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Scout's views: observations and opinions from two NFL pro scouts, one from each conference

Sporting News, The, Oct 11, 2004

At this point, Jerry Rice is just an ordinary guy. He's basically playing on savvy. He can still find the open spot in a zone, catch the ball and run short and intermediate routes. But I don't think he has the quickness, explosion or burst, and I don't think he's beating anybody in man coverage.... Curtis Martin is under the radar screen every year. He's durable and has been able to be the guy for so many years. You can just put the load on him and let him go. It's amazing. When his career is over, people are going to look back and say, "Wow, this guy had a Hall of Fame career." ... I think some of the teams that are having success right now are going to fall in the middle of the season. I think Jacksonville is about to be exposed. Everybody knows what their weaknesses are, but the teams they have played have been shooting themselves in the foot.... I think Lovie Smith is sorely missed in St. Louis. Not just because of his schemes, but because of how he led that defense. Those guys really respected him. Not that they don't respect Larry Marmie, but players really gravitated toward Lovie. They listened to him and believed in him, and he knew where everyone was supposed to be at all times.... Who said New England doesn't have any star players? They may have the best quarterback in the league in Tom Brady, and they probably have the best defensive lineman in the league with Richard Seymour.... Losing Jim Kleinsasser for the season was significant for the Vikings. He wasn't a speedy tight end, but he's got such natural hands to catch the ball, and they could find different ways to get him open. He could play H-back, fullback or tight end. He might not have been a touchdown scorer, but he certainly kept drives alive.... David Carr's development is coining along nicely in Houston, but there are some things that he can't account for. Maybe if they can stay healthy and not fumble the ball, his development will become a little more consistent.... Terrell Owens is the difference in Philadelphia. Defenses didn't respect the Eagles' receivers before, so they could bring their safeties up closer, and their corners could handle the receivers oneon-one. Now, you have to commit a corner and a safety to Owens.... If you lose good players on one side of the ball, it affects the entire team, not just one side or the other. The Buccaneers have lost some core defensive players, and it has affected them not only on the field but also in their team psyche. And now they're getting a reputation that Oakland used to have--of trying anybody.

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Brian Baldinger, an offensive lineman for 12 NFL seasons, can be heard on Sporting News Radio and seen on FOX Sports. Listen online at radio.sportingnews.com.

Scout's views: observations and opinions from two NFL pro scouts, one from each conference

Sporting News, The, Oct 11, 2004

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