NFC South

ATLANTA FALCONS

SOUND CHECK: Opponents have frustrated QB Michael Vick in the passing game because they rarely show him looks he has seen on film. Vick has suggested the team run more of its 2-minute offense, which would force opponents to use more basic schemes and zones. The run defense has been suspect. No question MLB Keith Brooking, SLB Michael Boley and WLB Demorrio Williams, shuffled after the loss of MLB Ed Hartwell (Achilles'), need time at their new positions to become comfortable. Until three weeks ago, Brooking hadn't played in the middle in a 4-3 since 2001. Williams was the strongside starter; Boley was the weakside backup. FAST-FORWARD: Failure to correct these problems would mean a record of 8-8 or 9-7 and a potential wild-card berth with a quick postseason exit. On the other hand, if the problems are corrected, there is extensive room for growth. If Vick establishes a downfield rhythm with his receivers and Brooking takes on blocks that free Williams and Boley to make plays on the edge, it could mean an 11-5 finish. CRITIC'S CHOICE: Offense: 8-. Defense: B-. Special teams: B. Coaching: A-. Overall: B.--George Henry

CAROLINA PANTHERS

SOUND CHECK: The running game, which is supposed to be the backbone of the offense, hasn't been very effective. Stephen Davis has faded after a strong start and hasn't been hitting holes quickly enough. The team needs to give backup DeShaun Foster 12 to 15 carries a game. The team likes to generate its pass rush almost exclusively from the four linemen. But with DT Kris Jenkins out for the season, opponents have been able to contain LE Julius Peppers and RE Mike Rucker, and the Panthers aren't getting enough pressure on Qbs. That needs to change. FAST-FORWARD: The offensive line is showing signs it soon might be ready to click. If and when that happens, the rest of the offense should become more consistent. The defense has superior talent in all areas but hasn't been maximizing it. The coaches need to blitz more and to move Peppers around so opponents can't game-plan for him as easily. If the team can re-establish the ball-control offense and aggressive defense it had in its 2003 Super Bowl run, anything is possible. CRITIC'S CHOICE: Offense: C. Defense: B. Special teams: C+. Coaching: B. Overall: B-.--Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

SOUND CHECK: The offense has been woefully inconsistent despite a simplified game plan that was supposed to center around the run and produce long, mistake-free drives. The biggest problem has been the veteran line, which was supposed to be a strength. It has committed far too many presnap penalties and at times has had trouble picking up blitzers, even in max protect. QB Aaron Brooks has played well when the Saints have been comfortably ahead and he didn't need to do too much. The defense has kept the team in most games, but it has made very few momentum-changing plays. FAST-FORWARD: It's over for this team this year. There still is concern that it will hit the wall because of the travel necessitated by Hurricane Katrina, and that it eventually will lose its adrenaline without the prospect of a playoff race. The Saints might win a few games once the pressure is off and they get inspired by playing spoiler in the South, but for the first time under coach Jim Haslett, they won't be in the hunt in December. CRITIC'S CHOICE: Offense: D. Defense: C-. Special teams: D. Coaching: D+. Overall: D.--Mike Triplett

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

SOUND CHECK: RB Cadillac Williams likely will be slowed by his sore left foot the rest of the year, but the team has a solid stable of backs, including Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham. In recent years the team has abandoned the run early in games, but coach Jon Gruden must commit to keeping the ball on the ground. Neither Pittman nor Graham is as explosive as Williams, but the team can win with them. Pittman has shown he can break free for long gains, and Graham can be effective in short-yardage situations. QB Chris Simms' ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage the offense could determine the team's fate. FAST-FORWARD: The team will have problems scoring in the second half as it faces tougher opponents, including a stretch in December when it plays at Carolina, at New England and against Atlanta. The defense will keep the team in most games, but it won't get help from special teams or the offense. K Matt Bryant doesn't have the strength to make kicks from the 50-yard range consistently, and that will be necessary as the offense struggles to convert third downs. CRITIC'S CHOICE: Offense: C. Defense: A. Special teams: C. Coaching: B. Overall: B.--Roy Cummings

PLAYERPOLL

Team most
likely to
surge in the
second half

                         VOTES

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]     16

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]      8

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]      7

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]      4

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]      4

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]      4

14 teams received one or
two votes

Based on votes from 62