NFC focus: something to prove

There's no question a retinal disorder hindered Falcons WR Peerless Price this season. Price played with a protective shield and decided to put off a procedure to fix the problem until the offseason. But he never adjusted to the occasional glare caused by the shield, and his confidence suffered. Price must rededicate himself when he returns because QB Michael Vick needs to believe Price still can run routes effectively and get separation.... Packers DT Cletidus Hunt will get another chance under new coordinator Jim Bates, but it might be his last shot. When he's motivated, Hunt has a great first step and is difficult to redirect, hut too often he loses interest and is a nonfactor. Bates has had success getting a lot out of underachievers. Having a player with Hunt's size (6-4, 310) and athletic ability in the middle of the line is critical in Bates' scheme because Bates likes to protect his linebackers.... Lions CB Fernando Bryant missed six games this season and rarely practiced during the week when he did play, greatly reducing his ability to play man-to-man coverage. Bryant never has been a playmaking corner, but he's solid in coverage and can make the quarterback throw elsewhere. He's the kind of player the Lions will need next season if they're going to have any flexibility in their defensive schemes.... This will be a critical year for Cardinals RB Marcel Shipp, who is the only back on the roster with much experience. In 2004, Shipp lost his starting job before missing the season because of injuries. Coaches want to see Shipp, who lacks speed but is an effective runner, produce more big plays. In 2003, he touched the ball 258 times but didn't score a touchdown.... Doubts remain about Bears LE Adewale Ogunleye's ability to rush the passer without a premier end on the other side. Ogunleye, who was hampered by injuries in 2004, underwent surgery before the season ended and might not be fully recovered for minicamp. Still, with a year in the system under his belt, Ogunleye will be eager to prove himself. He uses deceptive strength and leverage to overpower opponents and mixes in some nice rush moves.... No one doubts that Redskins OLB LaVar Arrington is a special player in terms of physical talent. Now, he most prove he has recovered from injury and help improve an already strong defense. To do that, Arrington will need to follow his assignments and not overrun plays. Also, when he's coming out of a three-point stance, Arrington must go to a second move after his initial charge is stopped by a bigger offensive tackle.... Panthers WR Steve Smith is at his best when he believes he has something to prove, and it's likely he'll come back from a broken fibula with more motivation than ever. Smith's game is built on speed, and he needs to show he hasn't lost any if he wants to reclaim his role as the team's go-to receiver.

SCOUTING REPORT

The Cowboys want CB Terence Newman to be more aggressive in every aspect of his play, especially when the team is in a two-deep zone. In that scheme, Newman had been playing soft because he had safety help, and he wasn't as aggressive jamming receivers. Newman is at his best when he's playing bump-and-run coverage because even when he is beaten off the line, he has the speed to recover and get back in the play. The Cowboys will work with him in the offseason to improve his footwork and technique.

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN

EAGLES: The first order of business will be to decide how many key unrestricted free agents the team wants to retain, with DT Corey Simon the highest-profile player in the bunch. Next, the Eagles will try to come to terms on a long-term contract for restricted free-agent RB Brian Westbrook. After their in-house business is concluded, the Eagles will look to the draft, where they have five first-day picks (a first, two seconds and two thirds) to fill holes created by any free-agent losses. If Simon leaves, a big defensive tackle will be a high priority, and the team likely will use a first- or second-round pick on one. Even if Simon stays, the team probably will pick a defensive tackle, just not as high. Defensive end also will be a priority, especially if Derrick Burgess leaves as a free agent. The team might look for a third-down pass rusher to supplant veteran free-agent DE Hugh Douglas and injured DE N.D. Kalu. Offensively, the team will look for a wide receiver, either in the free-agent market or high in the draft. A running back also will be added, probably in the third round, to pair with Westbrook and replace free agent Correll Buckhalter. Look for the team to add a quarterback and offensive linemen on Day 2 of the draft.

Building with blocks

The return of FB James Hodgins from a shoulder injury could give the Cardinals' running game a much-needed boost in 2005. Hodgins missed the entire season, and without him the club didn't have a prototypical blocking fullback. Obafemi Ayanbadejo is a versatile fullback with good running and receiving skills, but he's not the devastating blocker Hodgins is. Despite the fact coach Dennis Green likes to use a lot of three-receiver sets. there's a role for Hodgins in the offense.

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