Scouts views: observations and opinions from two NFL scouts, one from each conference

It's interesting that it took Mike Martz getting sick for the Rams to realize how good and how valuable Steven Jackson can be. From an outsider, it seemed like a no-brainer. Why would you not run this guy more? He's a big, strong, physical guy. He's one of those backs who gets stronger with the more touches he gets....

Jared Allen, the Chiefs' second-year defensive end, has some savvy about him. He's not a pure run stopper, and he's not a dominant pass rusher. What he does is maintain position and be where he should be. His sacks come mostly from energy and high effort, and he has deflected some passes because he's got long arms and is able to get in the throwing lanes.... If Brad Johnson brings anything to the Vikings, it's experience and a calming influence. You'd like to think they'll band together and rally around him. But I don't know if they can do it.... If you asked who the prototypical left tackle is, the answer would be Orlando Pace. You'd like every tackle to look like him. He's just as good as ever because of his size, his wingspan and his agility. Whoever goes against Pace is in for a long day.... Everybody is talking about the Giants and Washington, but I think Dallas has the most complete team in the NFC East. They're a very balanced team, offensively and defensively. They're sitting in a pretty good position. Nobody is talking about them, and I think they'll sneak up on some people.... The Bills are just not stopping the run. I don't think they're disciplined enough in their gap control. And they miss Pat Williams and Takeo Spikes.... Julius Peppers had only one sack before getting two Sunday, but it definitely wasn't for a lack of effort. He's been very active and has caused headaches for some opponents. Now, teams have been doubling him more than they used to, and he has to play with a little better technique.... The Texans' protection problems go back to the fact they've never solidified the left tackle position since they lost Tony Boselli. Part of the problem, too, is David Carr is a mobile guy. Most people think mobile quarterbacks can get out of trouble. They can, but at times they're the most impatient guys in the pocket.

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