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NFC south

Sporting News, The, Oct 28, 2005

ATLANTA FALCONS

Rookie WLB Michael Boley has big-play potential, as he showed when he caused two fumbles and blocked a field-goal attempt against the Saints, but he needs to improve his recognition. Boley, who became a starter when Keith Brooking replaced MLB Ed Hartwell (torn Achilles'), bites too much on play-action fakes. ... WR Dez White consistently gets open, but he doesn't know how to extend or alter routes when QB Michael Vick scrambles. White also has had several critical drops. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK:The team has success when it can stop the run and use blitz schemes on second- and third-and-long situations. But the loss of Hartwell weakens the run defense. Teams can draw Brooking out of position with motion. SLB Demorrio Williams, a first-year starter, and Boley are fast and strong, but they don't diagnose well. FS Bryan Scott has poor recognition, and SS Keion Carpenter does not intimidate. The linebackers will correct their problems as they get more experience, but poor safety play could prove to be the unit's undoing.--George Henry

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CAROLINA PANTHERS

The running game is becoming a concern. RB Stephen Davis has been slow hitting holes, but he remains the safest option. Backup DeShaun Fester is much quicker, but he has been struggling with injuries and ball security. If Foster doesn't improve soon, Nick Goings will start getting more carries. He doesn't have great speed but rarely fumbles. ... QB Jake Delhomme's job is safe, even after backup Chris Weinke rallied the team to victory against Detroit. But Delhomme needs to start making better decisions. At times, he has locked in on receivers. At others, he has thrown blindly. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The unit is beginning to improve, but it's still a work in progress. The run defense has been solid, but the pass rush, which suffered a major blow when DT Kris Jenkins was injured, still must be more consistent. initially, offenses used three-step drops and extra blockers to neutralize DEs Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker, but both are doing a better job of fighting through double-teams. The team has used more blitzes, which is allowing the secondary to come up with more big plays.--Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

The running backs replacing Deuce McAllister (torn ACL) have distinct and complementary styles. Antowain Smith (6-2, 232) is a powerful, straight-ahead runner. He should be reliable over the long run. Aaron Stecker (5-10, 213) is more elusive and gets to the corner faster. He has shown he can be an every-down back, but for now, the Saints would like to use both of them to keep defenses guessing. Smith probably will score more touchdowns; the carries and yardage should be fairly close. ... CB Fred Thomas has taken the starting job from Jason Craft, who has been inconsistent. Thomas closes on the ball well and is a good tackler. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK:The Saints like their ends and cornerbacks, and their defense becomes an asset when they get teams in third-and-long. The team puts four ends on the field and gets heavy pressure without blitzing. The problem: The inconsistent run defense makes it tough to get teams into third-and-long. None of the linebackers has improved much this season.--Mike Triplett

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Ike Hilliard is the kind of receiver who fits perfectly in coach Jon Gruden's offense. He's at his best finding holes in zones, making catches in traffic and turning downfield for extra yardage after the catch. Hilliard doesn't have great speed, but he has separated himself from defenders this season. ... RB Cadillac Williams is doing his best to fight through a left foot sprain, but he and the team are convinced the problem will linger through the season. If Williams, who missed the past two games, favors the foot upon his return, there is concern other injuries could develop. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The offseason work the team put in to improve its run defense is paying dividends. The Bucs worked mostly on making sure the players knew their assignments, and, as a result, gap control seldom has been a problem. The team relies on linebackers and defensive backs to fill gaps, eliminate rushing lanes and force backs to run outside. With most of the gaps filled, the defense has yet to give up a big rushing day. With linemen more focused on the run, however, the pass rush hasn't been as effective.--Roy Cummings

NFC south

Sporting News, The, Oct 28, 2005

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