NFC.

Arizona

FOLLOW THE MONEY: Free agency is approaching, and the team must weigh its options with CB Aeneas Williams and RDE Simeon Rice before it arrives. If the Cardinals use a franchise tag on one of them, it would help to sign the other early. That won't happen because both players want to check their worth on the open market. The team could have trouble spending big money on both, given the cap numbers of other players, such as WRs Frank Sanders and Rob Moore and QB Jake Plummer. It also will take the final $3.5 million hit from the departed Eric Swann. To pile on two salaries above $10 million a season might not be prudent or even an option, although coach Dave McGinnis wants them both.

UNCERTAIN ROLE: It's unclear how the Cardinals will use RB Thomas Jones after a disappointing rookie season. He could benefit if Michael Pittman, a restricted free agent, is a holdout going into camp. Pittman is a better runner and pass catcher, meaning Jones doesn't even fit as a third-down back. Offensive coordinator Rich Olson would like Pittman and Jones on the field at the stone time, but Pittman has no desire to be a fullback. ... C Mike Gruttadauria is making good progress in his recovery from neck surgery. That's great news for the offensive line, which was hurt by weak guard play and needs Gruttadauria back. --Darren Urban

Atlanta

CHURN CONTROL: Dan Reeves made sure he wouldn't lose linebackers coach Don Blackmon, promoting him to defensive coordinator. Blackmon did a good job having rookie Mark Simoneau, second-year player Jeff Kelly and waiver pickup Chris Draft ready to play starting roles at linebacker when Keith Brooking and Jessie Tuggle suffered season-ending injuries. By the end of the season, the depth at the position was one of the few reasons to look toward 2001 with optimism. Expect no major changes in the defensive philosophy.

CORNER POCKET: Blackmon might lobby to keep potential unrestricted free agent CB Ray Buchanan, even if it means placing a franchise label on him. The team quickly re-signed OT Bob Whitfield but has made slow progress, if any, in talks with Buchanan. There are indications the team would be willing to protect Buchanan by any means necessary, although in the past it has not forced players to stay by using the franchise or transition player tags. With Buchanan and Ashley Ambrose at cornerback, the team successfully used its coverage skills in man schemes. Even if Buchanan stays, Blackmon would be wise to rethink constantly leaving the cornerbacks isolated against top receivers, especially in games against division rivals San Francisco and St. Louis. --Charles Odum

Carolina