NFC team reports: Playmakers wanted
By Sporting News correspondents - SportingNews
Dallas Cowboys
Left guard Kyle Kosier isn't physical, which means he sometimes struggles at the point of attack and can be bull rushed. But he has the athleticism and the quickness to block linebackers or defensive backs.
New York Giants
Expected to be a playmaker, linebacker LaVar Arrington has been a bust. Coordinator Tim Lewis must find ways to put Arrington in position to make plays.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jevon Kearse's knee injury is a blow to the defensive line rotation, but the team has depth at end. Trent Cole, who will replace Kearse, gets off the ball quickly and plays with leverage, but a lack of lower-body strength and struggles at the point of attack.
Washington Redskins
Antwaan Randle El is improving as he gets comfortable in coach Joe Gibbs' system. He must double his average of 6.0 yards per reception. He probably will make his biggest mark as a punt returner.
Chicago Bears
Robbie Gould's offseason work on leg strength is paying off. Gould is 2-for-2 from 40 yards and has hit all six of his field-goal attempts. His three touchbacks help the coverage unit.
Detroit Lions
Fernando Bryant lacks top-end speed and gives too much cushion to receivers. He keeps everything in front of him but doesn't make big plays. He struggles to match up physically and could lose time to backup Jamar Fletcher.
Green Bay Packers
This is wideout Koren Robinson's last chance. GM Ted Thompson believes Robinson can beat booze and be productive. The offense needs playmakers, and Robinson knows the West Coast offense. He should play soon.
Minnesota Vikings
Chester Taylor has 61 touches in two games and is on pace for an NFL-record 440 carries. He never has rushed more than 160 times in a season Coaches should work Mewelde Moore, Artose Pinner and Ciatrick Fason into the mix.
Atlanta Falcons
The stretch option makes the most of Michael Vick's skills and increases his chances of making a big play. Vick tucks the ball into Warrick Dunn's torso, then decides whether to hand it off or keep it.
Carolina Panthers
Tight end Mike Seidman is getting more of snaps because of his blocking ability. Keyshawn Johnson, who has excellent hands and a knack for finding soft spots in the defense, is filling the traditional tight end role as a possession receiver.
New Orleans Saints
With fullbacks Keith Joseph and Mike Karney injured, the team signed fill-ins Corey McIntyre and Vonta Leach. Fullback is important in coach Sean Payton's offense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Poor tackling and lack of speed are major concerns. If the problems persist, the offense will continue to have trouble scoring because it relies on the defense to give it good field position.
Arizona Cardinals
The team's theory is that Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin or Bryant Johnson should draw single coverage on any given pass play. That will be a challenge for Rams cornerbacks Travis Fisher, Fakhir Brown and Tye Hill in Week 3.
St. Louis Rams
Tight end Joe Klopfenstein had the first career receptions in Week 2 and will catch more. He has good hands and enough speed to get downfield. His blocking remains a work in progress.
San Francisco 49ers
Rookie OLB Manny Lawson shows good explosion off the ball and is aggressive in run support. He had two sacks in Week 2. On one of them, he beat Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Pace off the edge.
Seattle Seahawks
Wide receiver Deion Branch plays bigger than his size and should gain yards after the catch, which is vital to coach Mike Holmgren's offense. Expect to see Holmgren use more four-receiver sets.
Dallas Cowboys
Left guard Kyle Kosier isn't physical, which means he sometimes struggles at the point of attack and can be bull rushed. But he has the athleticism and the quickness to block linebackers or defensive backs.
New York Giants
Expected to be a playmaker, linebacker LaVar Arrington has been a bust. Coordinator Tim Lewis must find ways to put Arrington in position to make plays.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jevon Kearse's knee injury is a blow to the defensive line rotation, but the team has depth at end. Trent Cole, who will replace Kearse, gets off the ball quickly and plays with leverage, but a lack of lower-body strength and struggles at the point of attack.
Washington Redskins
Antwaan Randle El is improving as he gets comfortable in coach Joe Gibbs' system. He must double his average of 6.0 yards per reception. He probably will make his biggest mark as a punt returner.
Chicago Bears
Robbie Gould's offseason work on leg strength is paying off. Gould is 2-for-2 from 40 yards and has hit all six of his field-goal attempts. His three touchbacks help the coverage unit.
Detroit Lions
Fernando Bryant lacks top-end speed and gives too much cushion to receivers. He keeps everything in front of him but doesn't make big plays. He struggles to match up physically and could lose time to backup Jamar Fletcher.
Green Bay Packers
This is wideout Koren Robinson's last chance. GM Ted Thompson believes Robinson can beat booze and be productive. The offense needs playmakers, and Robinson knows the West Coast offense. He should play soon.
Minnesota Vikings
Chester Taylor has 61 touches in two games and is on pace for an NFL-record 440 carries. He never has rushed more than 160 times in a season Coaches should work Mewelde Moore, Artose Pinner and Ciatrick Fason into the mix.
Atlanta Falcons
The stretch option makes the most of Michael Vick's skills and increases his chances of making a big play. Vick tucks the ball into Warrick Dunn's torso, then decides whether to hand it off or keep it.
Carolina Panthers
Tight end Mike Seidman is getting more of snaps because of his blocking ability. Keyshawn Johnson, who has excellent hands and a knack for finding soft spots in the defense, is filling the traditional tight end role as a possession receiver.
New Orleans Saints
With fullbacks Keith Joseph and Mike Karney injured, the team signed fill-ins Corey McIntyre and Vonta Leach. Fullback is important in coach Sean Payton's offense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Poor tackling and lack of speed are major concerns. If the problems persist, the offense will continue to have trouble scoring because it relies on the defense to give it good field position.
Arizona Cardinals
The team's theory is that Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin or Bryant Johnson should draw single coverage on any given pass play. That will be a challenge for Rams cornerbacks Travis Fisher, Fakhir Brown and Tye Hill in Week 3.
St. Louis Rams
Tight end Joe Klopfenstein had the first career receptions in Week 2 and will catch more. He has good hands and enough speed to get downfield. His blocking remains a work in progress.
San Francisco 49ers
Rookie OLB Manny Lawson shows good explosion off the ball and is aggressive in run support. He had two sacks in Week 2. On one of them, he beat Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Pace off the edge.
Seattle Seahawks
Wide receiver Deion Branch plays bigger than his size and should gain yards after the catch, which is vital to coach Mike Holmgren's offense. Expect to see Holmgren use more four-receiver sets.
posted by The Gryphon at 9:22 AM
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