalties have forced the offense to begin drives well inside the 10-yard line. OVERACHIEVING/UNDERACHIEVING: Chris Hovan has had no trouble adjusting to the nose tackle role and is proving to be a perfect fit alongside DT Anthony McFarland in the team's one-gap scheme. Hovan has gained strength and is very quick and active off the ball. He is drawing a lot of double-teams, which is one of his top priorities. Hovan seems to have matured a bit, appearing more concerned with simply doing his job than putting on a show. ... LE Greg Spires has just four tackles and one sack and has not forced a turnover. Spires is getting upfield, which is what he does best, but he's not getting to the quarterback. A biceps injury might be part of the problem.--Roy Cummings

NFC south

Sporting News, The, Oct 7, 2005

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