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NFC south

Sporting News, The, Dec 2, 2005

ATLANTA FALCONS

The pass rush has struggled since RE Brady Smith (toe) went down. His replacement, rookie Jonathan Babineaux, struggles against bigger tackles and is best suited to play inside. The defense has only one sack in three games since Smith was injured. He probably won't return until December 5 against the Panthers. ... CB DeAngelo Hall has great physical skills, but he needs to work harder and study more tape. Hall must learn his speed can't always bail him out. PROBLEM SPOT: The run defense has been poor because the Falcons haven't been fighting off blocks. Offenses have double-teamed DT Rod Coleman and occupied NTs Antwan Lake and Chad Lavalais long enough to open big holes in the middle. SLB Michael Boley has struggled to beat tight ends' blocks and fill gaps, which makes it harder for MLB Keith Brooking and WLB Demorrio Williams to contain running backs, especially when they drop into coverage and then have to recover.--George Henry

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CAROLINA PANTHERS

WLB Will Witherspoon, a potential free agent after 2005, has emerged as a difference-maker. He has the quickness to be a sideline-to-sideline run stopper and is equally valuable as a pass defender. He's excellent at dropping in coverage and has shown good hands and a knack for being near the ball. ... RE Mike Rucker dedicated himself to getting in better shape in the offseason. That has translated into more quickness, energy and sacks. ... WR Steve Smith has been terrific, but there's no other consistent offensive threat. Defenses can either focus on stopping Smith or let him get his catches and yards and shut down the other parts of the offense. The Bears used the latter approach successfully last Sunday. PROBLEM SPOT: The running game has struggled all season. The line has been excellent in short-yardage situations but needs to get better at opening holes on early downs. RBs Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster also need to hit holes more quickly and accurately. Foster is the more explosive of the two, and the team needs to get him more carries.--Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

TE Zachary Hilton is getting an opportunity to develop while starter Ernie Conwell (knee) is out. Hilton's receiving skills are more developed than his blocking skills. QB Aaron Brooks seems to be getting more comfortable throwing to Hilton. Conwell will be back before the end of the season; Hilton's role, though, should increase as time goes on. ... In a stacked group at defensive end, Will Smith is emerging as the Saints' top playmaker. He is fiery and quick, Smith (6-3, 282) probably will make Darren Howard expendable during the offseason. PROBLEM SPOT: The Saints can't seem to get the ball in the end zone. They have outgained their opponents by more than 200 yards this season, but they have been outscored by more than 100 points. There are many problems. The Saints are among the league leaders in turnovers and penalties, the biggest drive killers. And they have lacked continuity on offense because of injuries, The key will be for Brooks to regain confidence in the weapons the team has surrounded him with.--Mike Triplett

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

QB Chris Simms' ability to get the ball downfield is beginning to change the offensive attack. The team still will use a ball-control passing approach, but Simms will throw deep more often. That should open up short and intermediate passes and improve the running game. ... Offseason knee surgery and a sore shoulder have cut into WR Michael Clayton's effectiveness. He isn't gaining separation or breaking tackles as well. ... CB Juran Bolden doesn't possess exceptional cover skills, but he gives the team an aggressive nickel corner who knocks receivers off their routes and plays well in a zone scheme. The team gains an edge when he plays corner and CB Ronde Barber plays in the slot. PROBLEM SPOT: The team's running game has been inconsistent because young linemen such as LT Anthony Davis, LG Dan Buenning and RG Sean Mahan are struggling with the way opponents play them. They got by on sheer aggressiveness early but now must develop better technique. The unit may have to make more use of zone blocking to get the production it needs. Despite the struggles, the team is unlikely to make a switch in personnel.--Roy Cummings

NFC south

Sporting News, The, Dec 2, 2005

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