LGS

ARIZONA CARDINALS The coaches believe Leonard Davis can be one of the best left tackles in the league, but moving him there from guard is a risk. At guard, Davis could use his size (370 pounds) and strength to overpower opponents. At tackle, his quickness and agility will be tested. He'll be facing defensive ends who are about 100 pounds lighter. If Davis can get his hands on them, they're done. Davis also struggled against stunts and twists in the preseason.... The hope is that rookie WR Larry Fitzgerald's diligent offseason work will help him compensate for missing three weeks of training camp because of a sprained ankle. Fitzgerald insists he'll be ready for the opener.... The acquisition of DE Peppi Zellner allows rookie Darnell Dockett to return to tackle, for which he is better suited. Zellner is expected to start on the left side ahead of Kyle Vanden Bosch, who is gradually working his way back in after a second knee surgery in three years. PROBLEM SPOT: The Cardinals are living on the edge at cornerback. LCB Duane Starks (groin) missed the final two exhibition games, forcing Renaldo Hill into the starting lineup and Robert Tare into the nickel corner spot. Hill is a decent cornerback, but the club needs Starks, who's often injured, on the field because of his speed.--Kent Somers

ATLANTA FALCONS The loss of rookie CB DeAngelo Hall (hip fracture) for two months puts a cloud of doubt over the team's pass defense, which ranked last in the NFL in 2003. Hall provided speed and jumping ability to a secondary that badly needed his athleticism in the lineup. With his size, speed and stamina, replacement Kevin Mathis (5-9, 185) is better suited to play the slot in nickel schemes and won't be an adequate replacement for Hall. The other starting corner, free-agent pickup Jason Webster (5-9, 187), lacks size and is bothered by a strained groin. Aaron Beasley is another possible starter.... The team cut CB Tod McBride after he missed lots of time because of knee tendinitis. It also was unhappy with his attitude.... Though he has improved as a receiver, RB T.J. Duckett remains a liability in protection, failing to pick up blitzes and protect QB Michael Vick. As long as Duckett has this glaring deficiency, he has no chance of unseating Warrick Dunn. PROBLEM SPOT: Can Vick excel in the West Coast offense? His lack of experience with the scheme's formations and his shaky preseason performance have fueled skepticism. Vick makes good reads in practice, but that hasn't translated into games. Vick also is suffering from inadequate protection, and until that improves, he will be susceptible to mistakes.--George Henry

CAROLINA PANTHERS The team made a late trade in an attempt to solidify the offensive line. Todd Fordham, who can play guard and tackle, was brought in from Pittsburgh for a conditional draft pick in 2005. He could end up starting at right tackle because RT Matt Willig is 35 and has a history of knee problems. Fordham also gives the team flexibility because he can shift to guard if something happens to C Jeff Mitchell and LGs Rich Tylski or Doug Brzezinski must move to center.... Rookie TE Michael Gaines will get significant playing time in two-tight end sets. Gaines has the size and potential to be a more effective blocker than Kris Mangum or Mike Seidman. Gaines isn't much of a receiving threat; he will be used as a short-yardage blocker.... WR Stave Smith won't rest on his laurels after signing a big contract extension. He came to camp with the same attitude he has always had. Smith is best when he has a point to prove, and he's out to prove he belongs in the Pro Bowl. ROOKIE REPORT: WR Keary Colbert has earned some playing time. Colbert and Ricky Proehl will share time as the third receiver; Proehl will play more in the red zone. Colbert can be a deep threat and a possession receiver. The team hopes he can be a starter next year, when Muhsin Muhammad's contract is up.--Pat Yasinskas

CHICAGO BEARS Discipline is a major concern. The team committed a whopping 58 penalties in four preseason games and failed to reduce the problems from week to week. The Bears weren't merely bumping receivers beyond 5 yards, they were jumping offside repeatedly along the offensive line and committing dumb penalties on special teams, which weakened field position.... There are chemistry concerns on defense. MLB Brian Urlacher (hamstring) did not play in a preseason game, and LE Adewale Ogunleye made just a cameo appearance after he was acquired from Miami. Those two will begin regular-season play with heavy expectations and little preparation.... Right cornerback is up for grabs because of injuries to Jerry Azumah (neck) and H.W. McQuarters (hamstring), who were supposed to battle for the starting job, opposite LCB Charles Tillman. Teams already were throwing away from Tillman, and now they will do so even more against CB Todd McMillon or rookie CB Nathan Vasher. SCOUTING REPORT: Ready or not, Qasim Mitchell will open the season at left tackle. A large man with a powerful initial punch and excellent hand placement, Mitchell does not have quick feet and probably will need help against pure speed rushers. He's a solid run blocker who can overpower smaller players but is of no value in pass blocking unless he gets locked on early. He responds well to inside counter moves but can be run around on the outside.--Mike Mulligan

DALLAS COWBOYS Second-year RT Torrin Tucker beat Jacob Rogers to win the starting job. Tucker made too many mental mistakes early in the preseason but was solid the last two games. He is a physical player and has outstanding athleticism, with good balance and recovery skills.... The team signed veteran DT Chad Eaton (Seahawks) to solidify the run defense. Coach Bill Parcells says Eaton, who will play over the center, can play about 25 snaps per game in a rotation with Leo Carson and Daleroy Stewart. Eaton (6-5, 325) gives Dallas the bulk it has been missing at tackle. He plays with good technique and pad level and stays on his feet consistently, allowing linebackers to run freely to the ball. He missed all last year after knee surgery but appears to be recovered.... With G Larry Allen looking like his old self and playing next to LT Flozell Adams, Dallas should be able to run left with considerable success.... QB Tony Romo earned the No. 2 job over Drew Henson. Rome has a terrific arm but sometimes makes poor decisions under duress. PROBLEM SPOT: The team has an issue at right cornerback, where neither Pete Hunter nor Jemeel Powell has asserted himself in preseason. Hunter has had difficulties tackling and has been penalized for interference; Powell has played the ball poorly in the air, allowing big completions despite being in position to make plays. The team doesn't expect to look to the waiver wire, so it is hoping Hunter and Powell will improve.--Jean-Jacques Taylor

DETROIT LIONS When the team signed G David Loverne, he was regarded as a backup because he had started only 11 games in his five-year career. After the club failed to improve the position, Loverne was forced into the starting left guard job and surprised the coaches with his strong, consistent play. He gives the team power, strength and attitude in the running game, particularly in short yardage situations. He also is improving in pass protection.... DEs Cory Redding (shoulder) and Kalimba Edwards (groin) are expected to be ready for the opener after both missed the final two exhibition games and valuable playing time. So Jared DeVries should be inserted as the starter at left end. He is strong against the run and is the only end who gets consistent pressure on the quarterback. Robert Porcher is also a possibility, but he would be best in pass-rushing situations.... The Lions placed SS Brian Walker on injured reserve even though his knee surgery figured to sideline him for less than a month. Walker's production hasn't been there, and the team has decided to move on. PROBLEM SPOT: Backup RG Matt Joyce is out for up to a month (elbow), leaving the Lions with little experienced depth on the offensive line. Two of the backups, RT Victor Rogers or LT Kelly Butler, have never played in a regular-season game, but they have excellent upsides. Backup G Tyrone Hopson was out of football last year and appeared in 12 games in his previous four seasons.--Tom Kowalski

GREEN BAY PACKERS Coordinator Bob Slowik intends to use the linebackers heavily in his blitz-based defense. The speed of MLB Nick Barnett and WLB Na'il Diggs gives Slowik more options to pressure the quarterback and could result in FS Darien Sharper being around the ball more instead of having to blitz. But the extensive blitz package could be limited without a reliable left corner. The team will use veteran Michael Hawthorne there, but first-round pick Abroad Carroll should be the starter at some point if holdout Mike McKenzie doesn't return. Carroll has cut back on his tendency to grab receivers. He's physical for his size (5-11, 190) but must be smarter with the use of his hands. Forgetting to play the ball has been his biggest weakness.... There is a question as to who will provide the pass rush out of the left end position in the dime package. The best bet might be Diggs, but he is a work in progress. If no one develops, the third-down defense will suffer. PROBLEM SPOT: He has developed as a wide receiver, but Antonio Chatman has not progressed as a punt returner. He never fumbles but made a few questionable decisions and didn't break a return of significant length in the preseason. The Packers have good talent on special teams, but the inability to field a threat in the punt-return game hurts. The club will look for someone who can produce better than Chatman.--Tom Silverstein

MINNESOTA VIKINGS A delay in backup RB Onterrio Smith's appeal of his four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy has given the team an unexpected gift. Smith should be available for the opener against Dallas, easing the loss of starter Michael Bennett (knee), who is expected to the miss the first two games. Smith will play behind Moe Williams.... Journeyman Brett Conway is the new kicker--for now. Conway's kickoffs are strong, but he has been inconsistent on field goals at times. He has made only 21 of 28 career attempts from 30-39 yards, and his overall career percentage is a so-so 75.8.... The team should get a decent pass rush from its front four. Three former first-rounders--DTs Kevin Williams and Chris Hovan and rookie RE Kenechi Udeze--all had active preseasons. Udeze has developed into arguably the team's best outside pass rusher.... Is the revamped linebacker unit ready? New MLB E.J. Henderson and rookie WLB Dontarrious Thomas had good moments in the preseason but struggled in the finale at Seattle. They both might have to develop on the job. SCOUTING REPORT: Jermaine Wiggins, signed in the offseason to provide a receiving threat as the second tight end, was slow to pick up the offense but came on late in preseason. With soft hands and enough speed to get past most linebackers in the seam, he has the ability to catch 50-60 passes. Wiggins should benefit from defenses focusing heavily on WR Randy Moss.--Kevin Seifert

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS Don't look for QB Aaron Brooks to do much running until the pain in his strained quadriceps subsides. The team is concerned Brooks might aggravate the strain by scrambling or running. The injury does not affect his passing.... The defense should be improved because of the additions of newcomers such as E Will Smith, T Brian Young, MLB Courtney Watson and CB Jason Craft. The unit's speed and athleticism have gotten better. But the run defense struggled at times in exhibition games, particularly against Jets RB Curtis Martin and Bears RB Thomas Jones. Tackling was a problem.... Rookie LB Colby Bockwoldt, a seventh-round pick, beat out veteran LB Darrin Smith after playing well in the Saints' final exhibition game. Bockwoldt is listed as the backup to OLB Derrick Rodgers.... C Jerry Fontenot lost his roster spot after the team decided to begin the season with eight offensive linemen. Reserves Jamar Nesbit, Jon Stinchcomb and Spencer Folau are capable of playing multiple positions. The team considered Fontenot a luxury. ROOKIE REPORT: FB Mike Kamey played well enough in the preseason to give coaches confidence he can contribute in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Karney, a fifth-round pick, is a powerful, squatty blocker who packs a strong initial punch but needs to work on finishing his blocks better. He also can make plays as a receiver and runner.--Jeff Duncan

NEW YORK GIANTS QB Kurt Warner does not throw a pretty ball. It often wobbles and rarely travels great distances. But he is accurate and savvy. He even showed surprising mobility, which will be important playing behind an evolving offensive line, in the preseason. Warner must try to eliminate two tendencies that concern coach Tom Coughlin: taking his left hand off the ball, which makes him vulnerable to fumbles, and holding on to the ball too long as he scans for an open receiver, which leads to sacks.... Coughlin is determined to establish a tough, up-the-gut approach in short-yardage situations. He regularly ran RB Ron Dayne between the tackles on third-and-1 in the preseason, and the team usually failed to make it. Dayne and RB Tiki Barber aren't traditional short-yardage runners. The Giants might be forced to pick up tough yards by alternate means. ROOKIE REPORT: Speedy WR Jamaar Taylor appears to be a steal as a sixth-round pick (he was available there because of a 2003 knee injury), but a hamstring injury he suffered in last week's exhibition finale might keep him out of the regular-season opener. LB Reggie Torbor, a fourth-round pick, has the size (6-3, 242) and strength to line up as an end in passing situations. Caries Emmons is expected to solidify the strong side, but Torbor can be a credible change of pace or even a short-term fill-in for Emmons if Emmons' lingering leg injury limits him.--Neil Best

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES The dub signed DE Hugh Douglas immediately after he was released by the Jaguars. Douglas, a three-time Pro Bowl selection with the Eagles, had only 3 1/2 sacks last season after totaling 12 1/2 for Philadelphia in '02. He'll back up RE Derrick Burgess and likely will be part of the line rotation. Douglas, 33, won't be the player he once was, but expect improvement now that he's back in the system he excelled in.... CB Matt Ware, a third-round pick, might have a wasted season. He missed June minicamps because he had yet to graduate from UCLA, then hurt his knee in the first preseason game. When he comes back, he'll be far behind.... The left side of the offensive line is causing some worry. LT Tra Thomas has not looked right, though the team says he's healthy. LG Jermane Mayberry can't seem to get over a nagging hamstring injury. PROBLEM SPOT: The defense has not been impressive against the run and shows no signs of getting better with DE N.D. Kalu (knee) out for the season. The return of DT Corey Simon (foot) might help, but Simon is more of an inside pass rusher than a run stuffer. A group of undersized linebackers--WLB Nate Wayne (6-0, 237), MLB Mark Simoneau (6-0, 233) and SLB Dhani Jones (6-1, 237)--who are less than average tacklers doesn't take much pressure off the line.--Mark Eckel

ST. LOUIS RAMS Fourth-round pick Brandon Chillar apparently will start over Tommy Polley at strongside linebacker. Chillar has shown good range and aggressiveness and solid pass-rush skills. A three-year starter, Polley has struggled in run support.... So far, second-year CB Kevin Garrett has responded well to the pressure of replacing Travis Fisher (forearm). Teams have gone after Garrett with deep throws, but Garrett has used his 4.3 speed and athleticism to stay with receivers. His technique isn't as polished as second-year CB De Juan Groce's, but Groce still is rounding into form after missing the final three preseason games with a knee injury. Fisher will be out until mid- to late November.... If TE Cam Cleeland can stay healthy--he has a history of injury issues--he could add another dimension to the passing game. He had a strong finish to the preseason.... The run defense has been spotty at best, causing concern about whether it will be better than last year, when it was tied for 20th in the NFL The defense has been hurt by sloppy tackling and needs to turn up its intensity and focus. SCOUTING REPORT: RT Grant Williams is benefiting from losing 30 pounds in the offseason (330 to 300). The reduction has eased the strain on Williams' back, which bothered him in the 2003 preseason, and joints. It also has helped his quickness in pass protection. He's not the most athletic blocker, but his long arms and tenacity make him tough to beat. He has replaced Kyle Turley (back), who is out for the year.--Jim Thomas

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS The bright spot in a dismal summer of injuries and exhibition defeats was QB Tim Rattay, who showed the same kind of promise he displayed in winning his first two starts last season. Rattay is an accurate passer with a knowledge of the game and nice touch on longer passes. His big issue is a lack of scrambling ability. The team must make sure he has enough protection in the pocket.... Second-year WR Brandon Lloyd is the team's new go-to receiver. He compensates for a lack of top speed with athleticism and an ability to make difficult catches. He could emerge as the 49ers' next star receiver. He is slender (6-0, 184), so opponents likely will try to play him physically, aiming to keep him from getting into his routes.... A key to the defense will be how the 49ers use undersized RE Andre Carter in the 3-4. They probably will drop him into coverage or have him rush from a linebacker spot but didn't show that during the exhibition games. ROOKIE REPORT: SS Keith Lewis, a sixth-round pick, might have worked his way into the lineup. Starter Tony Parrish missed most of camp (strained calf), and Lewis showed good instincts and hitting ability while substituting. Lewis also could work in at free safety, where the 49ers have players with limited experience. The coaches have told Lewis to tone down his aggressiveness in practice but are pleased with his physical style and willingness to take on bigger opponents.--Ira Miller

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS Experience and consistency beat youth and speed when the team picked MLB Orlando Huff as the starter and SLB Isaiah Kacyvenski to replace the injured Chad Brown. Huff beat out rookie Niko Koutouvides, who made some impressive plays in the preseason. Kacyvenski was the pick over Tracy White, who has more speed but not as much experience.... Backup QB Trent Dilfer's return--from back problems this summer and the death of his son in 2003--allows coach Mike Holmgren to call a more aggressive game for Pro Bowl QB Matt Hasselbeck without the what-if fear. Dilfer also is a valuable sounding board for Hasselbeck during the week and a buffer between the volatile Holmgren and the excitable Hasselbeck during games.... CB Ken Lucas has played well all summer. That has allowed veteran Bobby Taylor to channel his efforts into being the nickel back. Taylor was expected to make a push for the starting spot opposite Marcus Trufant after he returned from missing time early in camp, but Lucas won't give it up. ROOKIE REPORT: Second-round pick Michael Boulware is having an immediate impact, just not as the starting strong safety. He worked as a linebacker in the nickel in the preseason, in part because Terreal Bierria was playing so well at strong safety. The coaches still expect Boulware to become the starter, but the work at linebacker gave him needed playing time covering the tight end and slot receivers in the nickel.--Clare Farnsworth

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS The team has made strides in its attempt to reduce penalties. It drew 15 in its final three exhibition games after being flagged 18 times (14 were accepted) in the opener. The Bucs will continue to employ officials during practices. That strategy has been in place from the beginning of the offseason workout program.... Dewayne White's failure to beat out LE Greg Spires should not be considered a setback, but the team was hopeful White could become a starter in his second season. White must find a way to bring his "A" game to practice every day.... The team has settled on Matt Stinchcomb at left guard and Cosey Coleman at right guard. Coleman seems to be fully recovered from the knee problems that have hindered him in the past. He displayed better mobility and punch at the point of attack this summer.... Rookie WR Michael Clayton won't start, but he'll get plenty of playing time behind Tim Brown. PROBLEM SPOT: The team might regret cutting DT Oliver Gibson. He is a strong run defender and might have prevented opponents from targeting the middle of the front seven. The defense ranked 13th in the league against the run in 2003, and it could slip a notch this year because it lacks size in the interior. Tampa Bay will face six of the league's top nine rushers from last season. The pressure will be on DTs Chartric Darby and Anthony McFarland.--Roy Cummings

WASHINGTON REDSKINS Assistant Gregg Williams promised to generate pass-rush pressure. If the preseason is any indication, opponents should expect the Redskins to blitz every passing down. At times, the team has rushed two linebackers and dropped defensive tackles or ends into pass coverage. Other times, CBs Shawn Springs and Fred Smoot have blitzed on the same play and linebackers have dropped into coverage.... DT Joe Salave'a (6-3, 295) gets a good charge off the ball and can push the pocket. He has the size to plug holes and stop the run, and he might be healed enough from injuries the past few years to make an impact.... The secondary remains under scrutiny. It's not clear Smoot can be the No. 1 shutdown corner, and Springs, 29, must show he can still cover elite receivers and stay healthy. FS Sean Taylor should be an exceptional player but has much to learn, and SS Matt Bowen must prove effective in pass coverage.... Joe Gibbs was right to bring in QB Mark Brunell, though Brunell has shown little of his past accuracy, consistency or mobility. Patrick Ramsey has struggled to adjust to a new offense and coaches and isn't ready to start. SCOUTING REPORT: DT Cornelius Griffin has been active, aggressive and effective. He takes on blockers well and gets a good push up the middle to collapse the pocket. Griffin has worked hard to maintain the proper base; when he doesn't, he gets pushed aside, leaving runners big holes the linebackers can't close.--Paul Woody

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