NFC south

ATLANTA FALCONS

Coordinator Ed Donatell makes good use of rookie OLB Demorrio Williams, who likely will start next season if the team doesn't resign Matt Stewart. Williams plays alongside Keith Brooking, another fast linebacker, in nickel schemes and is as competent at blitzing as he is dropping into coverage. If he has a weakness, it's against the run--but only because he doesn't play enough in base situations. ... C Todd McClure is having the best season of his six-year career. He always has used his intelligence to compensate for a 286-pound frame that bigger defensive tackles could exploit, but now McClure has the benefit of running the zone- and cut-blocking schemes taught by line coach Alex Gibbs. McClure struggled earlier with cut blocks on the back side when he went to his left, but he has adjusted his technique and improved his first step after the snap.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: FBs Justin Griffith and Stanley Pritchett run deep pass routes that draw coverage, but more important, they provide downfield blocking when QB Michael Vick breaks free on scrambles. When Vick's reads are covered on rollouts, they try to improvise and give him a target downfield.--George Henry

CAROLINA PANTHERS

CB Chris Gamble has taken the punt return job from Jamall Broussard. Gamble could thrive in that role because he has exceptional speed and nice moves after playing some wide receiver in college. Broussard also is being replaced on kickoff returns, by Jamal Robertson. The coaches hope Robertson can break more tackles than Broussard and give the offense better field position. ... C Jeff Mitchell has provided valuable leadership during a rough transition period for the line. Mitchell is best as a run blocker. He's quick enough to block linebackers, and that's one reason the team has been running more inside lately. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The team is getting more production out of SLB Mark Fields after replacing him with Brandon Short in the starting lineup. Fields still gets plenty of playing time--mostly in passing situations in which he can make a big impact in coverage or as a pass rusher. Fields wasn't as effective in those situations early this season because his endurance was low after sitting out last season with Hodgkin's disease. The team has benefited from using Short on the early downs because he's a strong run defender.--Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

TE Ernie Conwell is still a reliable player, but he's no longer the receiving threat he was earlier in his career. Conwell has developed into a solid blocker and can still make plays in short-yardage situations, but injuries have robbed him of the speed needed to beat linebackers on seam routes down the middle. ... The club is raving about rookie WR Devery Henderson's progress during practice. Henderson, who has grown comfortable with the offense, has tremendous explosiveness out of his cuts. Because of the team's depth at receiver, he has played in only one game. The team might like to find more playing time for him. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The Saints have tried several tactics in an effort to fix their chronic slow starts. They've opened games in a no-huddle offense and in three- and four-receiver sets. They have tried reverses to WR Donte' Stallworth. Nothing has worked. They've been outscored, 87-10, in the first quarter, including 84-0 in the last nine games. The early deficits have forced them to play catch-up on offense, limiting the effectiveness of R8 Deuce McAllister and their power running game.--Jeff Duncan

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The team will use the rest of the season to decide whether Earnest Graham fits into its plans for the future. Graham can play running back or fullback, and he's getting the chance to be a regular contributor on special teams as a kick returner. Graham (5-9, 215) has the quickness to be an impact runner. He's a little small, but he hits the hole hard, sheds tackles well and tends to gain an extra yard or two by falling forward as he's going down. With more experience, Graham should excel. ... It's hard to imagine the team bringing WR Tim Brown back next season. His role has been reduced drastically in recent weeks, and he no longer has the speed to gain good separation from defensive backs. Brown still has great instincts and hands, but his guile and savvy aren't enough to keep him on the field. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The threat that RB Michael Pittman presents is helping the team sell its play-action fakes. Opponents must respect fakes to Pittman because he can break free for a big gain. Pittman is reading defenses better before the snap and is playing with more patience. He and the line are in better rhythm now, and Pittman's strength is allowing him to gain extra yards after contact.--Roy Cummings

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