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NFC south

Sporting News, The, Nov 1, 2004

ATLANTA FALCONS

FS Kevin McCadam isn't an adequate replacement for injured starter Cory Hall (foot). Hall plays deep in cover 2 and cover 3 but quickly closes and helps out cornerbacks when necessary. McCadam isn't fast enough to compete with receivers in the open field.... Brian Finneran continues to play well enough to hold off rookie Michael Jenkins as the No. 3 wideout. Finneran runs excellent routes and is a good downfield blocker. A sore Achilles', however, has limited his average speed. OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The team must find a way to keep pass rushers from setting up outside LT Kevin Shaffer and RT Todd Weiner, beating them in three or four steps and collapsing the pocket around QB Michael Vick. The staff denies it, but blocking has suffered since the loss of TE Eric Beverly (shoulder). Coordinator Greg Knapp and line coach Alex Gibbs must design plays that allow bigger lanes for Vick to escape the blitz. He needs more time to work through progressions.--George Henry

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CAROLINA PANTHERS

After an excellent rookie year at right tackle, Jordan Gross has struggled on the left side: He's the team's most talented linemen, but injuries and inexperience elsewhere have put extra pressure on him. The team has been using its running backs and fight ends to help the right side with pass blocking. That has left Gross without help. Most disturbing has been his tendency to draw penalties.... FS Colin Branch, who has been playing with a cast on his broken hand that makes it difficult to tackle or intercept passes, has been replaced in the lineup by Travares Tillman. There's not much of a drop-off because they are similar players. They don't make major mistakes, but neither has big-play ability. OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The loss of WR Steve Smith to a broken leg in the opener has left the team without a deep threat. Defenses are able to concentrate on the running game and send blitzers at QB Joke Delhomme. The team has lined up running backs wide in four- and five-receiver sets, but that hasn't worked.--Pat Yasinkas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

In an effort to boost his beleaguered defense, coach Jim Haslett took a more involved role last week. He collaborated with coordinator Rick Venturi to make four lineup changes-inserting MLB Orlando Ruff, OLB Sedrick Hodge, NT Howard Green and CB Fakhir Brown (for injured Ashley Ambrose)--that helped snap a three-game losing streak at Oakland. Although the defense gave up plenty of yards, Oakland converted only 4-of-17 third downs.... NT Jonathan Sullivan, a 2003 first-rounder, officially achieved "bust" status, sitting in favor of street free agents Green and Shaun Smith. OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: With several key players in the same system for a third season, offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy had high hopes--so far dashed. Self-inflicted wounds and slow starts (no first-quarter points in six of seven games) hound this unit. Still, the Saints have scored 62 points the past two games, and were 8-of-17 on third down at Oakland.--Jeff Duncan

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The most improved player on the team is RT Kenyatta Walker, who worked out a lot on his own during the offseason to improve his conditioning, strength and technique. He now has the strength to deliver a hard, effective punch in pass protection. He also is keeping his hands lower and has the power to keep defenders off him longer. He has replaced Todd Steussie, who started the first five games.... K Martin Gramatica's future is in jeopardy. His approach is a mess, and his inconsistency is costing the team. He seldom kicks off deep, so he has to make his mark on field goals. OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The mobility of QBs Brian Griese and Chris Simms has added a dimension to the offense. Defenses now have to be aware of the pocket moving and can't simply attack one spot. The extra time provided by rollouts and moving pockets also gives receivers a better chance to get open. The mobility at quarterback also can help the running game because it forces defenses to guard against naked bootlegs.--Roy Cummings

NFC south

Sporting News, The, Nov 1, 2004

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