Running on empty

Sporting News, The, Sept 7, 1998 by Dan Pompei

The worst unit: Saints.

RUNNING BACKS

1. Bills, Antowain Smith is one of the best young backs in the league, and Thurman Thomas has the potential to be great coming off the bench as a change-of-pace back. What made this picture complete was the free-agent signing of fullback Sam Gash.

2. Steelers. This is a team that can come at you in numbers. Jerome Bettis, Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala and Richard Huntley can carry the rock while Jon Witman and Tim Lester dear the path.

3. Buccaneers. There is no better combination for keeping defenses off balance than Warrick Durra and Mike Alstott. One runs by you, the other through you, Lorenzo NeEd gives the Bucs some decent depth.

The worst unit: Chiefs.

RECEIVERS

1. Vikings. The Vikings may have had the best group of receivers even before they drafted Randy Moss. No team can match up with these guys now. Cris Carter and Jake Reed are as effective a tandem as there is in football, and Chris Walsh and Matthew Hatchette are excellent complementary players.

2.49ers. This group has the potential to be the best so long as Jerry Rice's knee holds up and J.J. Stokes' hands don't betray him. Terrell Owens found a groove in Rice's absence.

3. Cardinals. This is one of the most underrated units. Rob Moore may have been the best receiver in the league last year. Frank Sanders continues to make strides. And they are joined by Eric Metcalf, the ultimate nickel weapon.

The worst unit: Panthers.

TIGHT ENDS

1. Broncos. In addition to having the best receiving tight end in Shannon Sharpe, the Broncos also feature one of the better blocking tight ends in Dwayne Carswell.

2. 49ers. Greg Clark has outstanding potential as a run-down tight end and a pass catcher, while Irv Smith might become one of Steve Young's favorite targets.

3. Packers. Mark Chmura and Jeff Thomason form a steady, consistent pair. Thomason is mostly used as a run blocker, but he also has some value as a receiver.

The worst unit: Jets.

OFFENSIVE LINE

1. Vikings. There is continuity among the starters, which is critical. In addition to having five above-average starters, the Vikings have a versatile backup who knows the system well in Everett Lindsay.

2. Chiefs. The interior trio of Dave Szott, Tim Grunhard and Will Shields is so good that it compensates for whatever is lacking at tackle. Rookie Victor Riley eventually will upgrade one of the tackle positions.

3. Packers. This isn't exactly a group of thoroughbreds, but they get it done. Look for left tackle Ross Verba to take his game to another level this year, and for Marco Rivera to adequately replace Aaron Taylor at left guard. The injury to John Michels hurts, but Bruce Wilkerson is a good backup to have around.

The worst unit: Cardinals.

DEFENSIVE LINE

1. Cardinals. Once Andre Wadsworth joins the team, this will be one of the most talented front fours the league has seen in a while. Everyone knows about Eric Swarm and Simeon Rice, but tackle Mark Smith also can get after the passer.

2. Buccaneers. If Regan Upshaw continues to come on, this undersized defensive line will be very productive. Tackle Warren Sapp is a complete player. Another key for the Bucs is for former first. round pick Marcus Jones to contribute off the bench.