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NFC South

Sporting News, The, Dec 9, 2005

ATLANTA FALCONS

As long as QB Michael Vick holds the ball in his left hand with his arm outstretched, he'll be susceptible to fumbles. But that style can be a positive, too, because it keeps opponents guessing whether he'll run or pass and allows underneath mutes to develop.... TE Alge Crumpler's agility and soft hands help him make difficult catches in traffic, a vital asset given how many unconventional passes Vick throws while scrambling Crumpler's run blocking used to be a weakness, but he has learned to stay on blocks until the play is finished: OVERACHIEVING: WLB Demorrio Williams does an excellent job in pursuit. He struggled to get off blocks when he started the season on the strong side. Since moving to the weak side, he has had more leeway to disrupt the passing game and use his speed. Williams often drops into coverage too slowly and lets opponents run past him because he takes too long to recognize play-action unfolding; UNDERACHIEVING: Since suffering a concussion last year, FS Bryan Scott has lacked toughness. He misses tackles, and though he runs as fast as he did before the concussion, offseason shoulder surgery might have made him more tentative.--George Henry

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CAROLINA PANTHERS

In an attempt to shake up a stagnant running game, the team has turned to RB DeShaun Foster as its feature back. This is a critical challenge for Foster, who has been plagued by injuries and fumbles throughout his career. Stephen Davis will continue to have a role as a short-yardage runner, but it's clear he no longer can break long runs.... FS Mike Minter is having a solid season after moving from strong safety. Minter is a smart veteran who tackles well and doesn't make a lot of mistakes. But he doesn't have great big-play instincts, and the team would like him to produce more interceptions. (OVERACHIEVING: SS Marion McCree, signed to be a backup, has turned into a solid starter. When rookie Thomas Davis struggled in the opener, the team decided to go with McCree's experience and move Davis to linebacker. McCree has a knack for getting to the ball and has been a solid tackler. UNDERACHIEVING: TE Mike Seidman has fallen to third on the depth chart behind Kris Mangum and Michael Gaines. Seidman doesn't have a catch this season, The team thought he would be effective as a blocker and a receiver, but he hasn't done much in either area.--Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

DT Johnathan Sullivan, a 2003 first-round pick, was viewed as a bust going into the season, but he has been steady in 2005. Because he has been playing only on running downs, he hasn't worn down-and he has shown the focus and dedication that were in question his first two years.... With the season lost, the club could throw QB Adrian McPherson, 22, into games. But the 2005 fifth-round pick is so raw, he might not be ready for an audition.... LT Wayne Gandy has appeared vulnerable to the blitz at times and has been flagged for a handful of penalties, but he has been the team's steadiest, healthiest offensive lineman. He is a better run than pass blocker, but he is dependable on QB Aaron Brooks' blind side. OVERACHIEVING: The club had planned to go young and fast at linebacker, but the most effective 'backers have been veterans Sedrick Hodge and Ronald McKinnon. Neither is extremely fast, but both are decent tacklers and blow few assignments. UNDERACHIEVING: WR Donte' Stallworth has dropped too many passes, some during key moments. He lacks focus; sometimes he is a dynamic playmaker, and other times he is nonexistent. --Mike Triplett

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The team has abandoned many of its three- and four-receiver sets, for now, and is using more traditional formations (two receivers, two backs) as well as some sets featuring two and sometimes three tight ends. The change gives Q8 Chris Simms more time to find receivers and also makes it easier to run the ball.... With teams starting to double WR Joey Galloway, the Burs are turning more to WR Edell Shepherd, a long-legged player with deceptive speed. Shepherd runs good routes and has strong hands. He can snatch a ball out of the air and does a good job of winning jump-ball battles. He's not built to make many catches in traffic, so he's limited a bit to running mostly outside mutes. OVERACHIEVING: Galloway, 34, is an undersized receiver who has had a resurgence in his 11th season. He has great speed and good hands. He is quick off the line but can be pushed out of his routes. Teams will start to get more physical with him down the stretch to try to disrupt the Bucs' attack. UNDERACHIEVING: The team isn't getting all it can out of NT Anthony McFarland, who needs to play at a level where he's noticed every time he's on the field. McFarland is a strong pass rusher, but he needs to be better against the run and produce more sacks.--Roy Cummings

NFC South

Sporting News, The, Dec 9, 2005

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