Inside the NFC

Regardless of the LIONS' bend-but-don't-break philosophy on defense, there comes a time when a team has to prove it can blitz with results-something Detroit hasn't come close to doing. Coordinator Dick Jauron must get the most out of his fast, young linebackers and put together better blitzing schemes.

In particular, LBs Alex Lewis and James Davis could be useful blitzers in nickel situations.... Expect the BUCCANEERS to be very active in pursuing free-agent RB LaMont Jordan (Jets). Jordan would be a good fit for the offense because he's an above-average receiver with good speed and durability. He's the kind of back who can wear a defense down, so he'd be a perfect complement to Charlie Gamer and Ian Smart, who figures to get more playing time as a third-down, change-of-pace back.... The GIANTS have been rumored to be interested in dealing CB Will Allen for a high draft pick, but trading him isn't worth the risk. There are no obvious candidates on the roster who can replace Allen, whose salary makes him a bargain for next season. He has the cover skills to keep up with most speed receivers and usually is in position to break up passes.... MLB Brian Urlacher's injury problems this season provided an opportunity for BEARS WLB Lance Briggs to emerge from Urlacher's shadow. Briggs improved in coverage and remained a menace against the run, leading the team with 126 tackles in his first year on the weak side.... If the COWBOYS convert to a 3-4 defense, the move could negate the quickness of DT La'Roi Glover and LE Greg Ellis. Glover and Ellis are undersized players who use their quickness to thrive. In the 3-4, both probably would play defensive end, which means they would be lined up over offensive tackles and forced to engage players who outweigh them by 50 or 60 pounds.... The SAINTS had remarkable success this season with a four-end alignment in passing situations. In that scheme, RE Darren Howard moved inside to tackle alongside Tony Bryant, and rookie pass-rush specialist Will Smith was inserted at left end. If Howard, a free agent, doesn't return, the Saints probably will use DT Willie Whitehead inside, but he doesn't have Howard's pass-rushing ability. ... REDSKINS OLB Marcus Washington's all-around performance this season far exceeded coaches' expectations. Washington is strong against the run and on blitzes. He continually impressed the team with his ability in pass coverage and should continue to improve in that area next season, giving the staff even more options on defense.... The SEAHAWKS' Michael Boulware spent most of the season playing linebacker in the nickel defense, a role he continued to fill even after moving into the starting lineup at strong safety. But the education Boulware, who played linebacker in college, got working at safety as a rookie will allow him to play more instinctively and aggressively in 2005.... Although he had some rough moments, DeJuan Groce showed enough to the RAMS' coaching staff that the No. 3 cornerback job will be his to lose next season. Groce isn't as fast as Kevin Garrett, who also will compete for the spot, but he has better instincts and is a better tackler.... FALCONS offensive line coach Alex Gibbs doesn't want the team to use high draft picks to fortify the line. Gibbs has a history of taking under-appreciated linemen and molding them into starters or serviceable backups; C Todd McClure, RG Kynan Forney and LT Kevin Shaffer are former seventh-round picks. The line was the league's best in the running game this season but must improve in pass protection, where it was especially vulnerable to ends who rushed wide.... Next season, look for EAGLES rookie Shawn Andrews to remain at right guard, where he played well before he broke his leg. Andrews (6-4, 340) has the size and strength to be a perfect road grader. He could move to right tackle eventually, but RT Jon Runyan isn't ready to relinquish his position.... PANTHERS SS Mike Minter didn't have any interceptions this season, but the team was very happy with his performance. Coaches believe Minter wasn't statistically productive because he was too busy helping the younger members of the secondary adjust to their new jobs.... Finding a place for LB Nick Barnett will be an offseason priority for the PACKERS. Barnett played the middle the past two seasons, and the team hasn't ruled out playing him there again. But much will depend on the linebackers who are added in the offseason. Barnett might be better suited to play on the weak side, where he doesn't have to read as much.... 49ERS C Jeremy Newberry appears on pace to rebound from an injury-filled 2004. His knee has responded well to surgery, and disk problems in his back have eased. His healthy return is vital to the offense, which struggled without Newberry anchoring the line and guiding the inexperienced quarterbacks.... VIKINGS TE Jim Kleinsasser and RT Mike Rosenthal are expected to be healthy in time for training camp. Without Kleinsasser, the running game suffered, particularly when ballcarriers tried to get outside. Nat Dorsey and Adam Goldberg were adequate replacements for Rosenthal, but his veteran presence was missed.... CARDINALS coach Dennis Green wants DE Calvin Pace (6-4, 262) to get bigger and stronger. Green wasn't happy that Pace worked out on his own during part of last offseason and says he'll have less patience with players who don't participate in the team's offseason program this year.