NFC

Sporting News, The, Jan 29, 2001

Arizona

RUN FIRST: Dave McGinnis couldn't get Norv Turner as his offensive coordinator, so he went with a Turner disciple, Rich Olson. Olson says the team will have a run-dominated, physical type of offense. But it's a stretch to think that can work with the roster as it is made up now. The team tried to make the run a big part of its game under the previous regime, but it rarely could gain 100 yards rushing as a team. The line was overmatched in almost every game, and there was no push up the middle. The team desperately needs to upgrade its guard play. It also needs C Mike Gruttadauria to recover from neck surgery and continued improvement from OTs Anthony Clement and L.J. Shelton. Otherwise, Olson's vision will be short-circuited from the start, and the team will once again struggle to move the ball.

QB SUPPORT: The hiring of Olson--who calls his system "quarterback-friendly"--and Geep Chryst as quarterbacks coach should benefit QB Jake Plummet, who is heading into a make-or-break season. Chryst was quarterbacks coach for Plummer in 1998, Plummer's best year as a pro. He clearly was thrilled over the news of Chryst's hiring, noting that Chryst's ability to "have fun" makes it easier to work. Plummer also needs to solve some problems himself, but having a friendly coach is a start. --Darren Urban

Atlanta

CHANDLER'S RETURN: After QB Chris Chandler met with coach Dan Reeves, it was decided that Chandler had the proper focus and attitude to return. After a rocky season in which he was demoted to third string and then rebounded and led the team to a season-ending victory over the Chiefs, Chandler, 35, is the likely starter going into camp.... QB Doug Johnson will be back, but unrestricted free agent Danny Kanell's future is less certain. The team might draft a quarterback, though Chandler's return means the team might spend its top pick on the offensive line.... Keeping Chandler puts the return of CB Ray Buchanan in some doubt because of the salary cap and because of the signing bonus Buchanan will command. Buchanan and fellow starters LB Heed Crockett, K Morten Andersen and P Dan Stryzinski still can become unrestricted free agents.

UNCERTAIN FUTURE: Reeves was caught off-guard when defensive coordinator Rich Brooks departed. Also gone are defensive line coach Bill Kollar and offensive line coach Art Shell. Though Reeves and team president Taylor Smith have discussed extending Reeves' contract beyond next season, it hinges on a markedly improved record.... The outlook is good for LBs Keith Brooking (foot) and Jessie Tuggle (knee), both of whom should be ready for the offseason program. --Charles Odum

Carolina

GOOD MOVE: New offensive line coach Paul Boudreau's lines have had success in run and pass blocking. The team struggled in both areas, and there likely will be major personnel changes on the offensive line. Boudreau's 14 years of experience should be a big asset as the team rebuilds its line. C Frank Garcia, G Matt Campbell and T Clarence Jones will be free agents, and there could be as many as four new starters on the offensive line. The team likely will bring in several rookie linemen through the draft, and Boudreau's ability as a teacher should help.... Unless FB William Floyd's contract is heavily restructured, his release appears likely. Backup Chris Hetherington may not be as good of a blocker as Floyd, but he showed good running and receiving skills when Floyd was injured. Hetherington has a much lower cap figure and could move into the staring lineup. Backup RB Brad Hoover could be the reserve fullback.

THE MINTER WATCH: The team might not be able to afford to re-sign SS Mike Minter. He's coming off his best year and becomes a free agent in March. Finding enough salary-cap room to keep him will be difficult but not impossible. Minter is easily the best young player on the defense and could be a force for years to come. He was a major reason the secondary was so solid last season. --Pat Yasinskas

Chicago

SHOW HIM THE MONEY: It is important that the Bears re-sign special teams leader Frankie Smith. Smith wants to play another several years in Chicago and finish his career with the Bears. He is a locker room leader, he isn't afraid to tell teammates what they need to hear, and he should have played in the Pro Bowl the last two years instead of receiving only alternate status. Smith also is a serviceable nickel and dime back who is one of the better blitzers out of the secondary. He was one of the team's co-captains and was singled out by coach Dick Jauron as one of the major success stories in 2000.

HOW 'BOUT A BIG PLAY? The Bears are in dire need of playmakers. The team's overall talent level was better than its 5-11 record suggested, but there were not enough impact plays at critical junctures on offense, defense and special teams. The coaching staff hopes playmakers will emerge on the roster and play with enough aggressiveness to create turnovers, sacks and other big plays.... None of the team's three No. 3 picks from the last two drafts has emerged as a dominant wide receiver. Marty Booker remains fairly solid, but D'Wayne Bates and Dez White contributed almost nothing last season. The situation leaves the Bears in need of receiving help, particularly with Bobby Engram (knee) and Marcus Robinson (back) coming off injuries. --John Mullin