NFC south

ATLANTA FALCONS

LT Kevin Shaffer does a solid job of executing his techniques in the running game. But he lacks adequate skills in protection, and the result is ends spin off him easily. He needs to work on his lateral foot movement.... FS Cory Hall is having a solid season both against the run and in coverage, but he occasionally gets crossed up on zone calls, moving too far up in the slot, thereby leaving the backside vulnerable. Hall generally does a good job defending routes, stopping the run and setting up the secondary before the snap, but he occasionally loses focus because he gets too emotional. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: B-. It's great on the ground, woefully inconsistent in the air. Defense: B. Forget the big passing yards and completion percentage. If this unit gets take-aways, the team wins. Special teams: A-. These are the league's best overall punt and coverage units, but Jay Feely must improve his field-goal accuracy. Coaching: A. Coach Jim Mora still hasn't let his team lose two straight.--George Henry

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Third-year LB Will Witherspoon is realizing his potential. He mostly has played on the weak side in his career, but his skills in pass coverage have started to shine, and he has shown he can be productive on the strong side, too. With Dan Morgan (concussion) plagued by injuries and Mark Fields scheduled to be a free agent, the line-backing unit might be in flux this offseason. Witherspoon's versatility will ease any transition.... DT Kindal Moorehead has come on strong as a run defender, using his quickness to get to ballcarriers before they can reach the hole. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: C-. The line started miserably, but improvement allowed FB Nick Goings to become a running threat. Defense: C-. DE Julius Peppers is having a breakout season; injuries to DT Kris Jenkins (shoulder) and Morgan have held the defense back. Special teams: D. With Steve Smith (leg) and Rod Smart (knee) injured, the return game has been disappointing. Coaching: C+. The staff has gotten as much as possible out of the available talent.--Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

It seems a foregone conclusion that management changes will be made after the season, but how extensive will the makeover be? Is owner Tom Benson willing and/or financially able to replace coach Jim Haslett and G.M. Mickey Loomis? The players appear eager for a change. They like Haslett and his staff but appear to have lost confidence in what is being taught.... LT Wayne Gandy remains solid but clearly is on the downside of his career. An 11th-year veteran, he is a good pass protector who uses agility and technique to make up for a lack of drive-blocking ability. Gandy, 33, has maybe one or two more years before the club looks in another direction. Second-year T Jon Stinchcomb is the heir apparent. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: D. The running game has been a big disappointment; QB Aaron Brooks has regressed. Defense: F. It's on pace to allow the second-most points in franchise history. Special teams: A-. KR/PR Michael Lewis has been disappointing, but the coverage units rank among the league's best. Coaching: D. Haslett can't find answers for his mistake-prone team.--Jeff Duncan

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

After collecting two sacks in the win over Atlanta, RE Simeon Rice has eight--not a bad number but far off his pace of 2003, when he finished with 15. Injuries along the line are the biggest reason for the decline. Rice still has outstanding first-step quickness, but in obvious pass-rush situations, he is attracting constant double-teams and chip blocks. DT Anthony McFarland (triceps) and DL Ellis Wyms (shoulder) drew double-teams; their replacements, Chidi Ahanotu and Dewayne White, don't.... There is no guarantee new K Jay Taylor will stick beyond this season. The Buccaneers likely will explore options in the free-agent market. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: C. QB Brian Griese has given the unit a boost, but the running game still isn't efficient. Defense: B. The unit is struggling to stop the run but is creating more turnovers and stopping the pass. Special teams: C. The kicking game has been a mess, but the coverage units are strong and the return game is adequate. Coaching: C. Jon Gruden has made questionable third- and fourth-down decisions.--Roy Cummings

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