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COPYRIGHT 2001 Sporting News Publishing Co.
Arizona
TIME TO SHINE: The coaches are expecting WR MarTay Jenkins to make great strides. Jenkins, entering his third season, emerged last year as one of the league's best kick returners, but his receiving skills were rough. He played in an option offense at Nebraska-Omaha, and his position coaches usually were graduate assistants. He appears to be flourishing under the guidance of assistant Jerry Sullivan.... Like most people, K Cary Blanchard thought it was curious that the team drafted a kicker, Bill Gramatica, in the fourth round. Blanchard has been assured by coaches that the position is open and that he'll be given every chance to win the job. But Blanchard, entering his 10th year, also is wise enough to know that teams are reluctant to cut draft picks.
QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: Two years ago, Jake Plummer was a burgeoning superstar who led the team to its first playoff victory since 1947. But in the last two seasons, he has thrown 22 touchdown passes and 45 interceptions. Coach Dave McGinnis has proclaimed faith in Plummer, but he also has made it clear that improvement is imperative. The team hopes the rehiring of Geep Chryst as quarterbacks coach, the position he held in 1998, will help Plummer regain his form. If it doesn't, the club is in trouble. Dave Brown is an effective backup, but he's not a contender for Plummer's job. No. 3 man Chris Greisen has played sparingly the past two regular seasons. Cap constraints kept the club from trying to bolster this position. That won't be the case a year from now if Plummet turns in another poor performance. --Kent Somers
Atlanta
NOT YET: In adding a year to QB Chris Chandler's contract, which now runs through the 2004 season, the team made it less feasible to release him after June 1. Even though the Falcons' trade for Eric Zeier gives them another veteran to fill in until Michael Vick is ready to start, there is no plan to release Chandler. He will be the starter to open the season, and coach Dan Reeves hopes fans will be patient in calling for the rookie.... Though best known as a blocker, rookie TE Alge Crumpler appeared to have no difficulty adjusting to Vick's strong arm in the two-day rookie minicamp. Crumpler seemed to catch every pass within his reach and displayed a graceful stride.
QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: The biggest key to the Falcons' hopes to improve this season will be how Chandler reacts to his new role as the player keeping the position warm for Vick. Chandler's productivity suffered last season, so he must bounce back. He also must get better blocking from his line. It will help if Reeves succeeds in finding ways to utilize Vick in special packages. Vick might come in on third-and-long situations, when his speed should provide headaches for pass-rushers. Last season, Falcons quarterbacks were sacked 61 times, including 40 for Chandler. If he starts throwing more interceptions than touchdowns again, the pressure for a change could grow ugly. Zeier, the likely No. 3, is not very big, he doesn't have Chandler's touch on deep passes and he doesn't have Vick's speed. But he is crafty and was productive at times with Baltimore from 1996-98. --Charles Odum
Carolina
THREE-WAY BATTLE: The competition for the starting left guard position should be one of the best battles in training camp. Jamar Nesbit, Bryan Stoltenberg and Leander Jordan will compete for the job. Nesbit might have a slight advantage because he was a starter on the right side last year. Stoltenberg also could be a factor, but he's recovering from a knee injury and probably won't...
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